Hard Drive Data Recovery

Ref : http://www.datarecovery.net/hard-drive-recovery.aspx

ACE Data Recovery provides hard drive recovery on a full range of hard disk drives including internal and external hard drives of all sizes, makes and models. Never assume that data on your hard drive was lost forever, no matter what it has been through. We can retrieve any data even from storage devices that other data recovery companies deem “unrecoverable”.

No matter what type of hard disk you have, we’ll perform an initial diagnostic for free. After the evaluation of your media and determining what steps are necessary to complete your hard drive recovery, we will contact you with an all-inclusive quote. No work will be done without your approval.

Hard Disk Recovery - Different Systems, Different Techniques

Hard Drive Recovery Hard drives with different architectures can be similar, but each type also has its own "favorite" failures and different techniques to handle:
Desktop Hard Drive Recovery
Laptop Hard Drive Recovery
Enterprise Hard Drive Recovery
External (Portable) Hard Drive Recovery
Retrieving Data from Physically Damaged Hard Disk Drives
If a hard disk is inaccessible, we first test the components and closely examine drive platters to determine the extent of physical damage. These steps enable us to layout a course of action for each individual drive.

Hard Drive Recovery

ACE Data Recovery engineers perform free evaluation and all hard drive recovery procedures in our Class 100 Clean Rooms. They are designed to maintain exceptional air purity, containing less than 100 airborne particles larger than 0.5 microns in each cubic foot of air. Such an environment is vital for protecting the sensitive internal components of hard drives.

We follow only non-destructive hard drive data recovery processes that include drive sectors cloning. This means that we’ll pull data from your drive on a sector by sector basis and work directly on the clone. This procedure ensures that the drive is not damaged any further and that a second image of the original structure can be acquired if needed.

Inaccessible data might be experiencing logical and/or physical hard drives failures. The process of getting data back from a logically damaged file system requires the use of data recovery software. Our Research & Development team has developed its own software to salvage our clients’ data. No special physical equipment or environment is required in such situations.


Windows (any flavor!)
Any Apple MAC OS
Linux
DOS
UNIX (select families)
VMware
Novell

How to sell annuities

Have an annuity payment that you want to trade in for cash now? Well today you can cash in your annuity with “CIYA” the leader in fast payouts for annuitants. Are program designated to purchase your annuity payments are facilitated and limited to residents of the United States so if you are in Canada, Mexico, or Central America then we are not easily able to facilitate a deal for yourself.

When you decide it’s time to raise money for a quick lump sum payment we are here to help at CIYA. Whether it’s money being used to help your family get their first home, starting a new business to become the next Donald Trump, or paying off student debt we are here to help you with the best solution and highest payout possible. You can sell part or all of your future annuity payments.
A Deferred annuity payment is not helpful to our clients who need cash now. While the asset grows and is tax deferred and distributes payments as a periodic payment, lump sum pay out, and or annuitization.

Some of the benefits of keeping your annuity is that your money can continue to grow tax deferred, is almost always AAA rated paper backed by the biggest insurance companies in the world, is guaranteed against losses and hedging your downside on your investment portfolio, income lasts and is reliable.

Why You Should Sell Your Annuity Payments

Some of the big drawbacks far outweigh the benefits and thus why we offer to purchase annuity payments from clients to help them when they need it most. The complexity of these financial instruments come with very expensive fees and are hard for most individuals to understand, you end up giving up the lump sum payment option if you purchase an immediate annuity or decide that you want to annuitize your deferred annuity contract, your cash is tied up and you can’t get to it unless we help you to facilitate a sale, Surrender charges and IRS do cause big penalties if you want to take money out before you turn 60 years of age.

How to Find a Buyer for Your Annuity

Evaluating Your Annuity

Determine whether or not your annuity is transferable.

If your annuity is not transferable, then you cannot sell it under any circumstances. Check your contract to see if it is transferable. If you are trying to get immediate funds, list your nontransferable annuity as an asset or form of income and apply for a bank loan.

Determine if your annuity is a structured settlement.

Check your contract or consult your accountant to learn about the laws in your state. Most states have laws that protect people trying to sell their structured annuity. If your state has a Structured Settlement Protection Act, your transaction will have to be approved by a state court. The Periodic Payment Settlement Act protects claimants, who received a cash sum as a result of personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits, from quickly depleting their assets, and turning to public assistance to meet their needs.

Don’t try to sell a structured annuity by yourself, especially if you are living in a state that does not have a structured annuity protection law. Talk to a trusted broker and attorney before you proceed.

Evaluate your annuity.

Before you shop around for annuity buyers, find out what the resale value of your annuity is. Hire an accountant if you are unclear on the details of your investment and its relative worth. Keep in mind that selling your annuity always result in your receiving a lower amount of money from your annuity. You will get a lump-sum payment that is adjusted with a discount rate, meaning that you'll get about 8 to 14 percent less than you would if you waited for the payments

Understand the tax implications of selling your annuity.

All annuities offer tax-deferral from the time of your initial investment. Your distributions, however, are taxable. This means that your annuity grows tax-free in the accumulation phase, but is taxed as distributions are made to you. These payments are taxed as ordinary income.

Gains made by selling your annuity before it matures are taxable as ordinary income. However, losses on the sale are not tax-deductible as investment losses.

If you withdraw from an annuity before age 59.5, you are also charged a 10% tax penalty. However, exceptions are made in various cases, such as the death or disability of the annuity holder.

You can also trade your annuity for another qualified annuity contract without paying taxes on the first annuity. These "1035" exchanges can be tricky, so check with a tax accountant or investment adviser before proceeding

Deciding What Kind of Sale to Make

Decide what type of funding you are trying to get from your sale. Investigate the various ways annuity buyouts are made. Remember that no matter what kind of deal you make, the buyer will get the better deal in the long term. You will likely be offered anywhere from 60% to 85% of the value of your annuity. With this in mind, consider alternatives to selling your annuity.

If you are just selling your annuity to free up some cash, taking out a loan might better serve your purposes.

Consider selling as a straight purchase. If you sell as a straight purchase, the buyer will give you one lump-sum payment for your annuity. You will not go on to collect future payments. Choose to sell as a straight purchase if you are trying to get the largest immediate sum possible, or if you have determined that your annuity is not serving its purpose.

If you sell an annuity contract, you will have to pay ordinary income tax on your annuity's earnings.

Consider selling as a partial purchase. In this case, the buyer purchases your immediate annuity payments for a set period. At the end of that time, you once again collect your annuity payments as scheduled. Consider this option if you have a temporary shortage of cash, but would like to continue investing in your retirement.

Consider selling as a reverse purchase. Sell several years of your annuity. For example, if you are now receiving $1,000 per month for the next 15 years, sell your payments from years 5 through 10 only. You will get a lump sum for those years, but still receive your current payments up through year 4. You will then receive no monthly payments in years 5 through 10, but they will resume in years 11 through 15.

Know that this will result in a lower overall payout from your annuity. You will get the money for the sold years up front, but it will be lower than the total value of the payments from those years.

You also need to be sure of the value of the future payments before any deals are made.

This might be a good option if you need money now, but know you will be able to support yourself during an upcoming time period.

Consider selling as split purchases. If your buyer makes a split purchase, they will receive part of your monthly payment. If you only need $500 a month and your annuity payment is $1,000, sell half your annuity; you will get an immediate lump sum for the half you don't need, and continue to receive monthly payments of $500.

Even though you've only sold half the annuity, you will still pay ordinary income taxes on the deferred earnings and any gains made on the sale.

Making the Sale

Search for potential annuity buyers. Try to obtain offers from at least five companies before you choose. Ask your insurance agent for recommendations. Search online for reputable companies. When you find companies online, use their quote form to get a free quote from them. A quote is not necessarily the amount you would receive, and it may not include the fee that may be deducted when a settlement is reached.

When you fill out the free quote form, give them only the standard information. Your name, email address and the name of your annuity should be the only information they ask for.

Do not give your social security number, bank information, or pay any fees to obtain a free quote.

Give yourself as much time as you can to make the sale. A rushed sale is less likely to get you a good deal.

Hire a broker.

If you are having trouble finding potential buyers, or if you can't find the price you think is reasonable, hire a broker. You’ll have to pay a brokerage fee, but you may stand to gain from the expertise of the broker's negotiations. Choose your broker carefully. Check their certifications to ensure that they are licensed to negotiate the sort of sale you want to make.

Ask the broker you want to hire for a quote. If they quote you a percentage, calculate it before you agree.

Look up the name of a broker you haven't worked with before. Any violations or complaints they have might be online.

Pick the best offer. Getting an offer of about 80% of the value of your annuity would be considered a good deal. Do not take a deal in which your buyer expects you to pay fees out of pocket before a settlement is agreed upon. Once you have finalized your agreement, all agreed upon court costs, legal fees and commissions should be deducted from the final settlement.

Gather your paperwork. To sell your annuity, you will need copies of your original annuity application and your annuity policy. If you are already collecting on your annuity, you will need your most recent disbursement check and tax return. If you have a settlement agreement, you will need a copy of that. Bring your valid government issued id, such as a passport or driver's license, and a written declaration that you are selling your annuity of your own free will.

Gather any other documentation your buyer requires, such as a copy of a court judgment for a structured annuity, or copies of any release agreements.

How Do Tax Deductions Work When Donating a Car ?

Donating your car to charity can result in significant tax savings if you include it in your charitable contribution deduction. However, doing a little planning will ensure that you maximize the tax savings of your donation. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to calculate your deduction in one of two ways, depending on how the charity uses your donation. Deductions for cars the charity sells are limited to the sales price. In all other cases, you can use the car's fair market value.

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Step 1: Find out how much the charity sold the car for

Use the price the charity obtains for your car in a sale as the amount of your deduction. For example, if the charity sells the car at auction for $3,000, your deduction is limited to $3,000, even if the fair market value is $4,500. However, if the charity sells the car at a discount to a needy individual or keeps the car for its own internal use, then you can claim a deduction for its fair market value.

Step 2: Determine the car's fair market value

The IRS suggests that you use a reputable used-car price guide to calculate your deduction when using fair market value. For example, go to your local library and obtain a recent copy of the Kelley Blue Book. Search the private party prices for your vehicle based on its make, model and overall condition. This type of search can be done on the Internet as well.

Step 3: Claiming the deduction

Report the amount of your deduction on line 17 of Schedule A. Since you can only claim a deduction for your car donation if you itemize, the total of all your eligible expenses on Schedule A must exceed the standard deduction amount for your filing status.

If you use TurboTax to prepare your taxes, we’ll help you determine which filing status will get you the biggest tax savings.

Step 4: Additional forms you'll need

Complete Form 8283 if your car donation deduction is more than $500. If your deduction is between $501 and $5,000, you must complete Section A. If your deduction is greater than $5,000, you must complete Section B. If you complete Section B, you must also obtain a written appraisal as documentation.

Again, if you use TurboTax, we’ll ask simple questions and fill in all the right forms for you.

Tips

• If the charity sells your car sells for $500 or less, you can deduct $500 or your car’s fair market value, whichever is less. For example, if your car is valued at $650 but sells for $350, you can deduct $500.
• Most charities will report the sales price of your car to you on Form 1098-C.

Warnings

• You must have documentation of your donation. At a minimum, the documentation you receive from the charity must include your name, the vehicle identification number, the date of your donation and a statement describing the goods and services you received, if any.

TIPS DONATE OLD CARS TO CHARITY

A charity that uses a donated vehicle for transportation or hauling goods obviously benefits directly from such a donation. However, in many cases donated cars will be sold en masse, either by the charity itself or by a dealer to raise funds for the charity. In the case of a dealer, the charity generally receives a flat fee per car, sometimes as little as $45 per car.

Listed below are tips for donors who would like to donate a car to charity. Beware that the donor's tax deductions for car donations may be limited to the price at which the charity sold the car.

To receive the maximum tax deduction on your car donation, and to receive the satisfaction that the full value of the car benefits a charitable purpose, give it to a charity that will use the vehicle in its operations or will give it to a person in need. Otherwise, your tax deduction will not be based on the fair market value, but will be limited to the amount of money the charity receives from the sale of your car. If the charity you are donating to does sell the vehicle, ask what percentage of the proceeds they receive. See Car Donations: Taking Taxpayers for a Ride for more.

Ask if the charity accepts car donations directly, without involving a third party. If possible, drive the vehicle to the charity instead of using a towing or pickup service. This will allow the charity to keep the full amount of any proceeds from selling the car.

Make sure the charity is eligible to receive tax deductible contributions. Ask for a copy for your records of the organization’s IRS letter of determination which verifies its tax exempt status.

Be sure that you get a receipt from the charity for your car donation.

Be aware that non-cash donations are one of the most common triggers to an audit by the IRS, so you’ll want to document the value of the car and keep records of it.

If the car is worth more than $500, the donor must complete Section A of IRS Form 8283 and attach it to their tax return. Donors are required to file with his/her tax return a written acknowledgement from the charity. If the charity sells the car, the charity must provide the donor with a certification that the car was sold at "arms length" between unrelated parties and the sale price of the car within 30 days. In this case, the donor's tax deductions will be limited to the total amount the charity sold the car for. If the charity does not sell the car, it must provide the donor with a receipt within 30 days of the contribution. The charity may also be required to provide certification to the donor stating how it plans to use or improve the car and stating that it promises not to sell or transfer the car. Penalties are imposed on charities that provide fraudulent acknowledgements to donors.

If the car is worth $5,000 or more, an independent appraisal is necessary. The donor must also fill out Section B of IRS Form 8283. For cars worth less than $5,000, use the Kelley Blue Book, the Hearst Black Book, or a guide from the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) to determine the market value. Make sure you use the correct figure for the date, mileage, and condition of your car. Picking the highest figure for your car model and year without taking into account other factors may not pass muster with the IRS.

Take pictures of the car and save receipts for new tires or other upgrades to verify its value.

Remember, it is the donor, not the charity, who is obligated to value the car and who will pay the penalties if an IRS challenge finds your figure inaccurate.

Give monthly to end the preventable deaths of children

Every day, children die needlessly from preventable causes—and they don’t have to. UNICEF takes proven, low-cost methods that save children’s lives and makes them available regardless of income, ethnicity or location.

Donate to Operation USA
Countless children and families at home and abroad benefit from Operation USA's long-term health, education and youth development programs following disasters and during times of extreme need. Together, we're building a better future for vulnerable communities worldwide. Thank you for your meaningful gift today!

By making a tax-deductible monthly donation of $5, $10, $15 or any amount to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF today, you can provide children with:

Lifesaving vaccines and insectide-treated bed nets
Emergency relief following natural disasters
Educational opportunities and School-in-a-box kits
And much more

Ref : https://www.unicefusa.org/donate/give-monthly-end-preventable-deaths-children

How Mortgages Work in the US

The mortgage industry works a little differently in the US than it does in many other parts of the world. Mortgage loans are treated as commercial paper, which means that lenders can convey and assign them freely. That results in a situation where financial institutions bundle mortgage loans into securities that people can invest in. The purpose of this system is to quickly free up money for the financial institutions to lend out in the form of new mortgages. The US also has a number of government-sponsored enterprises, such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, that exist to facilitate this system. Most mortgages have fixed rates, which is also a departure from the variable rates that are commonly found in Europe and elsewhere.

 How Mortgages Work in the US
Applying for a Mortgage Loan in the US
When you apply for a mortgage loan in the US, you will typically deal with an underwriter. Most underwriters work for banks, but you can also choose to work with a brokerage. Mortgage brokers don't provide loans directly, but have relationships with a number of lenders. Regardless of the type of underwriter you work with, you will typically be required to:

• submit to a credit check.
• verify your employment and income.
• list your places of residence over the past two years.
• document your savings, checking, and other financial account information.
• provide a copy of your purchase and sale agreement.

In some cases, you may not be required to provide all of that information. Some loans are referred to as low doc or no doc because they don't require you to prove any of the statements that you make to your underwriter. These loans are normally more expensive, but can be easier to obtain. Additionally, you can obtain a preauthorization before you submit an offer on a home you would like to buy. That can speed up the process, and also shows the seller that you are serious about the purchase.

Most mortgage loans in the US require a significant down payment. Traditional mortgages often call for down payments of 20 percent, but larger amounts are usually required for low doc and no doc loans. It's also possible to obtain 100 percent financing if you qualify for it.

Taking Advantage of a Competitive Marketplace
If you're interested in buying real estate in the US, the most important point to remember is that the mortgage lending market is extremely competitive. The overall interest rates are similar to those found in many European countries, but there is a lot of competition between different banks and brokers. That's why it's vital to shop around before you settle on a lender.

One of the easiest ways to obtain a mortgage loan is to work with your existing bank. If you already have a relationship with a bank in the US, the process of applying for a mortgage is relatively painless. However, you may find that your bank can't provide you with the best possible deal. It can pay off to speak with underwriters at different financial institutions. In addition to mortgage rates, you should also ask them about their origination fees and various closing costs and fees.

Mortgage brokers deal with many different lenders, so they can often find the best deals. However, it's sometimes less expensive to deal directly with a bank. When dealing with an underwriter at a mortgage brokerage, it's especially important to ask about the additional fees they charge.

Fixed Vs. Variable Mortgage Rates
Most loans in the US are fixed-rate mortgages. That means you're locked into a single mortgage rate for the entire duration of your loan. If interest rates drop, you'll have to refinance to take advantage of the situation. Variable-rate loans are available, but it's important to make sure you understand the terms of that type of mortgage.

Variable-rate loans are typically referred to as adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) in the US, and they are often available at lower interest rates than fixed-rate mortgages. However, the interest rate associated with an ARM can increase quite drastically. In exchange for a low initial rate, you assume the risk of any potential increase.

Building Equity
After you have obtained a mortgage loan, you will start to build equity in two different ways. A portion of each mortgage payment will go toward the principal, which decreases the amount you owe to your lender. You can also build equity if the value of the home increases. In either case, you can access that money through a special type of loan.

Home equity loans are also referred to as second mortgages because you use your equity as collateral. If you obtain a home equity term loan, you will receive a lump sum and will have to make a monthly payment. You can also apply for a home equity line of credit, which provides you with access to a revolving account. That allows you to withdraw and repay money over the course of a specific period of time.

US Top 10 Insurance Companies

Non-health Insurance Companies:

Company Name	Market Capitalization
Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A)	$308 billion
China Life Insurance (LFC)	$80 billion
Allianz (AZSEY)	$76.8 billion
American International Group (AIG)	$72.3 billion
Ping An of China (PNGAY)	$65.6 billion
MetLife (MET)	$59.4 billion
AXA (AXA)	$57.8 billion
AIA Group Hong Kong (AAIGF)	$54.4 billion
ING Groep (ING)	$54.4 billion
Zurich Insurance (ZURVY)	$45.4 Billion

(Source: Thompson Reuters)

Health Insurance and Managed Health Care Companies:

Company Name	Market Capitalization
United Healthcare (UNH)	$91.8 billion
Wellpoint (WLP)	$34.3 billion
Aetna (AET)	$29.8 billion
CIGNA Corp. (CI)	$26.8 billion
Humana (HUM)	$21.1 billion
Centene Corp. (CNC)	$5.7 billion
Health Net, Inc. (HNT)	$3.9 billion
WellCare Health Plans (WCG)	$3.1 billion
Healthspring (HS)	$3.7 billion
Molina Healthcare (MOH)	$2.4 billion

(Source: Thompson Reuters)

Property & Casualty

Company	Net Premiums Written
State Farm Group	$50.8 billion
Allstate Insurance Group (ALL)	$24.8 billion
Liberty Mutual	$21.5 billion
Berkshire Hathaway (includes GEICO)	$21.4 billion
Travelers Group (TRV)	$20.6 billion
American International Group (AIG)	$19.7 billion
Nationwide Group	$14.5 billion
Progressive Insurance Group (PGR)	$14.5 billion
Farmers Insurance Group	$14.1 billion
USAA Group	$10.7 billion

(Source A.M. Best)

Life Insurance Companies

Company	Total Direct Premium	Market Share
MetLife (MET)	$11.5 billion	7.98%
Northwestern Mutual	$9.4 billion	6.55%
Prudential of America (PRU)	$8.4 billion	5.79%
New York Life	$7.8 billion	5.42%
Lincoln National	$6.1 billion	4.27%
MassMutual	$5.1 billion	3.52%
John Hancock	$4.8 billion	3.37%
Aegon (AEG)	$4.1 billion	2.82%
State Farm	$4.0 billion	2.79%
Guardian Life Insurance Co.	$3.4 billion	2.34%

Health Insurance Companies

Company	Total Direct Premium	Market Share
United Healthcare (UNH)	$66.8 billion	11.70%
Wellpoint Group (WLP)	$55.7 billion	9.75%
Kaiser Permanente	$43.7 billion	7.66%
Humana (HUM)	$21.7 billion	3.81%
Aetna (AET)	$21.7 billion	3.81%
Health Care Service Corp	$14.9 billion	2.60%
American Family	$11.6 billion	2.04%
Highmark	$11.4 billion	2.01%
Blue Cross/Blue Shield	$9.8 billion	1.72%
Cigna (CI)	$9.6 billion	1.69%

(Source: NAIC. Caveat emptor: The sales data on health insurance companies is from 2007, the last year of available data. The Affordable Care Act (aka 'Obamacare') may have altered these standings.)

(Source: NAIC)

Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A.

Assicurazioni Generali, founded in 1831, is the Assicurazioni Generali Group’s parent company. The Generali Group is not only a market leader in Italy, but is also counted as a prominent player in the field of global insurance and financial products. The group, with a presence in more than 60 countries, is an international brand with dominance in Western, Central and Eastern Europe. The Generali Group’s prime focus has been life insurance, offering diverse products from family protection and savings polices to unit-linked insurance plans. It offers an equally diverse range of products in the non-life segment as well, such as coverage of car, home, accident, and health, along with coverage of commercial and industrial risk.

The group has 77,000 employees and a client base of 65 million people worldwide. It has €480 billion in assets under management and is one of the world's 50 largest companies.

Munich Re Group

Founded in 1880, Munich Re Group operates in all lines of insurance and has a presence in 30 countries, with focus a on Asia and Europe. The company’s primary insurance operations are carried out by its subsidiary, ERGO Insurance Group, which offers a comprehensive range of insurance, services and provision. Munich Re Group's home market is Germany, where ERGO is a leader in all areas of insurance. The group's newest arm, Munich Health, parlays the group’s risk-management and insurance expertise into the health care field.

The group has around 45,000 employees worldwide, working in all businesses of insurance: life reinsurance, health reinsurance, accident reinsurance, liability business, motor reinsurance, property-casualty business, marine reinsurance, aviation reinsurance and fire reinsurance. The Munich Re Group reported a profit of €3.1 billion in 2015.

Car Insurance in Colorado

In Colorado, car insurance is mandatory for all drivers. Auto insurance regulations are enforced by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, Division of Insurance.
Until 2003, Colorado was a “no-fault” state, but changed the law in order to help reduce the cost of insurance premiums and help prevent claims abuses.
Colorado car insurance now operates as a tort system, meaning that fault must be established before an insurance company will pay a claim.

Required Car Insurance
Colorado drivers must have liability insurance, which covers only the other car and/or driver when an accident is your fault.
Colorado drivers must have liability coverage at the following minimums:
$25,000 per person for bodily injury.
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
$15,000 per accident for property damage.
All other car insurance is optional.

Optional Car Insurance
Colorado auto insurance providers also offer a variety of optional coverage types:
Collision coverage: Helps cover damages to your car caused by hitting other objects, including another car.
Comprehensive coverage: Covers damages to your car caused by non-accident-related incidents or factors, such as theft, extreme weather, and wildlife.
Medical payment (“med pay”) coverage: Must be offered as part of any Colorado car insurance policy.
It is offered in increments of $1,000 towards accidental injuries.
You can opt out of med-pay coverage or purchase higher coverage limits if offered by your car insurance company.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Helps cover expenses if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance.
Rental car coverage.
Loan/lease gap coverage.
Roadside assistance/towing coverage.
NOTE: Finance and leasing vendors require you to have collision and comprehensive car insurance on any financed vehicle.

CO Car Insurance & Registration
The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires you to show proof of auto insurance to register your car or renew your registration.
The DMV will accept any of the following as proof of insurance:
Insurance card.
Copy of car insurance policy.
Printout or fax of insurance policy.
Image of auto insurance card on a cellular phone.
E-mail from insurer.
NOTE: Failure to register your vehicle can lead to penalties or fines.

Violations of CO Car Insurance Laws

Colorado imposes various penalties for violations of insurance laws such as failure to provide proof of insurance during a stop or failure to purchase the minimum required insurance. Read below to learn about the specific penalties.

Failure to Hold Insurance
Failure to have minimum liability insurance results in the following penalties and fines:
4 points on your driver’s license.
$500 minimum fine.
License suspension.
For the first offense, it will be suspended until you can show proof of insurance.
For additional offenses, it will be suspended for up to 8 months.
Required community service.
Not only do you risk fines and penalties if you do not have minimum liability insurance, but you are also likely to have much higher rates when you re-apply for insurance after letting it lapse.
Always keep at least the required insurance minimums to ensure low-cost insurance rates long-term.

Failing to Carry Proof of Insurance
You must show proof of car insurance if you are stopped by a police officer or if you are involved in a traffic accident.
If you can’t show proof of insurance during a stop, the officer can check the Colorado car insurance database to see if you have valid insurance. However, even if you have insurance, you may still be issued a ticket for failing to carry proof.

SR-22
You may be legally required to file an SR-22 form (also known as SR22 insurance) from your insurance provider if your license:
Has been suspended (or is in danger of suspension).
Has been revoked.
SR-22 requirements vary by type of offense and number of offenses and may be required for a specific period of time.
An SR-22 is not insurance; rather, it is a certification filed by your insurance company stating that you will maintain the minimum liability insurance for a predetermined amount of time.
Failure to maintain your insurance policy with a current SR-22 will result in another suspension of your driver’s license. Essentially, the insurance company notifies the DMV that you are no longer keeping your SR-22 current and the DMV penalizes you.
If you decide that you want a new insurance provider, you have to get your new agent to file an SR-22 BEFORE canceling your current policy and SR-22.

Alternative Insurance for High-Risk Drivers

If you’ve had certain traffic violations, you may be deemed a “high-risk driver” by insurance companies. If you are having a hard time finding an insurance carrier because of this status, you do have options.
Colorado participates in the Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAAIP), which helps high-risk drivers find car insurance.
Under the Colorado Motor Vehicle Insurance Plan, high-risk drivers are insured by a specific company found through WAAIP, but the risk is shared among all insurance companies operating in CO.
To seek coverage through WAAIP, ask an insurance agent to help you apply.
Policies obtained through the WAAIP tend to have much higher rates, so it’s a good idea to shop around for car insurance quotes from multiple companies through the standard market before choosing this route.

Insurance Fraud

Insurance fraud can be committed by anyone and can take many forms, including:
False claims.
Forged proof of insurance or other documents.
Business performed by unlicensed insurance agents or brokers.
If you suspect an individual or business of auto insurance fraud, you can file a complaint with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which will submit your report to your state agency through an online fraud reporting system.
Car insurance fraud costs insurance companies money and can lead to higher rates for all consumers, so it is important to report suspected fraud.

Insurance Questions

If you have a question about a car insurance policy, claim, or provider, you can contact the Colorado Division of Insurance:
By phone at (303) 894-7490.
By e-mail to insurance@dora.state.co.us.
By completing the Online Request for Assistance.
The Division of Insurance can answer your questions about car insurance policies, consumer rights, and car insurance agents.

Determining Your Car Insurance Rate

Colorado auto insurance rates are based on several factors, including your credit report.
Car insurance companies can also use your:
Driving history.
Age & gender.
Marital status.
Neighborhood or city’s safety.
Car make and model.
Points on your driver’s license for traffic violations, including DUI and DWI violations, can raise your insurance rates.

Discounts on Colorado Car Insurance
Many CO car insurance companies offer discounts to drivers to help you save money on your rates.
Savings and availability may vary by agent and can include rate discounts for:
Driver education or training.
Good or safe driver history.
Good student record.
Vehicle safety.
Multiple policies.
Since most Colorado auto insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving and driver education, the best way to get the cheapest car insurance rate is to follow the rules of the road and maintain at least the minimum required coverage at all times.

Most Cars Stolen in Colorado 

Driving a car that is known to be a target for theft can increase your car insurance rates.
The following is a list of the most stolen cars in Colorado for 2013, according to www.nicb.org:
Honda Accord.
Honda Civic.
Ford Pickup (Full Size).
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee.
Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size).
Toyota Camry.
Dodge Pickup (Full Size).
Acura Integra.
Ford Explorer.
Chevrolet Pickup (Small Size). 

California Mesothelioma Lawyers

When you or a family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma, everything changes. We understand this is an incredibly difficult time for you and your family. While no amount of compensation can buy you a medical miracle, filing a mesothelioma lawsuit can help lift financial burdens so you can focus on what’s important.

Simmons Hanly Conroy is a national law firm with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California.

The firm’s California mesothelioma lawyers regularly travel to clients throughout California, as well as the rest of the United States. Call our Los Angeles office at (310) 322-3555 or our San Francisco Office at (866) 468-8631 for driving directions or to speak with one of our experienced California mesothelioma lawyers. There is no cost to file a claim and contacting us with your questions is free.

We also know that traveling during this time could be difficult. Our mesothelioma lawyers will come to you. Over the past decade, we have represented many clients throughout California, including families from the following locations:

Anaheim
Berkeley
Burbank
Compton
Fairfield
Fontana
Hollywood
Long Beach
Los Angeles
Modesto
Oakland
Orange County
Pasadena
San Bernardino
San Diego
San Francisco
San Jose
Santa Cruz
Stockton
California Mesothelioma Settlements

Our mesothelioma law firm has recovered over $5 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of thousands of clients throughout the United States.

For California families impacted by a mesothelioma diagnosis, our asbestos attorneys have recovered over $331 million to help them pay for medical bills and hold those who harmed them accountable. A few of Simmons Hanly Conroy’s top California mesothelioma settlement amounts recovered for our California clients are listed below.

Our firm represents people harmed by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers on an individual basis, so the results below are reflective of each individual’s mesothelioma story. Results will vary by case depending on the individual’s exposure, age, diagnosis and several other factors.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and are interested in filing a California mesothelioma lawsuit, please contact us to receive a free legal consultation, which will include a detailed review of your specific situation.

Top California Mesothelioma Settlements

$5.1 million to a 60-year-old Sacramento Union HVAC Worker diagnosed in 2014 with pleural mesothelioma
$2.2 million awarded in 2006 to the wife of a California Engineer who suffered from pleural mesothelioma
$1.12 million granted to the wife of a California Warehouse Worker who died of mesothelioma in 2002
$3.2 million in mesothelioma settlements awarded to the family of a 68-year-old California Worker in the food processing industry
$2.8 million secured in mesothelioma settlements to the family of a California woman who died of Secondary Exposure in 2013
$2.69 million granted to the family of a California Shipyard Worker affected by malignant mesothelioma in 2003
$1.8 million awarded to a Santa Cruz Pipefitter/Welder who died from pleural mesothelioma in 2008
$2.3 million to a 65-year-old Los Angeles Area Homemaker diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2011
Almost $760,000 in mesothelioma settlements to the family of a California man who experienced Secondary Exposure through Coal Mining
$2.54 million awarded to a Part-Time Auto Mechanic in California diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2004
$4 million to the family of a Los Angeles Area Teacher who died of mesothelioma in 2002
Almost $900,000 granted in 2011 to a 69-year-old California Truck Driver diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma
$1.3 million awarded to the heirs of a Prison Guard from California who died from peritoneal mesothelioma in 2014
Nearly $1.2 million secured on behalf of the family of a San Diego woman working in the Aviation Field who suffered from peritoneal mesothelioma in 2007
$3.43 million in mesothelioma settlements awarded to a 43-year-old California Woman in the Medical Industry
$3.6 million awarded in 2013 to the family of a Los Angeles Laborer diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma
$5.6 million in mesothelioma settlements secured for a 65-year-old man from Santa Barbara who worked in the Airline Industry
$1.4 million in mesothelioma settlements awarded in 2011 to a U.S. Navy Veteran from California
$3 million awarded in mesothelioma settlements to a 69-year-old California Navy Veteran who also worked as a Telephone Technician
Nearly $1 million secured in 2012 to the heirs of a California State Worker
$972,000 in mesothelioma settlements allocated in 2004 to the family of a California Furnace Operator
$1.8 million granted to a California Electrician who died from mesothelioma in 2002
$2.7 million in mesothelioma settlements awarded to the family of a California Plasterer
$2.9 million in settlements secured in 2011 for the family of a California Pipefitter diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma
Nearly $1.7 million to a 69-year-old California UAW Member affected by pleural mesothelioma
$1.3 million in mesothelioma settlements granted to an 85-year-old Beautician near Los Angeles County, California in 2012
$2.5 million secured for a 78-year-old California Switchman diagnosed with mesothelioma
$1.8 million awarded in 2006 to a 64-year-old California Resident who worked in the Food and Dairy Industry
$4.3 million on behalf of the family of a 52-year-old U.S. Marine from California who died of mesothelioma
Almost $775,000 in mesothelioma settlements granted in 2013 to the family of a California Plumber/Pipefitter
Nearly $1 million in mesothelioma settlements to a California man exposed to asbestos while working for a Manufacturer
$1.4 million in mesothelioma settlements secured for the family of a San Diego Shipbuilder in 2008
$1.6 million designated to a California Shipyard Worker and Painter who died from pleural mesothelioma in 2011
$1.15 million secured in mesothelioma settlements for a 64-year-old Los Angeles General Maintenance Worker in 2005
$3.29 million in mesothelioma settlements awarded in 2002 to the family of a 74-year-old California man
$2.4 million granted in 2015 to a California Navy Veteran who worked as a Boiler Tender and was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma
Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit in California

You should know California has a unique set of laws that could impact your ability to file a claim. For example, California has statute of limitation laws that restrict the time frame in which mesothelioma patients and family members can file a lawsuit. This is why it is very important that you contact us right away before the deadline to file a mesothelioma lawsuit in California passes. Rest assured our California mesothelioma lawyers are prepared to help you understand the process and guide you through the legal system.

Our attorneys have decades of experience representing mesothelioma patients and their families. We have 40 attorneys in our mesothelioma practice who solely focus their time on helping people like you. Each attorney operates within a small legal team comprised of veteran legal staff. Team members include a senior attorney, several associate attorneys, paralegals, medical staff and investigators. This structure ensures you will receive personalized attention while your case works its way through this complex legal process.

If you’d like to talk to a California mesothelioma lawyer about a potential case, we are available to meet with you in your home or a location of your choosing. Contact Simmons Hanly Conroy today to learn more about scheduling your no-obligation appointment.

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma in California

Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. When microscopic asbestos dust particles becomes airborne, they can be inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health issues.

Asbestos is a deadly mineral that has been used in thousands of products. When microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause a number of diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Of the diseases caused by asbestos, mesothelioma is the most aggressive, attacking the internal lining of the lungs and abdomen. Mesothelioma typically does not develop until decades after the asbestos exposure occurred.

Many of our California clients served in the Navy. Asbestos was often present in products used in submarines and ships. A number of work sites throughout California are linked to asbestos exposure. Here is a complete list of sites that have been linked to asbestos in California:

Burbank

Lockheed Martin Aircraft Terminal

Lockheed Martin Aircraft Service

Camp Pendleton

Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base

U.S. Marine Base Field Medical School

Long Beach

Long Beach Naval Station

Long Beach Naval Shipyard

Bethlehem Steel Shipyard

California Shipbuilding Company

Todd Shipyard

Proctor & Gamble Plant

U.S.S. Cavalier

U.S. Naval Shipyard

Los Angeles

Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) Refinery

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

ARCO Twin Towers

Los Angeles County Jail

Tishman Office Building

Firestone Tire Store

Ford Assembly Plant

Southern Edison Building

Texas Corporation Office Building

University of California Medical Center

Western Pipe & Steel Company

U.S. Rubber Tire & Synthetic Rubber Plant

Union Pacific Switchyard

Western Pipe & Steel Plant

Richmond

Standard Oil Refinery

Chevron Refinery

Willamette Shipyard

Shell Oil Refinery

Richmond Kaiser Shipyards (#1- #4)

San Bernardino

Norton Air Force Base

San Diego

San Diego Naval Shipyard

Naval Training Center (NTC)

San Diego Naval Base

Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar

Naval Station (NAVSTA) 32nd Street

Campbell Shipyard

Conair Aircraft Plant

San Diego Marine Base

Point Loma Naval Submarine Base

U.S. Navy Troop Transport Ship

Southwest Marine Shipyard

Industrial Command U.S. Naval Repair Base

Camp Kearney

National Steel Shipbuilding (NASSCO) aka General Dynamics

Consolidated Aircraft Corp

San Diego Gas & Electric Building

Naval Supply Center

Naval Housing

Port Nimitz Naval Base

San Diego Power Plant

San Diego Military Station

Silver Gate Power Plant

San Diego Radio School

Silver Gate Power Plant

Valley Electric

San Francisco

Hunters Point Naval Shipyard

San Francisco Naval Shipyard

Bethlehem Steel Shipyard

Treasure Island Naval

Moore Drydock Shipyard

U.S. Naval Base

Western Pipe & Steel Shipyard

Candlestick Park Office Building

Western Pipe & Steel

Southern Pacific Railroad Office Buildings A and B

U.S. Steel Shipyard

Wilmington

ARCO Refinery (Atlantic Richfield Co)

Consolidated Steel Shipyard

Texaco Refinery

Bethlehem Steel

Union Oil Refinery

ARCO Oil Company

UNOCAL Oil Refinery

Standard Oil

These are not the only California companies that used asbestos. If you believe your occupational asbestos exposure may have caused a mesothelioma diagnosis for you or someone you love, contact one of our California mesothelioma attorneys today for a free legal consultation.