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Questions About Car Insurance??

1. What is Bodily Injury Coverage?

   Bodily injury coverage will pay for medical treatment, rehabilitation and funeral expenses incurred by another driver, passengers and pedestrians involved in an accident where you are deemed to be at fault. It can also cover the legal cost and settlements for losses related to pain and suffering.

2. What is a PIP?

   Personal Injury Protection (PIP) / First Party Benefits Medical Payments This coverage pays physician and hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and some funeral expenses for you and your passengers in the event of an accident. It also provides limited compensation for services needed during convalescence.

3. What is covered by Property Damage?

   If you are at fault in an auto accident, Property Damage Liability pays for the damages to another person's vehicle or property.

   It is important to know that you must pay the difference between the amount you are covered for and the damage done to a car or property.

4. What does Collision Cover?

   Collision coverage pays for the repair of your car or reimbursement of its market value, regardless of who is at fault.

5. What is Comprehensive Coverage?

   Comprehensive coverage pays for the replacement of your car or for repairs to your car if it has been stolen, or damaged as a result of events such as fire, wind or flood.

   Similar to Collision coverage, if you own a car that still maintains considerable value then you want to maintain Comprehensive coverage that will protect you for the full value of the car.

6. What does my Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Cover?

   This coverage pays for damages in the event you get in an accident with either a hit-and-run driver or a driver who doesn't have enough auto insurance.

7. What do I do if I am in a Car Accident?

   Even the safest drivers may be involved in an auto accident. Knowledge of what to do after the accident occurs can make the experience less frightening and decrease the chance of unnecessary delays and complications. What follows is a list of items that we hope will help.

   At the accident scene:

   1.  Stop the car and move it to a safe position on the road.

   2.  Check for injuries. Your life and health are more important than possible damage to your auto.

   3.  Call the police no matter how minor the incident. If there are injuries the police will contact the appropriate medical assistance.

   4.  When the authorities arrive cooperate with them completely. Find out where to obtain a copy of the accident report the police will file. Also, take down the case number and the name and badge numbers of the police and emergency personnel.

   5.  Write down the names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses and those involved in the accident. Take down the license plate numbers, insurance information, and the makes and models of all vehicles. Make note of damages to any vehicle involved in the accident. Also include details regarding circumstances of the accident such as weather and road condition.

8. What are New Jersey's Auto Insurance Requirements?

   The auto insurance coverage requirements of each state are different. In New Jersey, for a Standard Policy, state law requires a minimum coverage of $15,000 per injured person up to a total of $30,000 for everyone hurt in an accident, and coverage of $5,000 for property damages. New Jersey also requires UM/UIM with $15,000/30,000 and PIP coverage of $15,000.

   Bodily Injury

   $15,000 for the death or injury of any one person, any one accident.

   $30,000 for all persons in any one accident.

   Property Damage

   $5,000 for damage to property of another person.

   UM / UIM

   $15,000 for the death or injury of any one person, any one accident.

   $30,000 for all persons in any one accident.

   Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

   $15,000.

9. What is the New Jersey Tier System?

   Tier Rating - History

   In June 1997, New Jersey State Legislators approved, and Governor Christie Whitman signed into law, legislation that eliminated State mandated eligibility surcharges on New Jersey Auto Insurance. Under the surcharge system it was not uncommon for drivers with minor violations to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year in surcharges on their New Jersey Auto Insurance for a three-year period. The inequity in the surcharge system was that drivers with good, long-term driving records were subject to heavy penalties.

   The new legislation provided that insurers use a tier system to determine New Jersey Auto Insurance rates. Tier rating systems look at much more than DMV violations. New Jersey Auto Insurers now consider a number of risk characteristics, including driving record, claims history, years of driving experience, number of years with the same employer, vehicle type and coverage limits when determining a New Jersey driver's tier placement. Other factors, like age, gender, and marital status may also impact a New Jersey drivers’ rate within a specific tier. New Jersey Auto Insurance companies began implementing their tier systems in October 1998.

   The new legislation included two very important provisions designed to protect the New Jersey insured driver. First, under New Jersey's new tiered rating system, in the absence of all other applicable risk characteristics, drivers with six or fewer motor vehicle points must be placed in a New Jersey Auto Insurance company's standard tier. Second, each company's tiered rating plan must be revenue neutral. This means that New Jersey Insurance companies collect the same total premium that they did under the old system.

   Tier Rating - The Result

   The result of the new legislation is a return to competition. New Jersey Insurance companies can now position themselves to compete for customers with the risk characteristics that they believe are the most favorable. Creativity and innovation have been reintroduced to the New Jersey Auto Insurance system. New Jersey drivers now find that New Jersey Auto Insurance price premiums may vary widely between insurance underwriters depending on his or her driving characteristics. Consumers now more than ever have an incentive to shop for better New Jersey Auto Insurance rates. The bottom line is that Auto Insurance premiums will now more accurately reflect the risk that each driver represents. Good drivers get the best rates. Tiered rating is a step towards restoring a healthy and competitive New Jersey Auto Insurance marketplace.

   The Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act (AICRA) was implemented in the spring of 1999. The legislation included dramatic changes to the New Jersey Auto Insurance system. These changes included allowing consumers more choice in the type and amount of New Jersey Auto Insurance coverage they select. The legislation also provided significant measures to reduce the cost of providing New Jersey Auto Insurance. These cost reduction measures were aimed at controlling the medical costs and fraud that New Jersey Auto Insurance companies pay for each year. These changes, in part, support the mandatory automobile insurance rate reduction of approximately 15 percent that was implemented in early 2000.

   The tier rating is a significant step in helping both New Jersey drivers and New Jersey Auto Insurance Companies

10. MetLife Does More than Just Life Insurance?

    With over 140 years of experience, the MetLife companies are a leading innovator and a recognized leader in protection planning and retirement and savings solutions around the world. We have established a strong presence in over 60 countries through organic growth, acquisitions, joint ventures and other partnerships. We are strengthening our global brand by extending core products and competencies to markets around the world – an important driver of growth for the enterprise.

    Around the world, the MetLife companies offer life, accident and health insurance, retirement and savings products through agents, third-party distributors such as banks and brokers, and direct marketing channels. We work with families, corporations and governments to provide them with solutions that offer financial guarantees in their lives. Our name is recognized and trusted by 90 million customers worldwide and over 90 of top 100 FORTUNE 500® companies in the United States. We have the experience, global resources and vision to provide financial certainties for an uncertain world.

11. How can I save money when buying life insurance?

    You can lower your premiums and save money in the long run:

    Buy it now. Premiums for the same coverage increase the older you become. And the longer you wait, the more you risk developing a health condition that could increase your premium further, or make you uninsurable..

    If you want Permanent Life but you're on a budget, consider some Term for now. You can save money initially by buying some Term Life in combination with Permanent Life. Then later, if your budget increases, consider converting the Term policy to Permanent Life.

    Consider group life insurance offered through your employer. It may be available at a low cost. But keep in mind that your group coverage may end or become more expensive when you leave your job.

Questions About Pet Insurance??

1. My Pet is currently healthy – why do I need pet insurance?

   While your pet is healthy now, you never know what illness or injury tomorrow may bring. We recieve many heartbreaking calls from owners who want to sign up for a program after their pet has become sick or injured, and we unfortunately cannot provide coverage for any conditions that have developed prior to enrollment. Choose either Optimum or Complete and you can claim wellness costs each year and have the coverage to rely on in your pet's time of need.

2. I read that my dogs breed is prone to hip dysplasia, what should I do?

   It is no myth that some breeds are more genetically prone to developing hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia. 24PetWatch offers coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary conditions including hip dysplasia with our QuickCare Gold (70% and 90%) and QuickCare Complete insurance programs.

3. My last pet had cancer and I spent thousands of dollars for treatment - I want to make sure that my new pet has the most comprehensive coverage available - which product should I choose?

   For maximum coverage, QuickCare Complete is the program for you! This program covers all accidents and illness, and includes annual wellness care which allows you to claim for routine costs such as vaccinations, examinations, teeth cleaning, and more! It covers any illness from the common cold to cancer. If you do not require coverage for wellness care our QuickCare Gold provides coverage for all accidents and all illnesses with a choice between 70% and 90% coverage.

4. How much do I get back after I make a claim?

   This amount is determined by three factors:

   •a) the amount of coverage that you currently have for the specific item that you are claiming for

   •b) the deductible and

   •c) the percentage of coverage that is offered through your program

   Please visit Understanding The Dollars & Cents to see examples of amounts paid for claims by program.

5. Do I have to change Vets?

   No! 24PetWatch allows you to use any licensed veterinarian in North America - this includes traditional veterinarians, alternative therapists and specialists as long as the veterinarian is licensed

6. Is the diagnosis and treatment of accidents and illnesses covered with a 24PetWatch program?

   Yes, 24PetWatch covers both the diagnosis, testing and treatment of covered incidents. This includes: the cost of hospitalization, visits, tests, X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, prescription food and prescription medications.

7. Do you offer discounts?

   24PetWatch offers several discounts, including discounts for microchipped pets, multi-pets, group benefit discounts, and more!

8. Are there Discounts?

   24PetWatch offers several discounts, including discounts for microchipped pets, multi-pets, group benefit discounts, and more!

9. I currently rent and my landlord is worried my pet causing damage – is there a program for me?

   Yes, 24PetWatch has developed a program called TenantCare which provides your pet with coverage for select accident and illnesses PLUS up to $700 of third party liability coverage in case your pet causes damage to your rental unit.

10. Should I get EmergencyCare Insurance for my Pet even if I have another program?

    Yes, EmergencyCare can immediately protect your pet in a lost pet emergency. EmergencyCare Insurance is a program designed to protect your microchipped pet in a lost pet emergency. It provides $3,000 coverage for life-saving treatment for your pet if it becomes ill or injured while lost for under $20 a year.

11. Can I enroll more than one pet?

    Yes! Our online enrollment system allows you to enroll all your pets conveniently so you do not need to fill out multiple application forms. Each pet will get it's own policy, so you can choose to have each pet on a different program to best suit it's needs. If three or more pets are enrolled you are eligible for a 10% discount per policy (maximum discount per pet policy is 10%). If you are insure two or more pets and one is a cat, a 5% discount will be applied to each premium.

Questions About Life Insurance??

1. How much insurance do I need?

   If you were to die, consider what your spouse and dependents would need in order to cover day-to-day as well as larger expenses, to live comfortably and have financial stability. Don't forget to include savings for college and retirement. Also consider the effect of inflation over time; the amount needed, say, twenty years from now is likely to be significantly higher than today.

2. In addition to protection, what am I trying to accomplish with my life insurance?

   Some life insurance policies can help you pay for major expenses like college tuition and estate expenses, or provide additional income for retirement or emergencies. Remember that Term Life Insurance pays a death benefit only, while different types of Permanent Life Insurance -- Whole, Universal, and Variable Universal Life — can supplement your income through withdrawals or loans against a policy's cash value.

3. Why should I choose a reputable insurance company?

   In addition to being financially secure, the life insurance company you choose should have a good claims payment history, good customer service and competitive pricing. Independent sources such as Standard and Poor's, A.M. Best, Moody's, Fitch, and Weiss rate insurance companies. Their publications may be found in your local library.

4. How Much will Life Insurance Cost Me?

   Premium rates for life insurance are typically based on factors such as:

   age, sex, height, and weight

   health status, including whether or not you smoke

   participation in high-risk activities or occupations

   The type of policy you purchase will also affect the amount of the premium. Rates for term insurance are typically lower, at least at younger ages. Premium rates for permanent policies like Whole Life are typically higher at earlier ages, but do not increase as you age.

   Lastly, paying premiums monthly or quarterly rather than annually will result in higher premiums. If you have a policy or quote, and want to see how much paying over time costs, use our Modal Premium APR Calculator.

5. What if I already have insurance coverage?

   If you already have a life insurance policy, it's a good idea to review it every few years to make sure it still meets your needs. Check to make sure all beneficiaries and other information are current. Do any of the "ifs" below pertain to you? If so, it might be time to speak with your representative.

   If you...

   Were recently married or divorced

   Have a child or grandchild who was recently born or adopted

   Provide care or financial help to a child or parent

   Want to ensure that financial resources are available to provide assistance or long-term care for a loved one

   Purchased a new home recently

   Have children or grandchildren who are about to enter college

   Refinanced your home mortgage in the past six months

   Receive an inheritance

   Retired or your spouse has retired

   Have started a business

6. What are the tax advantages of life insurance?

   Death benefits are generally received income tax-free by your beneficiaries. In the case of Permanent Life Insurance policies, cash values accumulate on an income tax-deferred basis. That means that you would not have to pay income tax on any earnings in the policy as long as the policy remains in effect. In addition, most policy loans and withdrawals are not taxable.

   However, if you surrender your policy—or it lapses—you may have income to the extent that distributions and/or withdrawals exceed your policy basis (i.e., total premiums paid less prior distributions).

7. Can I trade or replace my policy?

   You can trade or replace your policy, but you should think carefully before you do. Whether you switch policies within the same company or switch from one company to another, your new policy could be subject to new underwriting which may affect how much you have to pay. For example, premium rates are partly based on age, so a new policy is likely to be more expensive. Changes in your health - or the way the new insurer takes your health into account — can also affect your premium.

   You may lose some or all of the cash value in your current policy if you switch. Also, there is normally a new "contestability period" during which the insurer can cancel the policy and refuse to pay death benefits if information on the application was materially incomplete or misleading.

   If you're planning to increase your total life insurance, it's generally better to keep your old policy and increase its face amount if you can, or simply add a new policy.

   Your MetLife Representative can help you find the best alternative for your specific situation.