The National Flood Insurance Program moved one step closer to an overhaul that one insurance industry official called a “meaningful long-term extension.”

With flood waters raging in the Mississippi River and the federal program, covering about 5.6 million properties set to expire Sept. 30, the U.S. House Financial Services Committee passed a bill calling for a five-year extension. The full House is expected to take up the bill in the near future.

The Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2011 will provide “much-needed improvements” to the program, which she called “an essential component” of protecting the homes and businesses of U.S. citizens th Full Post…

Even the most hardcore gamers will find something new and interesting on our journey back to 1976 to truly understand the system wars of today. Sure you know where Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony stand in 2010, but how did we get here?

How do Burglars Target a Home? – Image by immrchris A report commissioned by Halifax Home Insurance polled burglars to learn more about how homes are targeted for theft. What do criminals look out for?

A report released by Halifax Home Insurance in March 2011 used the attitudes and opinions of criminals about to be tried for burglary convictions to learn more about how homes are targeted for break-ins. What do burglars look for and what will put them off trying to break into your property?

Using the Criminal Mind to Deconstruct Burglary Habits

This report used a variety of techniques to try and establish how criminals target homes.

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There are specific ways you can lower premium costs for home insurance. Security, crime prevention groups, higher excesses and smart shopping can all help.

If youre looking for new home buildings and contents cover, it may be tempting to simply shop around, find the lowest quote and buy that. This may save you some money. But, if you really want to access discounts and reduce your overall house insurance costs, you may need to think smarter. How can you cut your premiums?

Good Home Security Equals Lower Insurance Costs

If you increase security in and around the home, you make it harder for criminals to break-in. Full Post…

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — People who bought flood insurance at the last minute after learning of plans to release record amounts of water through the Missouri River reservoir system will not have coverage for damage caused by the rising water, a federal official said Tuesday.

Barb Fitzpatrick, a senior flood plain specialist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said June 1 is the official start of the flood because that’s when the Garrison Dam in North Dakota began to release more water. Flood insurance underwritten by the federal government does not take effect until 30 days after it’s purchased, so no policies bought after May 2 will cover damage from the high water expected to last for a month or two. T Full Post…

The National Flood Insurance Program moved one step closer to an overhaul that one insurance industry official called a “meaningful long-term extension.”

With flood waters raging in the Mississippi River and the federal program, covering about 5.6 million properties set to expire Sept. 30, the U.S. House Financial Services Committee passed a bill calling for a five-year extension. The full House is expected to take up the bill in the near future.

The Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2011 will provide “much-needed improvements” to the program, which she called “an essential component” of protecting the homes and businesses of U.S. citizens th Full Post…