Tuesday,  February 5, 2013 • Vol. 13--No. 201 • 6 of 37 •  Other Editions

(Continued from page 5)

• "Liability" pays if you cause an accident that injures others or damages their car or property.
• "Uninsured motorist" pays for damage caused to you or your car by an uninsured motorist.
• "Collision" pays for damage to your car resulting from a collision and "comprehensive" pays for damage caused by things like theft, vandalism and fire. However, they only pay up to the actual cash value (ACV) minus deductibles. Because the ACV for older cars is low, repairs often cost more than the car is worth.
• Common ways to lower premiums include: Raising deductibles; discounts for good drivers, exceeding age 55 or installing security systems; comparison shopping; and buying homeowner and car insurance from the same carrier.

• Life insurance. If you're single with no dependents, you may get by with minimal or no life insurance. But if your family depends on your income, experts recommend buying coverage worth at least five to 10 times annual pay. Other considerations:
• Many employers offer life insurance, but if you're young and healthy you may be able to get a better deal on your own.
• After your kids are grown you may be able to lower your coverage; although carefully consider your spouse's retirement needs.
• You probably don't need life insurance on your children, but you might want spousal coverage if you depend on each other's income.
• If your divorce settlement includes alimony and/or child support, buy life insurance on the person paying it, naming the receiving ex-spouse as beneficiary.

• Don't gamble your future financial stability by passing on vital insurance cover

age - the odds aren't in your favor.

Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

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