Accident Claims

What is an Accident Claim?

If you or your loved one has been involved in an accident, it may be possible to make a compensation claim for the injuries and financial losses suffered as a result. A personal injury claim will be successful if we can prove that another individual or an organisation is at least partly responsible for what happened.

Reasons you might need an expert solicitor:

• If you or a loved one have been involved in a road accident as a driver, pedestrian, passenger, cyclist or motorcyclist

• If your child has been involved in a different type of accident, such as a serious playground accident or an accident at school or nursery

• If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident at work such as falling from a height, an object has fallen on you or your limb has been caught in an unguarded or defective machine

• If you or your loved one has developed an illness or disease through their work

• If you or a loved one have been involved in a different type of accident, for example a fall in a public place

Injury compensation claims

Accident at work compensation claims :

Workplace accidents in offices, construction sites, factories & military service.

Birth injury:

Pregnancy & birth injuries caused by medical mistakes and inadequate care.

Faulty product :

From machinery, gadgets and tech to out of date food, if it’s faulty it’s not your fault.

Hospital negligence claims:

Personal injury caused by malpractice or inadequate care.

Medical negligence compensation claims:

Injuries caused by clinical negligence & lack of care in NHS & private medical institutions.

NHS negligence :

Harm and injuries caused by hospital negligence, GP negligence & dental errors.

Personal injury compensation claims:

Physical and mental from repetitive strain injury, spinal injury & brain damage to PTSD.

Road traffic accident compensation claims:

Drivers & passengers in car accidents and motor cycle accidents, cyclists & pedestrians.

Slips, trips & falls:

Minor to life-changing injuries from accidents in public spaces.

Surgical negligence:

Poor outcome and injuries as a result of surgical mistakes in all types of surgeries.

Home warranties

• 
  
  home warranty is an optional service contract that covers the cost to repair or replace an appliance or system when it breaks down over time from normal wear and tear. With a home warranty plan, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing that the cost of unexpected home repairs will be limited. Most often, all you’ll pay is a relatively small service fee.

• Q.
• Are home warranties worth it?
• A.
• Yes, home warranties are well worth the cost. You’ll trade costly repairs for as little as $29 per month. A home warranty is especially worthwhile in times when your budget is thin and your nerves are shot, i.e. during the holiday season or when you close on a new house. Second, don’t overlook the peace of mind you’ll feel when your major home systems and appliances are protected. And finally, the best home warranty providers give you access to a network of licensed professionals in your area. You won’t have to read plumber reviews or ask your neighbors for a referral ever again.

• Q.
• Should I get a home warranty plan?
• A.
• Yes, you should get a home warranty plan if you want to avoid paying full price for expensive home repair and replacement costs. House Method suggests home warranties to all homeowners including home buyers—especially first-time home buyers—and sellers, realtors, and rental property owners. A home warranty may not be necessary if you have a brand new house that’s still protected under a builder’s warranty or if your home is larger than 5,000 square foot.

• Q.
• How much is a one-year home warranty?
• A.
• Most home warranties cost $25–$67 per month, but we consider premiums lower than $50 to be an affordable home warranty. We found that companies that offer custom coverage or build-your-own plans are the cheapest home warranties. We’ve heard several complaints about providers raising their prices year after year. Unfortunately, this is common as the demand for home warranties increase. You can always ask if you can lock in a price at the time of signing. Sometimes home warranty companies will guarantee your rate if you pay for a three- or five-year plan. This is a large sum of money upfront, but you can usually cancel any time and receive a refund for the amount you don’t use. Ask the company about cancellation policies and fees. We’ve seen fees range from $50 to $75.

Q.

Who pays for a home warranty?

A.

Home buyers and sellers, realtors, and rental property owners can all buy a home warranty and benefit from a home protection plan. Home buyers will pay for home warranty coverage if they purchase the plan after closing. However, it’s becoming more common for the seller to pay for a one-year home warranty if they offer it as part of the home sale. Real estate agents sometimes pay for a home warranty for the seller in order to cover potential repairs that crop up while the home is listed. Realtors may also offer a home warranty to the buyers they’re representing as a kind of thank-you gift and a way to ease anxious buyers’ minds. Rental property owners can bake the cost of a home warranty into the tenant’s monthly rent.

Factors to consider before buying a warranty

Availability First, you’ll want to make sure the companies you speak with offer coverage in your state or zip code. Unfortunately, not all plans offer coverage nationwide. If you want immediate reliable coverage, be sure to check customer service hours and confirm if there is a waiting period before your coverage begins.Appliance & System AgeStart by comparing coverage options for the systems and appliances in your home that you can’t live without. It is also helpful to consider the age of the items in your home as older appliances and systems are more likely to need repair or replacement. As you consider home warranty providers, make sure they offer coverage for these most essential and older items in your home or property.

Plan Options & Add-ons If you’re only interested in protecting a few or specific appliances, look for a customizable option so you can only pay for coverage that’s worth the cost for you. Also, consider if there are extra things that you need to be covered such as a pool or spa or roof coverage. When you speak with an agent, make sure to confirm you get all of the coverage you need without paying for the things you don’t.

How to get the best home warranty deal

When you speak with a sales agent be sure to inquire about special offers and deals. Many home warranty companies offer monthly or seasonal discounts and many are willing to discount pricing if you pay upfront or commit for more than one year.

Unclaimed Assets Processes

Did you know that the government holds unclaimed assets until the rightful owners or beneficiaries reques

t them? Finding unclaimed money can be as easy as filling out some forms – digital or paper, depending on your state – from the comfort of your home. You can do a free unclaimed funds search through your state website or other government resources. 

Unclaimed funds can include cash from old accounts, property, lost paychecks, and more. You may not realize you are missing any money until you complete a search. A free unclaimed money search could mean a couple of bucks or even thousands back in your pocket. 

How You Can Have Unclaimed Money Without Knowing It

You may think it is not worth checking for unclaimed money if you are on top of your finances or have few assets to keep track of. But you might be surprised what an unclaimed assets search can turn up, such as overpaid balances or unknown inheritance. Some people even have unclaimed money from deceased relatives without knowing it.

Assets become “unclaimed” when the agency cannot find the owner. For example, checking and savings bank accounts become dormant – or inactive – after a period without transactions, like deposits and withdrawals. After a year or two of no activity, the bank can close the account and turn funds over to the government. 

Likewise, you can conduct an unclaimed property search for unpaid wages, retirement accounts, and pensions from former employers. Former employers might transfer your 401(k) to the state if you fail to transfer the money when you switch jobs. 

The most common types of unclaimed assets include the following:

• Credit balances and overpayments
• Deposits
• Dormant bank accounts
• Refunds
• Stocks, dividends, and annuities
• Taxes
• Trust distributions 
• Uncashed checks 
• Unclaimed insurance payments

Millions in IRS unclaimed money sits with the agency if it cannot deliver federal tax refunds or if taxpayers do not claim their funds. For instance, the IRS may send your refund to the wrong address if you fail to tell them you moved. 

You can lose, forget, or otherwise overlook money. System glitches can erase contact information, organizations can close, and checks go to the wrong address. Whatever the reason, you can search for your missing money in just minutes. 

Where to Search for Unclaimed Property

Each state has a government list of unclaimed assets, usually on the treasurer’s website. You may need to do an unclaimed assets search on several websites if you have lived in multiple states. Likewise, some databases are for particular asset types. 

Whatever the reason, you can search for missing money on your state’s website. You may be able to use a multi-state database for some states, but not all states have this option. Each state sets its rules on how to claim assets. 

For instance, some have a free unclaimed money search by Social Security number, while others only require your name. Almost all government sites allow you to search free of charge. 

Some other government agencies that have unclaimed asset databases include:

• The Department of Labor for money from employers
• The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for funds from failed banks
• The National Credit Union Administration for unclaimed deposits 
• The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for retirement benefits
• The Security and Exchange Commission for money owed to investors
• HUD/FHA for mortgage insurance refunds
• National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators for state databases
• Treasury Hunt for unclaimed U.S. securities and payments
• Veterans Affairs for VA life insurance
• U.S. Courts for unclaimed funds in bankruptcy cases

Generally, you do not need to pay anything to search for misplaced money. However, you may consider hiring a firm if you are looking for several thousands of dollars. For instance, you may need professional help to find money you inherited or lost from a business closure. 

Finder firms can charge 10 to 40 percent of your claimed assets. Some firms can locate your assets before the state or federal government possesses them. You may be able to avoid paying the fee by waiting a year or two and then claiming the funds on your own. Also be very careful when interacting with a finder firm to avoid fraud or scams.

About the Unclaimed Asset Process 

Most free unclaimed money search platforms are simple to use. Depending on which type of unclaimed property you are looking for, you may just need your name and some documents to prove you are the rightful owner. The claims process varies by state and agency. 

The usual steps to claim assets are as follows: 

• Go to the appropriate website, such as the unclaimed assets office for your state and federal agencies.
• Search for your assets by entering your personal information, like name and location. You may need to enter your Social Security number for some government databases.
• Submit required information. Once you identify your property, you may need to furnish a copy of your identification or other documents and information that prove you are the rightful owner. The agency may require notary services in some cases, such as for more than $1,000. 
• Wait for claim processing, which can take around 30 to 90 days.
• Receive your payment. Most agencies mail a check for the amount of your funds.

The claims process may be different in your state. Likewise, who you are in relation to the funds can affect which information to submit. For example, you may have more paperwork or steps if you are the successor or any other claimant type besides the owner. 

What to Do With Unclaimed Assets

Unexpected unclaimed property can help pay for life’s many expenses. You can cover the cost of a coffee or college, depending on the amount of your recently discovered assets. Generally, you can use the cash however you want. 

Some assets may have limited options. For instance, funds from 401(k)s and IRAs may need to remain retirement funds or you risk incurring an early withdrawal tax. 

Physical assets – such as jewelry or land – may also have some conditions. If you discover you are a land owner after a distant relative deeds property to you, you may owe back taxes or have other expenses. Or, you may need to talk with other owners if you own just a fraction of an asset, such as a split inheritance with your siblings. 

You could cash out or continue to hold newly claimed stocks and bonds. The current value of these assets could be wildly different than when initially purchased. The value would be the amount sold if the organization or government liquified the investments.

Tips to get a cheaper car insurance rate in Canada

Get quotes from as many insurance companies as you can.  

Car insurance is mandatory in Canada, but that doesn’t mean you need to stick with your current car insurance provider or the one favoured by your family and friends.

Car insurance providers will happily offer you a quote at no charge. This way, you can get a close estimate of what you can expect to pay annually.

Don’t take our word for it: even the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada recommends applying for quotes as the first step when buying car insurance.

A licensed insurance broker can retrieve multiple quotes for you.

You can also use a rates comparison site like insuranceattorney.xyz Our network includes over 30 Canadian insurance providers. We’ll show you what rates insurance companies are willing to offer you, starting with your lowest quote.

Make sure your application is accurate. 

When you apply for quotes through a broker, you want to make sure that the information you provided during the screening process is accurate.

That way, you know the rates offered to match what you’ll be charged when signing the contract.

You can expect to be asked about the following:

• Vehicle information (year purchased, make, model)
• Driver information (licensing dates, claims and convictions history)
• Discount information (interest in bundling home insurance)

Many car insurance providers and brokers offer the ability to apply online for quotes. One thing to watch out for is sites that ask too few questions.

Rethink how much insurance you really need  

We’re not suggesting you skimp on insurance coverage to save some money in the immediate future. However, you could wind up adding optional insurance coverage to your policy that might not be worth the investment. For example, collision and comprehensive coverage on an older car: you could use the money you would pay for these extras and invest it into buying a new car out of pocket.

One place where many Canadians are chronically underinsured, though, is third-party liability insurance. The mandatory minimum limit in most provinces is around $200,000, whereas insurance experts recommend increasing it to at least $1 million. After all, the cost of legal expenses, decisions, and medical care have increased since the minimum limit was set.

Offer to pay for the whole year upfront  

This might not be feasible if you’re a young and inexperienced driver (this group tends to pay some of the highest rates). But, if you’re a driver in your thirties or older with a clean driving and insurance record, paying for the whole year upfront will often save you some cash.

When you pay month-to-month, administrative fees are tacked onto your bill. You’re saving the car insurance provider money when you pay for the year at renewal time.

Apply for as many discounts as possible 

Insurance companies offer lots of discounts. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Winter tires discount: In Ontario, you can save about 5% annually on your insurance if you keep winter tires between Nov. 1 to Apr. 1. The winter tire discount is applied at renewal time.
• Dashboard camera discounts: If the time comes to make a claim on your insurance, video footage from your dashcam will provide objective evidence, making it easier for insurance adjusters to determine fault.
• Anti-theft device: Insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who make investments to make their cars harder to steal. Insurers favour the following devices:
  • Starter disablers
  • GPS trackers
  • Car alarms
  • Steering wheel locks

You might consider using a combination of devices. Faraday bags are a must-have accessory for all cars with keyless entry: these pouches will block any signal that tries to clone your key fob.

Try usage-based insurance  

This product qualifies as a discount, but it gets its own section given what a game-changer it has proven itself to be for urban drivers.

Think of it like one of those retro pay-as-you-go cell phone plans.

With usage-based insurance (UBI), you pay for a baseline number of annual kilometres, usually about 10,000 km. If you exceed that, your insurance company will charge you for every extra 1,000 km or so.

In order for the insurer to keep tabs on your mileage, you must install a monitoring device in your car.

Try telematics  

Telematics is similar to UBI. It adds a layer of data collection, though. With a telematics device installed, your insurance provider will monitor your driving patterns, like your average driving and braking speeds, not just your kilometres.

You must install a monitoring device or an app on your phone to participate. It can amount to discounts in the region of 20% at renewal time plus an initial discount for signing up.

One thing to note is that insurance companies are allowed to use your data against you in Ontario. If the device detects unsafe driving, your insurer could increase your premium.

Keep insurance costs in mind when you shop for a new car

The make and model of the car you choose will determine how much you pay for insurance.

Used cars that have already depreciated in value usually command lower auto insurance rates.

Despite being older, some used cars still attract thieves. If you want to keep insurance costs down, consider checking to see if the car you’re eyeing has made it on the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s most stolen list. Cars that make the list usually have higher than average insurance premiums.