The auto insurance market is predominantly ruled by some reputed insurers. The top 10 auto insurance companies in the country take a big share of the pie by capturing around 72% of the market. When you go out to purchase auto insurance, you will have a plethora of services offered at various prices by different providers.
Auto insurance providers to know about
To help you choose the best, here are the top five insurance providers that you can consider.
GEICO
You might come across the witty commercials by GEICO, which ensure the company always has the top of the mind recall value with their customers. However, it is actually known for the support and services it provides to the customers. It has a customer satisfaction rate, which is as high as 97% and has been named the ‘most desired auto insurance provider’ by the Kanbay Research Institute.
State Farm
Among the largest auto insurance companies in the country, State Farm owns 17% of the total market share. It is one of the best options to consider if you want to have a local agent who can give you a more personalized experience at rates which you might not find anywhere else. The popularity of the company can be gauged from the fact that almost one in every five dollars, which is spent to pay premiums for private passenger insurance in the country, is believed to be paid to State Farm. The average premium for six months can cost you around $356.
Progressive
People who have had a history of accidents can feel no hassle in getting auto insurance when they go to this provider. It offers special rates to such drivers. Established in 1937, the company has grown and become one of the top leading auto insurance providers in the country. It offers the ease of buying auto insurance online or through the phone. Also, it gives the option of signing up through agents to the customers. On average, the six-month auto insurance premium will cost you around $462.
Allstate
The company has some great claims and high satisfaction customer ratings. However, the premium can be a bit on the higher end with Allstate. Just like State Farm, Allstate also offers a personalized experience to its customers through its local agents and has a workforce of more than 79,000 people to ensure all customer needs are taken care of. On average, a six-month auto insurance premium by Allstate will cost you around $695.
USAA
USAA falls under the category of the best auto insurance providers in the country. It has qualification criteria for customers. If you meet these criteria, you can get a great deal, commendable customer service, and fast claim response. However, the only flip side of the company is its restricted membership. The company was established in 1922 by a team of army officers. Hence, today it has millions of people from the U.S. Army as its customers. Its customers include former and current members of the U.S. military force, family members of those who are currently serving the army, and midshipmen. The six-month premium for your auto insurance by the USAA costs about $215.
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Tips on choosing the right ceiling fan for you
Read moreBuying a ceiling fan is no easy proposition with the number of choices available in the market. However, making a decision would be easier if you keep a few things in mind. Here’s a list of features to look for, to determine the right ceiling fan for you.
Design: You would want your ceiling fan to complement your home décor. Ensure that the ceiling fan complements your interiors. Antique ceiling fan designs go with traditional and vintage home decor whereas contemporary ceiling fans are more suitable for a modern and transitional space. They feature clean lines, smooth metallic finishes, and are minimalistic. If your interiors are more country, you could opt for straight lines and dark wood finishes of rustic ceiling fans. You can also go for bamboo, natural palm leaf, and rattan blades with distressed wood finishes to complement your bright, tropical interiors. Whatever style or finish you choose, ensure that the rod matches the rest of the fan.
Ceiling fan motors: The motor determines the airflow and efficiency of your ceiling fan. DC fan motors are smaller and lighter than standard an AC motor, which allows them to generate higher torque and consume 70 percent less energy. These motors also produce less heat and are virtually silent.
Energy Star-rated ceiling fans: Energy Star fans use 15 to 20 percent less energy than standard fans. They come with a minimum 30-year motor warranty and a 1-year component(s) warranty. Energy star fans with lights use 60 percent less energy than standard fans with lights.
Airflow: A high airflow operates that your ceiling fan will circulate more air and consumes less energy. These fans are ideal for garages, warehouses, and outdoor spaces.
Controls: There are three types of fan controls to choose from. Ceiling Fans with Remote Control can be operated within a 30 to 50-foot range, Handheld remote control ceiling fans are ideal for bedrooms and personal spaces. Wall Control has a range up to 40 feet. It is more suitable for kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms.
Pull Chains offers basic fan control. They add a touch of style to your room; however, they are more practical for spaces with low traffic. -
A few treatment options for asthma and coughing
Read moreChronic asthma management involves identifying the triggers, avoiding them and using rapid action medicines for relief. The use of long-term medication depends on the patient’s age, the symptoms, the triggers and what works best for them to keep asthma under control. The long-term medication generally is a drug taken daily. These help in keeping asthma under control on a day to day basis which reduces the risks of periodic flare-ups. Inhaled corticosteroids that are based on fluticasone, mometasone or beclomethasone are anti-inflammatory drugs. Their use has to be for several days to weeks. The advantage of these is lesser side effects in the long-term use. Combination inhalers are combinations of corticosteroids and a long-acting beta agonist. The beta agonist may increase the risk of severe attacks. Always consult your doctor before starting any medication.
In addition to doctor-prescribed medicines, you can always follow certain home-based natural treatments on the sideline. Cloves have been known to provide relief from chronic coughing. Boil 4-5 cloves in one glass of water. Add a teaspoon of honey and drink this solution twice daily. Ginger is another natural remedy that acts against ailments of the lungs. Soak two tablespoons of dried fenugreek seeds overnight. Take a spoonful of this the water residue and mix in one tablespoon of ginger juice and one tablespoon of honey. Have this solution every morning to get relief from asthma. Or you can make a juice with equal quantities of pomegranate and ginger. Add honey and have the juice daily.
Caffeine has been known to help alleviating asthma. It clears the air passage. have a cup of black tea or coffee. Make sure that you do not consume too much as it may lead to acidity in the stomach. You can also add ginger and honey to your black tea for added benefits and some flavor.
Beyond these, asthma cough treatment also includes quick acting short-term medicines. These are short-acting beta agonists. These inhaled medicines are long and rapid-acting bronchodilators and ease the symptoms in minutes. If one has asthma flare-up, a quick-relief inhaler can be handy and very useful. This should be rare if your daily control drugs are working well. Therefore, it is important to maintain a record of the frequency and the number of puffs of the inhaler one takes in a week. If the use of inhalers is more than what your doctor has recommended, then he should be informed. A flexible treatment plan based on symptom severity will help attain an active lifestyle.