Insurance For Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is professional negligence by act or omission by a health care provider in which the treatment provided falls below the accepted standard of practice in the medical community and causes injury or death to the patient, with most cases involving medical error. Standards and regulations for medical malpractice vary by country and jurisdiction within countries. Medical professionals may obtain professional liability insurances to offset the risk and costs of lawsuits based on medical malpractice.

The plaintiff's damages may include compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are both economic and non-economic. Economic damages include financial losses such as lost wages (sometimes called lost earning capacity), medical expenses and life care expenses. These damages may be assessed for past and future losses. Non-economic damages are assessed for the injury itself: physical and psychological harm, such as loss of vision, loss of a limb or organ, the reduced enjoyment of life due to a disability or loss of a loved one, severe pain and emotional distress. Punitive damages are only awarded in the event of wanton and reckless conduct.

In one particular circumstance, physicians, particularly psychiatrists, are held to a different standard than other defendants in a tort claim. Suicide is legally viewed as an act which terminates a chain of causality. Although the defendant may be held negligent for another's suicide, he or she is not responsible for damages which occur after the act. An exception is made for physicians. Although there exists no protocol or algorithm for predicting suicidality with any level of certainty, courts throughout the United States have found physicians to be negligent. Furthermore, damages are routinely assessed based on losses which would hypothetically accrue after the act of suicide.

In today’s challenging healthcare marketplace, we can help guide you to better results and a higher set of expectations with our value added services. We understand your struggle to deliver quality health care and avoid medical malpractice claims. Working in partnership with your practice, we will address affordability issues regarding medical malpractice insurance, while improving safety and quality.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business remember contacting Bennett Insurance Group is the right move.  Give us a call at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Bennett Insurance Group Presents: Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Many people picture sand dunes, tumbleweeds, and dry washes when they think of the desert. The desert can be dry and sparse, although the look changes when springtime brings vegetation to the desert. When the winter rains are over, the desert comes alive with its own unique beauty and wildflowers. Yes, there are flowers in the desert. You may not find daffodils or lilacs growing wild here, but desert wildflowers are bright and beautiful. 

The best time to see wildflowers in the Arizona deserts is in March and early April. Of course, the number of wildflowers to be seen depends greatly on the amount of rain that the area gets the previous winter, so check the wildflower reports to see where the best flowers are. Even during a dry year, you can always visit the Arboretum for a good dose of desert color.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is the place to discover the intricate beauty and many faces of Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. Featured are plants from the world's deserts, towering trees, captivating cacti, sheer mountain cliffs, a stream side forest, panoramic vistas, many natural habitats with varied wildlife, a desert lake, a hidden canyon, specialty gardens and more.

Mining magnate Col. William Boyce Thompson founded the Arboretum in the 1920s. In 1917 Col. Thompson served as co-leader of a Red Cross mercy mission to Russia, where he came to understand the importance of plants as the ultimate source of a large portion of mankind's food, clothing, and shelter. It was then, that he determined to use his great wealth to improve the use of plant resources. The Arboretum is one of his legacies. The Arboretum is located 55 miles east of Phoenix in Superior, AZ. 

When considering your need for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Brought to you by:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Insurance Brokers and One Stop Shopping

Knowledge, convenience and choice are the three most important advantages that independent  insurance brokers bring to the table.

Insurance is sold by two types of agents: captive and independent. Although both types of agents can help you purchase acceptable insurance products, the independent insurance broker typically offers additional value not seen with captive agents.

The independent insurance broker has a great deal of flexibility when it comes to solving your problems. If you are dissatisfied with your current insurance policy, the broker can move your coverage to another provider and continue to act as your liaison with the new provider.  An independent broker will have a wider choice of products to offer and usually can offer coverage for items that are not available from a captive agent.

Independent insurance brokers are not limited to selling products from only one company. They represent multiple insurance carriers, which benefits you because it increases the number of products and services that the agent can evaluate on your behalf. A captive agent can sell the products of only one insurer.

Independent insurance brokers have a substantially larger network of contacts. Because they work with multiple insurance companies, and each company has its own research department, the independent broker is able to speak with multiple representatives from several companies to obtain insight about any potential problems or concerns.

The fear of receiving a biased review or opinion of a particular insurance company or product is greatly reduced when you work with an independent broker. Since the majority of insurance carriers pay the same commission, there is no advantage to the broker to steer you toward one particular company or policy.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Individual Disability Insurance

Individual Disability Income Protection is a must for a business owner, and highly recommended for executives. If you are a business owner, you should consider purchasing both group and individual policies, if possible. As an executive, you should be sure to obtain group coverage if it is available. Only forty three percent of large companies provide group long term disability insurance.

The cost of a plan provided by your employer is usually less than you would pay for an individual disability policy and often you can get coverage automatically without having to qualify medically. If your employer doesn't provide disability insurance then you may want to consider an individual disability policy.  Your chances are even less likely to get long term disability insurance if you work for a small company.

Your income is your most valuable asset and is the foundation to a solid financial plan. Help make sure you can maintain your lifestyle and protect your family's future if you become too sick or hurt to work with Individual Disability Income insurance.

If you are seriously disabled monthly loan payments are the least of your concerns; nevertheless, a disability could halt your income needed to make these payments.

Or, you may need a personal disability insurance policy to supplement an employer group plan. Be sure to check the group provisions carefully: How long does the group disability insurance coverage last? How much is the benefit? Does the disability insurance policy cover bonus and commission income? Will the coverage continue if you leave that employer?

A typical Individual Disability Income Protection plan starts to pay benefits after you have been off work for 1 to 6 months, and pays benefits for several years or until retirement age, depending on the policy terms.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business remember contacting Bennett Insurance Group is the right move.  Give us a call at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Insurance Needs and Your Business

Do you have a contingency plan to take care of unplanned events or emergencies? Is your business risk-proof?

No matter how big or small your business is, it faces risks that could lower profit margins and eventually force you to close your doors - often without much notice.

Being true business professionals, we understand how serious these risks can be. We also realize that every dollar spent counts in business. That's why we have created customized business insurance plans to protect your business from unforeseen and unexpected events.

As your Insurance agent, I believe there’s more to insurance than the policy itself. It’s about providing dependable protection and service. That’s why earning your trust is my policy.

Bennett Insurance Group, Inc. has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years and takes tremendous pride in serving you to the very best of his abilities.

Ask our sales team and you will get to know why it's pure fun to work with us.

We are a diversified group of people, past pioneers, and present day visionaries,  all moving towards our goal of providing peace of mind through insurance solutions. With a relaxed workplace culture, flexible benefit programs tailored to individual employees, ongoing training and professional development and a keen focus on internal communications, we expect to grow together with our trusted partner - you.

Our Corporate Culture

• Be accessible, professional and friendly as we strive for service excellence.

• Promote a culture with a broad range of products to meet member needs.

• Offer innovative products and be responsive to the marketplace with superior product delivery.

• Offer technology to meet member needs.

• Build member loyalty, advocacy and insistence.

• Be community-involved and recognized as a good corporate citizen.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Commercial Umbrella Insurance

Most package policies provide a liability insurance limit of $1 million for any one loss and $2 million in any one year. For many businesses, this limit is inadequate for real economic security. As a result, additional layers of protection in million-dollar increments are readily available in today's insurance market for most businesses.

Umbrella insurance refers to a liability insurance policy that protects the assets and future income of the name insured in addition to his or her primary policies. It is distinguished from excess insurance in that excess coverage goes into effect only when all underlying policies are totally exhausted, while umbrella is able to "drop down" to fill coverage gaps in underlying policies. Therefore, an umbrella policy can become the primary policy "on the risk" in certain situations. The term "umbrella" refers to how the policy shields the insured's assets more broadly than primary coverage.

Typically, an umbrella policy is pure liability coverage over and above the coverage afforded by the regular policy, and is sold in increments of one million dollars. The term "umbrella" is used because it covers liability claims from all policies underneath it, such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance policies. For example, if the insured carries an auto insurance policy with liability limits of $500,000 and commercial insurance policy with a limit of $500,000, then with a million dollar umbrella, the insured's limits become in effect, $2,000,000 on an auto liability claim and $1,500,000 on a commercial liability claim.

Umbrella insurance provides broad insurance beyond traditional home and auto. It provides additional liability coverage above the limits of homeowner's, auto, and boat insurance policies. It can also provide coverage for claims that may be excluded by the primary policies. These may include, but are not limited to:

False arrest
Libel
Slander
Invasion of privacy

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Bennett Insurance Group Presents: DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

What started as a small construction project in the early 1950s developed into a 10-acre National Historic District designed and built by acclaimed Arizona artist Ted DeGrazia.

When the town of Tucson grew near to his first studio on Campbell Avenue and Prince Road, DeGrazia and his wife Marion, a sculptor from New York, bought the isolated foothills property in the early 1950s to escape the encroachment.

Following a regional tradition of building a chapel or shrine in thanks for the land, DeGrazia's goal was an adobe mission built from the ground up at the foot of the Santa Catalina Mountains.

The artist made design sketches then gathered a crew of friends who made traditional adobe bricks with soil mixed with the water DeGrazia hauled up in his Model A. The bricks were baked onsite by the Arizona sun.

With its rock floors, interior murals and open-air roof, the Mission in the Sun was built in honor of Padre Kino and dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, whose image DeGrazia painted onto the adobe altar.

Near the mission is the original home DeGrazia built on the property and the first small gallery where he displayed his art. As his fame and finances grew, DeGrazia designed a larger gallery on the property where he could exhibit his steady stream of new originals. He again assembled a crew to make the adobe bricks and help with construction.

"DeGrazia had a vision," recalled Marion. "He knew exactly what he was doing...When it was ready, we opened the door and the people kept flooding in." The iron door, a replica of the Territorial Yuma prison gate, opened to the public in 1965, and the tradition continues as visitors from around the world flock to this legendary landmark of art and architecture that's now surrounded by a booming metropolis.

There are six permanent collections of paintings that trace historical events and native cultures of the Southwest. Rotating exhibitions display some of the 15,000 DeGrazia originals housed at the gallery, including oils, watercolors, sketches, serigraphs, lithographs, sculptures, ceramics and jewelry. A consignment room displays DeGrazia originals available for purchase, while the gift shop offers a wide selection of reproductions.  The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There is no admission charge.

Location: 6300 N. Swan Road Tucson, AZ 85718 - 520 299-9191
Website: http://degrazia.org

When considering your need for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Brought to you by:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

World’s Oldest Insurance Company

In 1666, the Great Fire of London nearly destroyed the city.  In the aftermath of the Great Fire, a number of laws and ordinances were passed directly related to the fire that attempted to eliminate such devastation from future fires. One law, for example, required that each quarter of the city be provided with 800 leather buckets and 50 ladders, as well as other firefighting equipment. Each house had to have buckets, and the occupants were required to participate in hand-to-hand bucket brigades.

Another law allowed for the incorporation of an organization to indemnify for losses due to fire. This one set the stage for the first insurance company. By the time of the Great Fire, Nicholas Barbon, M.D., was a successful doctor but was already starting to make a name for himself as a prolific writer and economist. He got involved in the reconstruction of London. As he amassed his own wealth, many of his writings had to do with wealth, value, and similar topics, he began to worry that his wealth was tied up in property that could burn in another fire.

In the year following the fire, 1667, Dr. Barbon was instrumental in forming the first actual insurance company. It was known as "The Insurance Office" and was located in a small office behind London's Royal Exchange.  To protect the houses and other buildings it was insuring, The Insurance Office formed actual fire-fighting teams. They were issued equipment and identifying badges. Their job was solely to put out fires in the buildings they insured.

Other insurance companies followed. They had names like the Friendly Society and the Hand-in-Hand, and they also employed their own fire departments.  It became obvious that there had to be a quick and easy way for these brigades to be able to identify the houses and buildings that their employers insured. The various insurance companies began issuing signs, called "firemarks," to their policyholders. In England, where this all began, most of the firemarks were made out of tin. The company would issue them, and the policyholder would mount it under the eaves in the front of the house.

So, what happened to the first insurance company, The Insurance Office? Well, nobody is exactly sure, but it eventually went out of business. The oldest documented insurance company today dates back to 1710. Originally known as the Sun Fire Office, it started not all that long after the original Fire Office, and probably while the first was still in business. The Sun Fire Office, through many mergers and acquisitions, is today known as Royal & Sun Alliance, Britain's largest insurance company.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business remember contacting Bennett Insurance Group is the right move.  Give us a call at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Valuable Items Insurance Coverage

Your possessions may be more valuable than you realize. Most homeowners policies offer limited coverage for personal articles such as jewelry, cameras, golf equipment, fine art and collectibles, and computer equipment. We can provide the additional protection you need.

A variety of property may be covered by valuable items coverage:

Artwork
Baseball cards
Books
Coins
Computer equipment
Firearms
Furs
Golf equipment
Jewelry
Memorabilia
Musical instruments
Oriental rugs
Silverware
Stamps

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Brought to you by:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Insurance Needs and Your Business

Do you have a contingency plan to take care of unplanned events or emergencies? Is your business risk-proof?


No matter how big or small your business is, it faces risks that could lower profit margins and eventually force you to close your doors - often without much notice.

Being true business professionals, we understand how serious these risks can be. We also realize that every dollar spent counts in business. That's why we have created customized business insurance plans to protect your business from unforeseen and unexpected events.

As your Insurance agent, I believe there’s more to insurance than the policy itself. It’s about providing dependable protection and service. That’s why earning your trust is my policy.

Bennett Insurance Group, Inc. has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years and takes tremendous pride in serving you to the very best of his abilities.

Ask our sales team and you will get to know why it's pure fun to work with us.

We are a diversified group of people, past pioneers, and present day visionaries,  all moving towards our goal of providing peace of mind through insurance solutions. With a relaxed workplace culture, flexible benefit programs tailored to individual employees, ongoing training and professional development and a keen focus on internal communications, we expect to grow together with our trusted partner - you.

Our Corporate Culture

• Be accessible, professional and friendly as we strive for service excellence.

• Promote a culture with a broad range of products to meet member needs.

• Offer innovative products and be responsive to the marketplace with superior product delivery.

• Offer technology to meet member needs.

• Build member loyalty, advocacy and insistence.

• Be community-involved and recognized as a good corporate citizen.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Homeowners Insurance

Is the type of property insurance that covers private homes. It is an insurance policy that combines various personal insurance protections, which can include losses occurring to one's home, its contents, loss of its use (additional living expenses), or loss of other personal possessions of the homeowner, as well as liability insurance for accidents that may happen at the home or at the hands of the homeowner within the policy territory. It requires that at least one of the named insureds occupies the home. The dwelling policy is similar, but used for residences that don't qualify for various reasons, such as vacancy/non-occupancy, seasonal/secondary residence, or age.

It's a multiple-line insurance, meaning that it includes both property insurance and liability coverage, with an indivisible premium, meaning that a single premium is paid for all risks. Standard forms divide coverage into several categories, and the coverage provided is typically a percentage of Coverage A, which is coverage for the main dwelling.

The cost of homeowner's insurance often depends on what it would cost to replace the house and which additional riders, additional items to be insured are attached to the policy. The insurance policy itself is a lengthy contract, and names what will and what will not be paid in the case of various events. Typically, claims due to floods or war, amongst other standard exclusions (like termites), are excluded. Special insurance can be purchased for these possibilities, including flood insurance. Insurance should be adjusted to reflect replacement cost, usually upon application of an inflation factor or a cost index.

The home insurance policy is usually a term contract, a contract that is in effect for a fixed period of time. The payment the insured makes to the insurer is called the premium. The insured must pay the insurer the premium each term. Most insurers charge a lower premium if it appears less likely the home will be damaged or destroyed: for example, if the house is situated next to a fire station or is equipped with fire sprinklers and fire alarms; if the house exhibits wind mitigation measures, such as hurricane shutters; or if the house has a security system and has insurer-approved locks installed. Perpetual insurance, a type of home insurance without a fixed term, can also be obtained in certain areas.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Bennett Insurance Group Presents: Bradbury Science Museum

In 1953, Robert Krohn, who was in charge of early nuclear tests at what was then called Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, decided the Laboratory needed a museum to house historical weapons-research artifacts. Krohn convinced Norris Bradbury (Laboratory director, 1945-­1970) a museum could preserve the Laboratory's history and provide a place for official visitors to learn about the Laboratory's weapon programs.

An old ice house on the bank of Ashley Pond across from Fuller Lodge became the first Laboratory museum. Already fitted with a vault door, the ice house satisfied security standards for housing the classified exhibits Krohn wanted to preserve. The ice house Museum opened to official visitors in 1954.

In 1963, Robert Porton, director of community relations at the Laboratory, expressed an interest in adding unclassified exhibits to the Museum.

Bradbury approved the transfer of unclassified exhibits to an area open to the public, and soon World War II-era documents and photographs, tracing the development of the town and the Laboratory, were displayed with scientific memorabilia and working models of unclassified research projects. In its first year, 14,000 visitors from 50 states and 40 countries visited the Museum.

In 1965, the Museum was moved to larger quarters. The range and number of exhibits grew rapidly and included many hands-on models contributed by scientific groups and divisions within the Laboratory.

By 1987, annual attendance had reached 80,000, and parking space for visitors was disappearing. Laboratory officials began exploring options for relocating the Museum site. In April 1993, the Museum moved into its new and present location in the heart of downtown Los Alamos. The building was designed by William Agnew and Associates and is leased by the Laboratory from a private owner.

Approximately 40 interactive exhibits trace the history of the WWII Manhattan Project, highlight the Laboratory's current and historic research projects related to defense and technology, and focus on Laboratory research related to national and international economic, environmental, political, and social concerns. These exhibits together with extensive educational and community programs draw nearly 80,000 visitors a year.

Location: 1350 Central Avenue, Los Alamos, NM 87544 505-667-4444

Website: http://www.lanl.gov/museum/index.shtml

When considering your need for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Brought to you by:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Car Insurance Cost Factors

While it’s true that drivers can help minimize their auto insurance premiums by comparing rates from various carriers, maximizing deductibles and qualifying for applicable discounts, the biggest long-term savings can come from buying a vehicle that’s inherently cheaper to insure in the first place.

That’s especially true since auto insurance rates are otherwise largely based on invariables like a person’s gender, their age, driving record and their locations inherent risk ratings.

According to an extensive survey of more than 750 car models and six major carriers conducted for Insure.com, crossover SUVS dominate the rankings of least expensive vehicles to insure for 2013, with the Ford Edge at the top of the list with an average annual premium of $1,148.

Of course, costlier cars are always more expensive to insure. Their overall replacement values are greater and their repair costs tend to be more expensive than other types of vehicles. Beyond that, insurance companies look at past claims histories to determine which models incur more or less damage in a crash, are more or less damaging to other vehicles, people and property, are more or less likely to be stolen or be involved in a crash and have higher or lower bodily injury claims. 

By that measure, high-performance cars tend to be costly to insure because they tend to be driven more aggressively and are, in turn, involved in a proportionately higher percentage of accidents than more sedate sedans and SUVs.

You’ll pay higher rates if there’s multiple tickets and or accidents on your driving record, you live in a big city, and or drive an excessive hours per day or number of miles per year, among other factors; if you have a DUI on your record or are considered a poor credit risk you may not be able to obtain auto insurance from a standard insurance carrier.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Brought to you by:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Group Life Insurance

Group life insurance (also known as wholesale life insurance or institutional life insurance) is term insurance covering a group of people, usually employees of a company, members of a union or association, or members of a pension or superannuation fund. Individual proof of insurability is not normally a consideration in the underwriting. Rather, the underwriter considers the size, turnover and financial strength of the group.

Contract provisions will attempt to exclude the possibility of adverse selection. Group life insurance often includes a provision for a member exiting the group to buy individual coverage.

Life insurance is an integral part of most employee benefits packages. When provided by an employer, employees appreciate the value of life coverage and the additional security it provides to their families.

Employers have a wide variety of optional plan designs to customize a Group Life plan. Optional coverages include Voluntary Life insurance, Supplemental Life coverage, Accidental Death and Dismemberment policies, and Dependent Life insurance. The premium paid for Group Life is generally a business deduction, and this stand-alone contract is usually less expensive than the life coverage provided with medical insurance.

By purchasing coverage through a provider on a "wholesale" basis for its members, the coverage costs each individual worker or member much less than if they had to purchase an individual policy. Those receiving coverage may not have to pay anything "out of pocket" for policy benefits or they may elect to have their portion of the premium payment deducted from their paycheck.

Payment from the policy may be as a lump sum or as an annuity, which is paid in regular installments for either a specified period or for the beneficiary's lifetime.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business remember contacting Bennett Insurance Group is the right move.  Give us a call at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Insurance Needs and Your Business

Do you have a contingency plan to take care of unplanned events or emergencies? Is your business risk-proof?

No matter how big or small your business is, it faces risks that could lower profit margins and eventually force you to close your doors - often without much notice.

Being true business professionals, we understand how serious these risks can be. We also realize that every dollar spent counts in business. That's why we have created customized business insurance plans to protect your business from unforeseen and unexpected events.

As your Insurance agent, I believe there’s more to insurance than the policy itself. It’s about providing dependable protection and service. That’s why earning your trust is my policy.

Bennett Insurance Group, Inc. has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years and takes tremendous pride in serving you to the very best of his abilities.

Ask our sales team and you will get to know why it's pure fun to work with us.

We are a diversified group of people, past pioneers, and present day visionaries,  all moving towards our goal of providing peace of mind through insurance solutions. With a relaxed workplace culture, flexible benefit programs tailored to individual employees, ongoing training and professional development and a keen focus on internal communications, we expect to grow together with our trusted partner - you.

Our Corporate Culture

• Be accessible, professional and friendly as we strive for service excellence.

• Promote a culture with a broad range of products to meet member needs.

• Offer innovative products and be responsive to the marketplace with superior product delivery.

• Offer technology to meet member needs.

• Build member loyalty, advocacy and insistence.

• Be community-involved and recognized as a good corporate citizen.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Universal Life Insurance

Universal Life is characterized by great flexibility. Policyholders can determine the amount and frequency of premium payments - i.e., the more you pay, the less time you will need to pay. Your premiums cover the insurance part also the savings or investment element and the expense part. The stated interest on the investment portion changes along with movement in interest rates; moves in 1/4 % interest steps are typical as banks and other financial institutions make similar moves.

Universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance, primarily in the United States of America. Under the terms of the policy, the excess of premium payments above the current cost of insurance are credited to the cash value of the policy. The cash value is credited each month with interest, and the policy is debited each month by a cost of insurance charge, as well as any other policy charges and fees which are drawn from the cash value, even if no premium payment is made that month. Interest credited to the account is determined by the insurer, but has a contractual minimum rate of between 2% and 4%. When an earnings rate is pegged to a financial index such as a stock, bond or other interest rate index, the policy is a "Equity Indexed Universal Life" contract.

Universal life is similar in some ways to, and was developed from, whole life insurance, although the actual cost of insurance inside the UL policy is based on annually renewable term life insurance. The advantage of the universal life policy is its premium flexibility and adjustable death benefits. The death benefit can be increased (subject to insurability), or decreased at the policy owner's request.

The premiums are flexible, from a minimum amount specified in the policy, to the maximum amount allowed by the contract. The primary difference is that the universal life policy shifts some of the risk for maintaining the death benefit to the policy owner. In a whole life policy, as long as every premium payment is made, the death benefit is guaranteed to the maturity date in the policy, usually age 95, or to age 121. A UL policy will lapse when the cash values are no longer sufficient to cover the cost of insurance and policy administrative expense.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Bennett Insurance Group Presents: Arizona Doll & Toy Museum

This small museum is located in the historic Stevens House on Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. The miniature classroom peopled by doll students is a favorite exhibit. With dolls dating from the 19th century, this is a definite must for doll collectors.

The Stevens House was built in 1901 by Constance Stevens, a widow and clerk in the local retail business known as the “New York Store.” This one-story red brick house was typical of the Midwestern influence and replaced the sun-dried adobe brick that had been used earlier. Of architectural interest is its unique roof system, an irregular belled hipped roof and double pyramidal roof over a projecting bay that raised the entire roof above the attic level 16 inches to allow space for air circulation.

The Arizona Doll & Toy Museum occupies the Stevens Bungalow. It is filled with a wide variety of dolls and toys from yesterday as well as contemporary playthings and furnished doll houses. One room has been refurbished to reflect a turn of the century one room school house complete with antique dolls as “students.” The museum has a gift shop stocked with unusual items for children and adults.

Location:  602 East Adams Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 253-9337
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm. Sunday: Noon-4:00 pm.
Admission:  Adults $5.00 Children 12 and under $2.00

When considering your need for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Brought to you by:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Term Life Insurance

Term Life Insurance is a low-cost way of providing maximum coverage for your family. Protection is provided for a limited number of years. The insurance expires without value if the insured lives beyond the policy period, usually 5 to 20 years. Other policy life periods are available, including 1 year annual renewable term.

Term insurance premiums will not increase during the guaranteed policy time period (term) you select. Term Life Insurance pays a death benefit only if you die during that term. Term insurance generally provides the largest insurance protection for your premium dollar.

Term Life Insurance remains in force for as long as premiums are current, provided there are no misrepresentations on the application. The insurance coverage terminates if you discontinue your premium payments.

Because term life insurance is a pure death benefit, its primary use is to provide coverage of financial responsibilities for the insured or his or her beneficiaries. Such responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, consumer debt, dependent care, university education for dependents, funeral costs, and mortgages. Term life insurance is generally[how often?] chosen in favor of permanent life insurance because term insurance is usually much less expensive (depending on the length of the term)[citation needed]. For example, an individual might choose to obtain a policy whose term expires near his or her retirement age based on the premise that, by the time the individual retires, he or she would have amassed sufficient funds in retirement savings to provide financial security for the dependents.

Term life insurance is the original form of life insurance and can be contrasted to permanent life insurance such as whole life, universal life, and variable universal life, which guarantee coverage at fixed premiums for the lifetime of the covered individual. Term insurance is not generally used for estate planning needs or charitable giving strategies but is used for pure income replacement needs for an individual. Term insurance functions in a manner similar to most other types of insurance in that it satisfies claims against what is insured if the premiums are up to date and the contract has not expired, and does not provide for a return of premium dollars if no claims are filed. As an example, auto insurance will satisfy claims against the insured in the event of an accident and a home owner policy will satisfy claims against the home if it is damaged or destroyed by, for example, a fire. Whether or not these events will occur is uncertain. If the policy holder discontinues coverage because he has sold the insured car or home, the insurance company will not refund the premium. This is purely risk protection.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Whole Life Insurance

Whole Life Insurance provides permanent protection for the whole of life - from the date of policy issue to the date of the insured's death, provided that premiums are paid. Premiums are set at the time of policy issue and remain level for the policy's life. Unlike term insurance, whole life combines insurance protection and savings or cash value which builds over time. Cash value build-up may provide a source for living benefits, for example, helping pay off a mortgage, or a child's education, or cash surrender value if the policy is ever cancelled.

These products are continually changing and we can provide you with the latest information and policies available!

All life insurance was originally temporary (term) insurance. However, because term life insurance only pays a claim upon early premature death within the stated term, a number of term insurance policy holders became upset over the idea that they would most likely be paying premiums for 20 or 30 years and then wind up with nothing to show for it.

This has become known as the "Lost Opportunity Cost" called term insurance.  In response to market pressures, actuaries produced an insurance policy with level contributions that would last a lifetime. These contracts would offer a "cash value" which was designed to be a cash reserve that would build up against the known claim the death benefit. These policies would also credit guaranteed interest to the cash value account. Upon maturity of the contract (usually at age 95 or 100), the cash value would equal the death benefit. 

By guaranteeing the death benefit, the policy owner was assured that insurance coverage would be in force when the insured died, allowing them to unlock and exploit other assets. Upon the death of the insured, the cash value would be surrendered to the insurance company and the beneficiary would receive the death benefit. If, before the death of the insured, the policy owner wished to borrow the cash value and forfeit the death benefit, the cash value would be paid back with interest minus dividends paid.

Cash values are considered liquid enough to be used for investment capital, but only if the owner is financially healthy enough to continue making premium payments. Single premium whole life policies avoid the risk of the insured failing to make premium payments and are liquid enough to be used as collateral. Single premium policies require that the insured pay a one time premium that tends to be lower than the split payments. Because these policies are fully paid at inception, they have no financial risk and are liquid and secure enough to be used as collateral under the insurance clause of collateral assignment. Cash value access is tax free up to the point of total premiums paid, and the rest may be accessed tax free in the form of policy loans. If the policy lapses, taxes would be due on outstanding loans. If the insured dies, death benefit is reduced by the amount of any outstanding loan balance.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Why Bennett Insurance Group

Do you have a contingency plan to take care of unplanned events or emergencies? Is your business risk-proof?

No matter how big or small your business is, it faces risks that could lower profit margins and eventually force you to close your doors - often without much notice.

Being true business professionals, we understand how serious these risks can be. We also realize that every dollar spent counts in business. That's why we have created customized business insurance plans to protect your business from unforeseen and unexpected events.

As your Insurance agent, I believe there’s more to insurance than the policy itself. It’s about providing dependable protection and service. That’s why earning your trust is my policy.

Bennett Insurance Group, Inc. has been in the insurance industry for over 20 years and takes tremendous pride in serving you to the very best of his abilities.

Ask our sales team and you will get to know why it's pure fun to work with us.

We are a diversified group of people, past pioneers, and present day visionaries,  all moving towards our goal of providing peace of mind through insurance solutions. With a relaxed workplace culture, flexible benefit programs tailored to individual employees, ongoing training and professional development and a keen focus on internal communications, we expect to grow together with our trusted partner - you.

Our Corporate Culture

• Be accessible, professional and friendly as we strive for service excellence.

• Promote a culture with a broad range of products to meet member needs.

• Offer innovative products and be responsive to the marketplace with superior product delivery.

• Offer technology to meet member needs.

• Build member loyalty, advocacy and insistence.

• Be community-involved and recognized as a good corporate citizen.

When considering your needs for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Is the Current Estate Tax Law is Permanent?

After years of shifting rates and exemptions, the estate tax is now permanent. Not only does it ensure stability, the new law also preserves opportunities for estate-planning using whole life insurance.

One of the big surprises from the last-moment deal that pulled the nation back from the fiscal cliff was the permanent estate tax law, which should make estate-planning go much more smoothly for advisors and their wealthy customers.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 sets the top estate tax rate at 40 percent -- permanently, after years of shifting rates and exemptions, and annual surprises. That rate is up from the previous 35 percent, but much lower than the 55 percent maximum that would have occurred had the new law not been enacted.

In addition, the lifetime estate and gift tax exemption amounts — of $5 million for individuals and $10 million for couples, indexed for inflation — remain unified. These amounts are extended permanently, for estates and gifts made after Dec. 31, 2012, according to an analysis from the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting.

Absent the new law, the exemption amounts would have dropped to $1 million and $2 million, respectively, as of January 1st, 2013.

The new legislation also keeps portability provisions in place. These govern unused credits for surviving spouses.

The fact that Congress made the changes permanent is key. It means people no longer have to do estate planning in an environment that is up and down and where the exemption amounts and tax rates can snap back to previous levels or change frequently. You can do long-term planning, knowing that these levels are fixed, permanently, and that the estate and gift tax exemption is unified.

The unified credits will help with the transfer of assets while clients are alive. Unification will also help with business succession planning.

Congress can always revisit the law in the future and make changes then, but the permanent nature of the change suggests that this is unlikely to occur in the near future.

Let Bennett Insurance Group help when you are considering your needs for financial planning or insurance products for your home or business. Contact us at 623-979-4140

Presented By:
Jim Bennett
Bennett Insurance Group
623-979-4140
http://jimbennettinsurance.com
jim@jimbennettinsurance.com

Bennett Insurance Group Presents: ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center

The ASU Art Museum was one of a few fine art museums to consciously undertake the building of a contemporary studio ceramics collection at a time when craft-based media was relegated as a decorative or minor art form. From its inception, the collection was displayed in open storage. This concept allows year-round access to a majority of our permanent collection, providing students, scholars and the general public an opportunity to view important works.

Every year, the Ceramics Research Center features three to five exhibitions on important movements and artists who have made significant contributions in the ceramics field. The holdings demonstrate the full range of technique, aesthetic approaches and possibilities within the medium.

Major artists represented in the collection include Rudy Autio, Hans Coper, Ruth Duckworth, Shoji Hamada, Karen Karnes, Bernard Leach, Maria Martinez, Otto and Gertrud Natzler, Lucie Rie, Edwin and Mary Scheier, Angus Suttie, Akio Takamori, Peter Voulkos, Kurt Weiser and Betty Woodman, to name a few.

With more than 3,500 objects and more than 5,000 square feet of open storage area, the Ceramics Research Center is an important resource for artists, students and art enthusiasts to explore and enhance their understanding of the craft.

The combination of gallery space and open storage at the Ceramics Research Center enables visitors to enjoy more than half of our collection of 3,500 ceramic pieces at any one time. They are also building an online database of ceramics information to provide extensive ceramics research capabilities for scholars, teachers, artists and collectors worldwide.

When considering your need for insurance products for your home or business consider contacting Bennett Insurance Group at 623-979-4140

Brought to you by:

Jim Bennett

Bennett Insurance Group

623-979-4140

http://jimbennettinsurance.com

jim@jimbennettinsurance.com