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Banking & Finance

What are Your Legal Options if you’re Injured at Work?

Last Updated: August 29, 2024

Recent assessments place Chicago eighth among cities for new buildings, with more than $100 billion set aside for prospective projects. For competent tradespeople, the quantity of new buildings opens many employment prospects. However, more personnel on the job sites means a higher risk of accidents on the job site. Slips and falls to lower levels, responsible for 401 recent fatalities, are the leading cause of mortality for construction personnel.

So as a worker, what should you do when your life is also affected by such incidents? In that case, your best option is to contact a workers compensation lawyer Chicago who can deliver you justice and rightful compensation.

In Chicago, nearly 182,000 workers were hurt by falls alone, accounting for more than 15% of all workplace injuries in 2020. Ladders, rooftops, and scaffoldings are typically the sources of these mishaps, with roofs being the most frequent source.

This article will highlight factors you should consider to receive the best legal help from these legal experts.

What are Your Legal Options After a Workplace Injury?

If you’ve been injured at work, the last thing you will think about is the possibility of losing your job. But if you get hurt on the job, what are your legal options?

Injury at work claim form

If you’re hurt badly enough that you have to miss work, or your medical bills are so high that they threaten to wipe out your savings, it may be time to look into workers’ compensation. It pays for medical bills and lost wages up to a specific limit. It can also provide monetary awards for permanent disabilities caused by workplace injuries.

If workers’ comp isn’t available in your state or you don’t qualify, there’s still hope. You may sue your employer under premises liability laws or state labor laws.

If your employer’s actions were intentional or negligent—if they knew about the danger but failed to warn you—then you could file a personal injury lawsuit against them in civil court. This would allow you to receive compensation beyond what workers’ comp will cover.

How can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help you With Your Claim?

A worker’s compensation lawyer in Chicago helps injured workers get their rightful benefits by investigating their cases and filing the necessary paperwork with their state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission. Because these cases involve insurance companies, they often require legal representation due to the complexity of the procedure and the resources available to those companies.

Workers’ compensation lawyers typically handle all aspects of a workers’ compensation case from beginning to end. They will advise on whether you have a viable claim, help you file your claim correctly, monitor the progress of your claim, negotiate with insurers on your behalf and represent you at hearings before administrative law judges if necessary.

Final Thoughts

You might have a right to financial compensation if you were injured at work. To know whether or not you are entitled to that compensation, you should get in touch with your local work comp attorney. Even if it turns out that you are not entitled to any money, your legal counsel can help you collect evidence and demonstrate your employer’s negligence.

ayesha saeed
Ayesha Saeed

Ayesha completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry and started her career as a College Lecturer in 2013. Today, she’s a happy mom of 2 Kids in the field of digital marketing. She loves reading books, spending time with her family, and making delicious food for her husband.

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Will Personal Loans be More Expensive in 2023

Last Updated: August 29, 2024

There have been so many financial changes in people’s lives due to worldwide events over the past few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, as well as the cost-of-living crisis that is currently impacting the UK. These changes have led to increased fuel costs, rising interest rates and increased energy bills.

With so many price increases occurring, it’s only natural that we ask, ‘what next?’. There are many things that can be affected by world events, and personal loans look to be increasing as we go into the new year.

But why is this? To help you better understand, we’ve prepared a guide to the issue and what it might mean for your finances going forward. Read on to find out more. Why are interest rates rising?

Can we Add in a Brief Sentence Around What are Interest Rates?

Interest rates are the main reason for personal loans becoming more expensive. Larger interest rates mean you pay back more on what you borrow, thus making the loan more expensive.

Interest rates are expected to rise to 5% next year with the Bank of England increasing the base rates to 2.25%. This means any new loans will cost you even more to pay back. Interest rates were historically low in the UK but leading economists believe that era is now over.

How will this Impact Existing loans?

Those with existing unsecured loans, such as a loan for their car on finance or a short-term loan shouldn’t be affected by the increased interest rate. This is because the loan has an agreed-upon fixed interest rate from the day you took the loan out. So, if you’ve been worried about your repayments going up, fear not.

thinking to buy a car on bank loan

Other loans like credit cards or overdrafts, however, may find their banks increasing the interest rates to match the Bank of England’s rates. They will notify you of this before it occurs, however, and you’ll have the option to pay off your debt and close your account if you want to.

What are Different Borrowing Options to Look at?

If you’re worried about interest rates and borrowing then looking into various options such as bad credit loans can help you to plan ahead. Some other examples include:

  • Borrowing from friends and family members to avoid interest rates
  • Credit cards with 0% interest for the first 1 year or longer
  • Buy now, pay later payment methods like Klarna (isn’t this mainly used for retail/online shopping etc? Not sure this is a responsible suggestion?)

With much uncertainty in the world at the moment, the last thing you need is to worry more about your finances. Instead, opt for loan options that bear smaller risks and feel financially secure again.

Ifama

Hi! This is Ifama. I am a student and giving my services in SEO. I have a lot of experience in digital marketing. Travelling is my hobby and I love visiting different hilly areas and doing adventures.

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Don’t have a Life Insurance Yet? Here’s Why you should get One in 2023

Last Updated: August 29, 2024

Realistically speaking, nobody can tell what will happen in the future. You’ll never know when you’re going to retire, get sick or perish in this world and leave your loved ones. Despite these uncertainties, one thing is sure life can be one of your most important assets. So, if you want to prepare for anything that might happen in the future, having a life insurance policy would make sense for you and your family. If you still need life insurance, read on to learn why you should get one in 2023.

What is a Life Insurance?

Essentially, life insurance refers to a contract entered into between the insured and the insurer wherein the latter agrees to pay a certain amount of money to the designated beneficiaries when the former dies in exchange for premiums to be paid by the insured during their lifetime.

Unlike other types of insurance, the application for life insurance requires the disclosure of the policy owner’s past and current health conditions. Otherwise, the insurance policy will not be successfully enforced. On the other hand, when you’re searching for life insurance, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different types to make the right decision. Some common types of life insurance include:

  • Term Life Insurance: It’s designed for individuals who want insurance coverage for a specific situation. It’s a cheap type of insurance since you only purchase specific insurance and do not pay for the cash value life insurance.
  • Whole Life Insurance: It’s ideal for people wanting lifelong insurance coverage. It can cover the insured for the entire duration of their life.
  • Burial And Funeral Insurance: It’s perfect for people who are already in poor health and need insurance to cover the funeral costs. It’s a small insurance policy that’s only intended to pay for the burial and funeral expenses.

Indeed, there are many types of life insurance to be aware of. However, if you want to make the most out of your options, you may talk to some insurance providers in your area to get more information or browse through the web to obtain further resources.

Reasons for Getting Life Insurance

A life insurance policy can protect you and your family in case something happens in the future. But aside from that, the following are some fundamental reasons why you should get life insurance in 2023:

To Leave an Inheritance for your Family

When you don’t have enough assets to transfer to your family when you pass away, having a life insurance policy can be something to leave to your family. With life insurance, you can name your family, specifically your kids, as your policy’s beneficiaries. This means that they can receive a sum of money from your coverage which can cover their basic needs even after your death.

concept-of-family-protection

To Replace Lost Income

Another reason for getting life insurance coverage is to replace the income lost as a result of your death. In most cases, life insurance can provide financial security after your passing. When your family only depends on your income for sustenance, life insurance can ensure your family won’t be helpless to pay monthly bills and other expenses.

To Settle your Debts 

Aside from income replacement, having life insurance can also help clear the family’s debts after your death. Your family can use the proceeds they receive from your life insurance policy to pay off all the debts, such as a mortgage, credit cards, and other financial obligations. Consequently, you can have peace of mind knowing your family won’t have to worry about the debts after your passing.

To Protect Business Interests

If you have a business, having life insurance can protect your business interests after your passing. The proceeds of your life policy can cover the financial obligations to ensure the company will keep running. If you have a business partner, you can name them as your beneficiary and you as your partner’s beneficiary in their life insurance.

Hence, if you perish, your business partner can handle all the obligations to avoid significant business losses, which can potentially threaten its continued existence.

To Build Extra Cushions for Emergencies 

Life insurance also comes in handy during financial emergencies. If you get whole life insurance, you can have permanent coverage, which is only extinguished upon your cancellation. Due to the nature of this type of insurance, you can have the opportunity to build cash value over time. The good thing about this cash value is that your family can use it as extra money to cover some financial emergencies anytime.

Conclusion

Life insurance can be a great way to protect your family financially when you die. Since you don’t know when you’ll leave them, you should be prepared by getting the right life insurance to meet your needs. But if you’re still unsure how it can work out for you and your loved ones, it’s best to keep the information mentioned above in mind

Ifama

Hi! This is Ifama. I am a student and giving my services in SEO. I have a lot of experience in digital marketing. Travelling is my hobby and I love visiting different hilly areas and doing adventures.

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Key Advantages of Using Business Credit Cards

Last Updated: August 29, 2024

Money and business go hand-in-hand. Access to investments and funds helps you keep your business afloat, flexible, and ahead of the market. Money helps your business succeed, and often business owners wonder whether applying for a business credit card would be in their best interest. This article will give you detailed guidance on what a business credit card is and the several benefits you can enjoy with it.

What is a Business Credit Card?

A business credit card is specifically designed for a business or a corporate enterprise that offers unique advantages and benefits that comes in handy for businesses only. Business cards are a bit different from personal credit cards because they come with higher credit limits, different reward points as well as tools that help you manage your business finances better. You can use a business credit card anytime you are facing a cash or fund fluctuation.

Whether it is paying the suppliers, rent, or even utilities, credit cards can help smooth out the process, and when paid at the right time, it would also increase your credit score. Business credit cards offer you ready finance in case of any emergency situation that your business might face anytime.

Advantages of Using Business Credit Card

  • Set Spending Limit: When giving out business credit cards to your employees, you can establish spending limits and keep tabs on spending habits. You can set tailored spending limits, thus establishing the fact that anyone who has access to a credit card is accountable for the spending done through it.
  • Faster and Safe Business Transaction: Using a business credit provides you with the advantage where you can track your expenditure, cover your bills, pay all other expenses as well as your suppliers in a smooth and safe way. Run your organization in a smooth way by categorizing your spending under different labels. You can make categories like rent, utilities, supplies, employee salaries, advertising, and others.

If spending under one category slowly increases and you have no idea why, you could easily track your spending trend and make adjustments accordingly so that one category does not take all of your month’s business budget. By breaking your expenditure into categories, you ensure everything stays in line. Business credit cards take away the hassle of sending cheques to everyone, you could immediately complete your transaction using your credit card, making the whole process a lot faster.

Some credit cards also come with a feature where you can schedule your bill and supplier payments every month; hence, giving you peace of mind so that you can focus on other aspects of your business and increase growth. As your company grows, you could also add more cards under the same account and distribute the card to different selected employees. Allowing your employees to do some forms of a business transaction, your load lessens, and on another hand, you will be able to track everything as well.

  • Able to Record your Transactions Accurately: In a business, transactions happen all the time, and keeping track of it manually is next to impossible. With a credit card, you can enjoy online apps and other features through which you can now record transactions accurately. Whether it is your employee using your business credit card or your accounts team, you can track how and when someone is using the credit card. It helps you observe any error that might happen or any discrepancy that would be hard to figure out otherwise.
  • Separating Business Expenses from Personal Expenses: For any business, having separate credit cards for your corporate enterprise and for your personal use is crucial. With a business credit card, you will be able to reduce personal liability. Using the same credit card for your business and personal use can mix up your transaction details.
  • Build Credit Score: For any new business, having a business credit card means you can easily work on increasing your credit score. Without a credit score, financing institutions would be doubtful whether you would be able to repay the loan or not, and this can make things difficult for you when trying to secure funds for your business.
credit score paper ,glasses pen, cup on yellow table

Having a separate card makes tracking expenses a lot easier and also helps you while filing for taxes. Having a separate business credit score removes the focus from your personal credit score, which might not be as good. Even if your personal credit fails, your business credit score will help you secure a solid financial footing.

With a business credit card, you can make a huge difference from the very beginning. By being regular with your credit card and paying on time, you will succeed in building a solid credit score that will help you secure financial funds in the long run.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, these are some of the benefits that you get to enjoy by opting for a business credit card when your business is growing or is still in its initial phase.

Ifama

Hi! This is Ifama. I am a student and giving my services in SEO. I have a lot of experience in digital marketing. Travelling is my hobby and I love visiting different hilly areas and doing adventures.

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The Advantages of Adopting a Digital-First Strategy for Annuity Insurance Carriers

Last Updated: August 29, 2024

A digital-first strategy refers to the philosophy wherein the solutions to the challenges faced by a company are solved with the use of digital technology. It’s an approach that is preparing businesses from all industries for a world where the economy is clearly based on all-digital processes.

Many annuity insurance carriers, in particular, are keen on adopting a digital-first strategy in an effort to anticipate the needs of a more tech-savvy generation of customers. These insurance providers have made a long-term commitment to pay their customers in installments or in lump sums in the future, after all.

To implement a digital-first strategy successfully, though, it is of utmost importance for annuity insurance carriers to identify the challenges that they are experiencing due to the continued use of their legacy insurance platform and system. Then, these companies can determine how the application of a digital-first approach can solve a specific issue and enable them to get around the difficulties that a legacy system is unable to overcome.

Indeed, in the digital age, carrying out their part of the bargain would be made much faster, simpler, and easier if carriers are able to fully utilize the tools and platforms that digital immigrants and digital-native customers are already using. This means not only prioritizing a digital life insurance innovation to fix an issue that is being caused by a legacy system, but also eventually adopting a fully digital insurance platform and ecosystem. Here are the advantages of applying a digital-first solution and how these solve the common issues that annuity insurance providers face:

It Empowers Insurers to Offer Customers a Continuity of Experience

One of the most common inadequacies of a traditional insurance system is its inability to provide customers with a holistic experience. This is because legacy systems have many slow steps that require manual interventions, which means that a process cannot advance without input from at least one human element in the system. These gaps in the system that an annuity insurance carrier utilizes, in turn, can lead to delays and disjointed customer experiences.

For example, a policy owner might be unable to file their claims using their insurance provider’s mobile app. They might also have difficulties seeing the change in their personal details, and the status of their claims might not be immediately reflected in their account. Such experiences can leave customers confused and dissatisfied.

Using a digital-first approach, an insurer can focus its efforts on providing customers with a complete online and offline experience. The company can look into digital solutions so that it can reduce the processes that need human intervention, for example, by centralizing its data collection, storage, and retrieval functions. This way, even if the customer chooses to update their information on the insurer’s website or mobile app or in the carrier’s office, the changes will be automatically reflected in the unified database and will turn up on all the platforms used by the customer and the insurance provider.

It Facilitates Data-Driven Decision-Making and Speeds Up Time to Market

A digital-first strategy is inherently amenable to the collection and utilization of large chunks of data. This approach offers insurance providers every opportunity to make use of the information they have collected to evaluate their systems, streamline their processes, and see the performance of their products. Having all the information that they need at the tip of their fingers enables annuity insurance companies to make data-driven decisions that will help them reach their objectives.

man using Ipad

One area where a digital-first approach shines is giving insurance providers every opportunity to design products that anticipate the needs of the markets that they serve. Using data gleaned from the performance of their previous releases, insurance companies can quickly come up with new products that improve on or complement their previous offerings. With enough data, these companies also have a better chance of designing effective products that anticipate consumer needs. This significantly increases the speed by which they can release a product to the market, which then gives them a better chance of being their target customer’s preferred insurance provider.

It Streamlines Production and Keeps Technology Costs at a Minimum Moving Forward

Going digital-first is an investment, especially for insurance companies that are still using legacy systems. It takes time, manpower, and financial resources to acquire digital technologies, ensure that these programs are fulfilling their functions, and train staff members to fully utilize the capabilities that these tools are offering.

However, investing in digital tools early actually saves insurance providers money in the long run. Prioritizing digital solutions over patching up legacy systems gives companies every chance to streamline their processes and cut production costs for good. Instead of following the circuitous solutions that a legacy system may offer, an insurer that adheres to a digital-first strategy can start from scratch and design a process to be as streamlined as possible.

Consequently, a more optimized system and process can cut the time, effort, and energy needed to complete individual tasks. Also, since the company is already starting to invest in digital upgrades, it’s in a better position to acquire new digital components to augment its existing digital solutions and systems. Adopting a digital-first strategy is a practical way of embracing the tools that will soon become the backbone of modern insurance products and services. Solving existing issues using digital solutions is also a great way of getting an insurance company’s executives to buy into the idea of modernizing an insurance company’s platforms.

Ifama

Hi! This is Ifama. I am a student and giving my services in SEO. I have a lot of experience in digital marketing. Travelling is my hobby and I love visiting different hilly areas and doing adventures.

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Asset Finance: What you Need to Know

Last Updated: August 29, 2024

If you’re a business owner, then you know that asset finance is a key part of keeping your company running. You may also know that asset finance can be confusing and complicated. In this blog post, we will break it down for you and explain what you need to know in order to make the best decisions for your business.

What is Asset Finance and What are the Benefits of using it over other forms of Financing Available to Businesses today?

Asset finance is a type of financing that allows businesses to use their assets as collateral in order to get a loan. This type of financing can be used for a variety of reasons, including expanding a business, purchasing new equipment or inventory, or covering other business expenses.

The benefits of using asset finance over other forms of financing available to businesses today include:

  • Lower interest rates: Because the loan is secured by the assets being used as collateral, lenders are more likely to offer lower interest rates on these loans than they would on unsecured loans.
  • Faster approval times: Lenders will often approve asset finance loans within 72 hours, compared to the weeks or even months it can take to get approval for a traditional bank loan.
  • Flexible repayment terms: Asset finance loans can be structured with repayment terms that fit the borrower’s needs, which can make them more affordable than other types of loans.
  • Tax benefits: In some cases, asset finance payments may be eligible for tax deductions.

How does Asset Finance Work, and How do you know if it’s the Right Option for your Company’s Needs?

Asset finance is a way for businesses to fund the purchase of new or used assets. The finance company will provide you with a loan, which you then use to buy whatever asset it is that you need – such as machinery, vehicles, or office equipment.

Asset finance can be an extremely cost-effective way of acquiring new equipment for your business. It can also be a more flexible option than traditional bank loans, as it doesn’t require you to put up your own assets as collateral. So if your company is in need of some new equipment but doesn’t have the cash available to pay for it upfront, asset finance could be the perfect solution.

What are the Different Types of Asset Finance Available?

Asset finance is a type of lending that allows businesses to borrow money against the value of an asset. The asset can be anything from plant and machinery to vehicles and commercial property. There are a number of different types of asset finance available, depending on the type of asset you want to finance. The most common types are listed below:

  • Hire purchase: With hire purchase, you agree to pay back the loan in regular monthly installments, plus interest. At the end of the contract, you own the asset outright.
  • Lease agreement: With a lease agreement, you rent the asset from the lender for a fixed period of time. You don’t usually have to pay any interest, but you will have to pay a monthly rental fee.
  • Loan: With a loan, you borrow a lump sum of money to buy the asset outright. You then pay back the loan, plus interest, in regular monthly installments.

Are there any Drawbacks to Asset Finance and How you can Avoid them?

Asset finance can be a great way to get the equipment or vehicles you need for your business without breaking the bank. However, there are a few things you need to watch out for.

The first is that asset finance can be quite expensive, so you need to make sure you’re getting the best deal. You also need to be careful about the terms and conditions of the agreement and make sure you understand what’s expected of you. Finally, it’s important to remember that asset finance is a form of debt, so if you can’t afford to repay the loan, you could end up in financial trouble. Always make sure you can afford the repayments before signing up for an asset finance agreement.

What you Need to Know in Order to get the Most out of your Asset Finance Agreement?

In order to get the most out of your asset finance agreement, it is important to understand the basics of what an agreement is and how it works. An asset finance agreement allows you to borrow money against the value of an asset that you own. This can be a useful way to obtain financing for assets such as vehicles, equipment, or property. When entering into an asset finance agreement, it is important to understand the interest rate and repayment schedule. It is also important to be aware of any fees that may be associated with the agreement. By understanding these terms, you can ensure that you are getting the best deal possible on your agreement.

Ifama

Hi! This is Ifama. I am a student and giving my services in SEO. I have a lot of experience in digital marketing. Travelling is my hobby and I love visiting different hilly areas and doing adventures.

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How to Raise Capital for your Business

Last Updated: August 29, 2024

Knowing how to raise capital for your business is more important than ever in today’s economy. If you’re an entrepreneur, it helps to see the importance of starting on the right foot by raising the money you need to get started.

Here are five ways to raise capital for your business:

Small Business Loans

Small business loans are typically given to established businesses looking to expand or improve their operations. These loans may be used for anything from purchasing equipment or inventory to hiring new employees or upgrading office space.

There are many different types of small business loans available. Below are some of them:

  • Small Business Administration: The SBA is an agency that provides loans to small businesses. Many banks, credit unions, and other lenders also offer SBA loans, which the government backs.
  • Merchant Cash Advance Programs: A merchant cash advance is a short-term loan for businesses with an existing merchant account with an acquiring bank. This type of loan allows you to take a lump sum of money and pay it back based on your future credit card sales receipts. The amount you can borrow depends on the size of your business and how long it’ll take you to pay off the loan.
  • Equipment Leasing Programs: Leasing equipment can be a good option if you purchase expensive items like computers or medical equipment but want to avoid making a significant initial investment. You generally pay less money up front than if you were making a purchase with cash or credit. Also, you can make monthly payments for as long as the lease term lasts usually between three and five years depending on the type of equipment involved and its cost.

Regardless of these three types, you can still expand your business once you generate enough cash from these options. However, it would be best if you could ask their requirements, know all the details, and ensure they explained everything you need to know before deciding.

Self-Funding

Self-funding is one way to raise capital for your business. You use your own money to start or grow your business. You can use personal savings, take a loan from a bank, or ask friends and family members for help.

For instance, if you need USD$10,000 to purchase inventory for your new boutique store, you could use your savings or borrow USD$10,000 from a bank. The disadvantage of self-funding is that it can be challenging to get approved for loans if the business needs more collateral or credit history. Also, if the company fails, you could lose all of your money invested in it.

Line of Credit

A line of credit is a form of financing where you borrow money as needed, up to a pre-approved amount. The funds are usually provided by a bank or credit union and paid back over time with interest added to the principal amount owed each month. However, some institutions may require you to pay fees upfront when applying for a line of credit.

technology

For example, suppose you have USD$10,000 in cash savings and want to use it as collateral for a loan. In that case, your lender may be willing to give you USD$20,000 in credit by allowing you access to more than 80% of your savings account balance without having to reapply for a new loan. This is called a revolving line of credit.

With a line of credit, you can borrow more than once to pay off previous loans or make purchases on your terms without having to reapply for another loan.

Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists

If you want to look for private investors, then angel investors and venture capitalists are your best bet. These people have funds to invest in startups and small businesses. They often invest because they see potential in your company and want to see it grow into something extraordinary.

However, not all businesses will receive an investment from them because so many companies out there need funding. Meanwhile, you may find them at pitch fests where startups can show off their idea or product. You can also check local meetups for entrepreneurs or ask other business owners if they have any connections with these investors.

Equity Crowdfunding

Equity crowdfunding is a relatively new way for startups and small businesses to boost their finances through online lending platforms. This type of fundraising allows people to invest small amounts of money into a company’s future earnings if they see potential in its products or services.

For example, you can invest in a crowdfunding campaign and receive equity in exchange for your investment. You’ll get an ownership stake in the company and be able to receive dividends when the company makes money.

Key Takeaway

Before you begin raising capital for your business, it’s best to learn more about the different types of funding available. There are numerous scams out there that some people fall prey to. So, research before seeking financial assistance to ensure you know what you’re getting into.

Ifama

Hi! This is Ifama. I am a student and giving my services in SEO. I have a lot of experience in digital marketing. Travelling is my hobby and I love visiting different hilly areas and doing adventures.

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Things you Should know About Car Insurance Before your Next Road Trip

Last Updated: February 26, 2024

In a 2022 survey, 80% of all people answered positively when asked whether they were planning a road trip in the near future. Road trips are the perfect tradition with family and friends, as you make memories, visit new places, and experience new things. But, no matter if it’s a 3-hour ride or a cross-country trip, there are some things you should know.

One of those things is having proper car insurance. It is important to have one in case of an accident or an unpredicted scenario. But understanding car insurance can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with all the lingo. Here are some basics ideas to help get you started.

Different Types of Car Insurance

There are different types of car insurance available in today’s market. Some of the most common include liability, collision, and personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.

  • Liability insurance is the most basic type of car insurance and covers damages to other people or property that you may be held responsible for in an accident.
  • Collision insurance covers any damages done to your vehicle in the event of an accident.
  • Personal injury protection insurance covers medical expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.

No matter what type of car insurance you are looking for, it is important to shop around before making a purchase. For instance, if you’re living in Ontario, Canada, and are looking for a proper brokerage to help you find a suitable insurance plan, click here to find out more about the different types and compare quotes fast and easily. Different insurers offer different coverage options and prices, so it is important to find the policy that best meets your needs.

Car Insurance Stands No Matter who the Driver is

If you’re road-tripping with friends or family, share the driving to break up the monotony and to get a quick break. This is allowed as the insurance follows the car, not the driver. Most insurance policies will cover the damage if you’re involved in a car accident, no matter who was driving. But, you need to make sure that your relative or friend has an up-to-date license. Make sure to contact your insurer beforehand to put your mind at ease.

Paying for Additional Coverage is Wise

When taking a road trip, it’s important to consider all the possible risks and make sure you’re prepared for them. One thing you may want to consider is additional coverage for your car. This could include things like roadside assistance or collision insurance. By having this extra coverage, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your trip without worrying about the potential for accidents or other problems.

There are a few different things to consider when deciding if additional coverage is right for you.

  • The length of your trip. If you’re taking a short road trip, it may not be worth it to pay for extra coverage. However, if you’re going on a longer trip, it may be worth it to have that added peace of mind.
  • Your budget. If you can afford to pay for extra coverage, it may be a good idea to do so. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to skip this step. Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not extra coverage is worth the investment.
car

Passing National Borders Requires Extra Insurance

If you’re planning on driving outside of the country, then you need to buy additional insurance that will cover you while you’re in a foreign country.

You can save money by being specific about the time period you need to be covered. This way, you only pay for what you use instead of wasting money on coverage that extends beyond your needs.

Car Insurance may not Cover Personal Belongings

When purchasing an auto insurance policy make sure you ask whether it covers theft. This is something important to take into consideration, and you may need more coverage than what your current policy offers.

If you have a travel insurance policy in addition to your regular one, this could cover you in the event of theft. However, it depends on the specifics of your provider and product, as well as what led to the theft.

Bottom Line

Road tripping is a lot of fun, but you shouldn’t do it without car insurance. Car insurance is essential to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an accident. But, keep in mind that not all car insurance policies are created equal. Make sure you understand what your policy covers before you hit the road.

Jason Obrien

Jason is the Marketing Manager at a local advertising company in Australia. He moved to Australia 10 years back for his passion for advertising. Jason recently joined BFA as a volunteer writer and contributes by sharing his valuable experience and knowledge.

Filed Under: Banking & Finance Leave a Comment

CMBS: Top Benefits and Drawbacks

Last Updated: September 23, 2023

Fixed-income investment products known as commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) are backed by mortgages on commercial buildings. The liquidity of CMBS can benefit both commercial lenders and real estate investors.

CMBS loans are often a desirable choice due to their distinctive features. But because they have more intricate terms than conventional loans, it’s crucial to understand the benefits and potential drawbacks of taking one out when investing in commercial real estate. This article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of CMBS in comparison to conventional loans.

CMBS Benefits

The interest rates for commercial mortgage backed securities loans are competitive and lower than those of conventional loans. When calculating the loan amount, borrowers might use a larger loan-to-value ratio to leverage a higher collateral value. Additionally, because some CMBS loans permit interest-only payments for the loan duration, the borrower may have to make fewer debt service payments, which may free up cash flow.

Moreover, upfront costs for originating a new CMBS loan are frequently lower than those for a standard loan, which is also beneficial for freeing up additional funds.

In addition, upon payment of a fee, the loan may be assumed by a buyer of a piece of real estate that has been funded with a CMBS loan, enabling the owner or borrower to sell the property and pass the debt to the buyer without incurring the costs of locating and securing new financing. In this case, the buyer will often be subject to the same conditions as the first owner.

CMBS Drawbacks

There is less flexibility for the borrower to negotiate the loan terms, as CMBS loans are subject to a number of restrictions that may not be present with a typical loan.

CMBS loans also prohibit supplementary or secondary funding. The borrower might also be restricted from refinancing or prepaying a CMBS loan because a CMBS loan aims to maximize returns to investors. Where prepayment is allowed, achieving the payback is often difficult and costly due to prepayment penalties. In a procedure known as defeasance, the borrower can also be obliged to swap out the property for another type of security. Alternatively, the borrower might have to pay yield maintenance, which entails paying the difference between their current interest rate and U.S. Treasury yields. But as was already mentioned, a home buyer might be able to assume the loan.

business-meeting-and-woman-smiling

A servicer also administers CMBS loans in accordance with the PSA and the conditions of the underlying loan papers. These conditions and limitations provide less freedom in loan servicing than may otherwise be allowed in the event of a standard loan. As a result, it could be quite challenging for the borrower to get the master servicer to provide financial support to prevent a loan default. So instead, the loan is transferred to a specific servicer upon the borrower’s default under the loan, whose responsibility is to negotiate with the borrower to resolve the default.

A special servicer can discuss workouts or pursue the foreclosure of defaulted properties. However, a typical loan lender has more flexibility and alternatives for a loan workout with the borrower than a special servicer. Special servicer options include loan modifications, negotiated payoffs, selling the loan, and accepting a transfer instead of foreclosure.

It’s important to note that a CMBS loan has a cash management process that controls cash flow. As a result, the special servicer assumes management of the borrower’s cash flow during the default period once the borrower defaults. This may deprive the asset of vital financial flow needed to maintain the property correctly and need the appointment of a receiver to oversee it. Additionally, because CMBS loans are meant to safeguard the interests of investors, in addition to non-payment, failing to satisfy specific covenant levels may result in cash sweeps or loan defaults.

Loan fees and costs may also be higher in the event of default than they would be with a conventional loan. For example, default interest costs, reports for special services, special servicer fees, legal expenses, loan modification costs, and additional equity contributions add up quickly and are not common in conventional loans.

Final Thoughts

CMBS loans might be a desirable option for borrowers searching for financing because of their competitive upfront costs, rates, and debt servicing obligations. However, before choosing a specific financing option, potential borrowers should carefully analyze their lending alternatives and consider a CMBS loan’s drawbacks.

Jason Obrien

Jason is the Marketing Manager at a local advertising company in Australia. He moved to Australia 10 years back for his passion for advertising. Jason recently joined BFA as a volunteer writer and contributes by sharing his valuable experience and knowledge.

Filed Under: Banking & Finance Leave a Comment

What is the Distinction Between an ISA and a Savings Account in Singapore?

Last Updated: August 29, 2024

For Singaporeans, when it comes to saving money, there are a few options: a regular savings account, a fixed deposit account or an ISA. An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a particular type of savings account that offers tax benefits. So, what is the distinction between an ISA and regular savings plan in Singapore? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Regular Savings Account in Singapore, and how does it Work?

Regular savings account in Singapore is a type of bank account that allows you to deposit and withdraw money as needed. It typically offers lower interest rates than other bank accounts, such as fixed deposits or ISAs. At the same time, however, it provides more flexibility and accessibility than these other options.

What is an ISA, and how does it Work?

An ISA, also known as a tax-free savings account, is a particular type of bank account that offers some unique benefits when compared to regular savings accounts. For one thing, your contributions to an ISA are not taxed – the interest earned on your investments or savings will be completely tax-free. Additionally, you can withdraw money from your ISA anytime without worrying about tax penalties.

What are the Benefits of having a Regular Savings Account?

One of the main benefits of having a regular savings account in Singapore is that it provides easy access to your money. You can deposit and withdraw funds as needed without any restrictions or penalties. Additionally, many banks in Singapore offer competitive interest rates on regular savings accounts, making them an attractive option for those looking to save money.

On the other hand, one potential downside of regular savings accounts is that they typically offer lower interest rates than other bank accounts. An ISA or fixed deposit account is a better choice if you want higher savings returns.

What are the Benefits of having an ISA Account?

One of the main benefits of having an ISA account in Singapore is that it offers tax-free investment returns. Unlike regular savings accounts, your contributions to an ISA are not taxed, which means you can earn higher returns on your investments over time. Additionally, some ISAs offer flexible withdrawal options and a range of other features that make them an excellent choice for people looking to save money for retirement or other long-term goals.

accounting show on the laptop

Another benefit of having an ISA in Singapore is that it provides greater security than typical savings accounts. Many banks will offer insurance on funds deposited into an ISA, which can help protect your money against market fluctuations and other potential risks.

Comparing and Contrasting Regular Savings Accounts with ISA Accounts in Singapore

When choosing between a regular savings account or an ISA, there are a few key factors to consider. On the one hand, regular savings accounts offer greater flexibility and accessibility than ISAs. It makes them ideal for those who need easy access to their money or prefers not to worry about tax penalties on withdrawals.

At the same time, ISAs tend to offer better interest rates and security than regular savings accounts. They may also be more suitable for investing in long-term goals such as retirement planning or saving for significant expenses like a home purchase or education costs. Ultimately, the best option will depend on your individual financial needs and goals.

So, when choosing a regular savings account or an ISA in Singapore, it is essential to consider your situation and financial goals carefully. With proper planning and decision-making, however, you can find the right banking solution to help you reach your financial goals.

Conclusion

Whether you choose a regular savings account or an ISA in Singapore, many benefits can be gained from using these types of bank accounts. When deciding which option is right for you, it is essential to consider your financial needs and goals and the various features and benefits offered by each type of account. With careful planning and research, you can find the right banking solution to help you reach your financial goals.

Jason Obrien

Jason is the Marketing Manager at a local advertising company in Australia. He moved to Australia 10 years back for his passion for advertising. Jason recently joined BFA as a volunteer writer and contributes by sharing his valuable experience and knowledge.

Filed Under: Banking & Finance Leave a Comment

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