Sunday, September 30, 2012

LINCOLN NATIONAL CORPORATION


LINCOLN FINANCIAL GROUP

Headquartered in the Philadelphia region, Lincoln Financial Group is a Fortune 500 company offering a diverse range of financial services and solutions. With a strong focus on four core business areas � life insurance, annuities, retirement plan services, and group protection � our business is built around supporting, preserving, and enhancing our customer�s lifestyles and providing better retirement outcomes. Led by over 8,000 employees, Lincoln Financial provides the tools and advice to help individuals take charge of their futures.

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. Explore all Lincoln Financial affiliate companies.

CAREERS

Expect to like it here! It�s more than a job. At Lincoln Financial Group, we love what we do and here�s why. We enjoy knowing that the work we do empowers our customers to take charge of their lives. As Lincoln employees, we feel empowered by the wealth of professional development resources and ample rewards that allow us to build rewarding careers here. We thrive in a culture of excellence that embraces diversity, endorses learning and career development and supports each individual in making meaningful contributions on the job and in our communities.

For recent college graduates

We offer programs designed specifically to develop our talent pipeline of future Lincoln managers and executive leaders.

- Leadership Preparation Program
- Actuarial Development Program
- Group Protection Marketing Rep Development Program

Planners/Advisors

Discover your true potential by joining Lincoln Financial Network , our division of fee-based, independent financial planners and advisors.

Benefits

Lincoln Financial Group joins other top-ranked Fortune 500 corporations in offering outstanding employee benefit packages. Learn more about our Total Rewards programs for our employees.

Applicants with disabilities

Lincoln Financial Group is an equal opportunity employer. We eagerly welcome and encourage qualified candidates with diverse abilities, backgrounds and perspectives to explore career opportunities at Lincoln Financial Group.

If you are a person with a disability that impedes your ability to express your interest for a position through our online application process, or require TTY/TDD assistance, contact us by calling 260-455-2558. Please do not call this number if you do not require TTY/TDD assistance.

This Employer Participates in E-Verify. Please select the link below to view and read the E-Verify notices before proceeding with your job application: E-Verify Notices.

Este Empleador Participa en E-Verify. Por favor, seleccione el siguiente enlace para ver y leer los E-Verify notificaciones antes de proceder con su solicitud de empleo: E-Verify Notificaciones.

Lincoln Financial Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V

A TRADITION OF STRENGTH
We offer the stability and integrity you want

Building on more than 100 years of expertise and sound risk management, Lincoln Financial today has a strong financial foundation with ample capital and liquidity to cushion the company from further disruptions in the markets. As a result of our strong operating performance and our ability to successfully navigate the market challenges of the past, all four major ratings agencies have affirmed our financial strength ratings with a stable outlook.

We provide the focused insurance and retirement solutions you need

Our business is built around supporting and preserving your lifestyle � in your working years by helping you to grow your savings and provide income for your family�s needs following an unexpected event, and in your retirement years by providing a guaranteed source of income to supplement your savings and investments. Specifically our advice and solutions allow you to:

- Take advantage of life and disability benefits offered by your employer to protect against disruption of income,
- Prepare for retirement by accumulating assets during your working years and plan for income distribution in retirement,
- Manage your retirement income planning with tax-smart solutions, and
- Protect yourself and your family during and after your lifetime through life insurance and long-term care solutions.

Financial Strength materials

- Key Facts
- Ratings Overview
- Investment Portfolio Profiles:
- The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company
- Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York

Looking toward the future

Looking ahead, the goal of Lincoln Financial is to continue to create value for you � our clients, our partners, our employees and our shareholders. We are confident that our business model is sound, our products and advice are needed more than ever, and we are well-positioned to help you take charge of your financial future.

Lincoln Financial Group businesses are subject to financial, market, political and economic risks, as well as risks inherent to its business operations. New York products are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company of Fort Wayne, IN, issues products in all other states. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York nor is it authorized to do so. Securities distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker/dealer. The assets and liabilities of the affiliates are separate from Lincoln Financial Group and would be used to meet obligations. Securities and investment advisory services offered through other affiliates.

Forward-Looking Statements � Cautionary Language

Certain statements made in this document are �forward-looking statements.� Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the results contained in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary materially, some of which are described within the forward-looking statements include, among others, deterioration in general economic or business conditions; credit market illiquidity; lowering of one or more of Lincoln�s debt ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations; lowering of one or more of the insurer financial strength ratings of Lincoln�s insurance subsidiaries; legislative and regulatory changes and proceedings; changes in interest rates; sudden or prolonged declines in the equity markets; and deviation in actual experience regarding future persistency, mortality, morbidity, interest rates, or equity market returns from Lincoln�s assumptions used in pricing its products, in establishing related insurance reserves, and in the amortization of intangibles that may result in an increase in reserves and a decrease in net income. The risks included here are not exhaustive. Lincoln�s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2010, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and other documents filed with the SEC include additional factors which could impact Lincoln�s business and financial performance.













Sunday, September 23, 2012

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE


For more than 80 years, we�ve made it our business to give our customers peace of mind by making their insurance experience easy and convenient.

American Family Insurance understands you are looking for a relationship with a stable and trustworthy company. You want an expert, caring advisor who works toward making your insurance experience easy and convenient. An advisor who ensures there are no unwelcome surprises and peace of mind, especially in your time of need. Our knowledgeable agent advisors provide auto, home, life & annuities, health, business and farm & ranch insurance. 

- View the 2011 American Family Insurance Annual Report, available in both multimediaand PDF formats.
- Watch a video of Our Promise to the customers and communities we serve.
- Learn more about why our customers choose us.

American Family Life Insurance

You work hard for all you have. A comfortable home. A car that suits your style. Quality time with the people you love. The list is as unique as your life.

Help protect what matters most � the people and things that make up your dreams � with life insurance from American Family Life Insurance Company.

Contact an American Family agent today to learn more about our life insurance coverage options: term life insurance (including our SimplyProtected Term Life Insurance policy), whole life insurance and universal life insurance.

American Family Life Insurance at a Glance

Life insurance helps give your family a financial foothold in the event of your death.

Term Life Insurance

- Temporary protection to help with a mortgage or other temporary expenses
- 10-, 20- or 30-year level-premium coverage periods
- No cash value

Whole Life Insurance

- Premium guaranteed never to increase
- Lifetime protection that builds cash value

Universal Life Insurance

- Flexible premium
- Flexible death benefit
- Can be issued from birth to age 80

Be sure to ask about possible ways to save on your insurance premiums, including our Auto and Life Discount, available to qualified customers.

Why buy life insurance now?

You may qualify for a lower premium

Your life insurance premium is based, in part, on your age. The sooner you act, the sooner you can take advantage of a lower rate.

To plan for the future

Somewhere down the road, failing health could prevent you from qualifying for life insurance. The time to buy life insurance is while you are in good health.


AMERICAN INCOME LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


 AMERICAN INCOME LIFE�S VISION

American Income Life Insurance Company is striving to become the premier in-home life insurance sales company serving working families in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Union Heritage Life Assurance Company Limited, in the Republic of Ireland.

Building on our solid foundation of providing supplemental benefits to working families, it is with great pride that AIL serves our customers by building long-term relationships and providing coverage for times that are most difficult in life. American Income Life rejoices as we continue our �personal touch� tradition not often found in the insurance industry today � meeting with our patrons in the place they are most comfortable� their home.

AMERICAN INCOME LIFE�S HISTORY

With just $25,000 of borrowed capital, Bernard Rapoport founded American Income Life Insurance Company more than 50 years ago. Today, AIL has become one of the nation�s largest providers of supplemental life insurance to labor unions, credit unions, and associations. American Income Life provides coverage to over two million policyholders and represents over $130 million in annual insurance product sales. AIL�s growth has been sustained through high customer satisfaction, innovative lead programs, word of mouth referrals, and one of the most lucrative Agent compensation programs in the industry.

A.M. Best, one of the country�s oldest and most respected insurance ratings companies, has rated American Income Life as A+ (Superior) for overall Financial Strength (as of 6/12).

American Income Life is licensed in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, and is registered to carry on business in New Zealand. AIL also has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: National Income Life Insurance Company, licensed in the state of New York, and Union Heritage Life Assurance Company Limited, licensed in the Republic of Ireland.

AIL�s executive offices are located in Waco, Texas. American Income Life is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torchmark Corporation (NYSE: TMK), based in McKinney, Texas.

AMERICAN INCOME LIFE�S CURRENT ACTIVITIES

American Income Life strives to be the first in line whenever labor needs a hand, and we keep our clients informed of our extensive efforts through the annual Report to the Labor Advisory Board.


Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Pensions Update


The Pensions Act 2008 require all employers (other than one director-owner organisations) to offer a qualifying workplace pension scheme to all �eligible jobholders�.

Here are some important elements of the new law:

  • A business needs to identify who are �workers�.  �Workers� are defined as any individual who works under a contract of employment or has a contract to perform work or services personally and is not undertaking the work as part of their own business.
  • There will be three categories of �workers� � �eligible jobholders�, �non-eligible jobholders� and �entitled workers�.  These categories are decided on age and earnings level.
  • A National Pensions Savings Scheme requires automatic enrolment for all "eligible jobholders" unless the employer already offers a scheme, which is as good or better.
  • The Government's scheme will be known as the "National Employment Savings Trust" (NEST).
  • The Pensions Regulator will contact all eligible employers at least 12 months prior to their scheme starting to let them know the process.
  • Both employees and employers will contribute to the scheme, which will be compulsory for the largest employers from October 2012.
  • The scheme will be gradually introduced over a period of four years, starting from October 2012.
  • The Pensions Regulator will ensure that employers fulfil their duties under the Act.
  • Employers must not offer advice on pensions as this is against the Financial Services Act.
  • Employers need to be aware of the qualifying pensions and exemptions from auto enrolment.  They also need to �opt in or opt out� of the scheme annually.
  • Employers need to consider amending employee contracts and handbooks to reflect the new pension arrangements

I work with a number of associated professionals including HR, Health and Safety and Financial Advisors.  If you need Insurance, HR, Health and Safety or independent financial advice, please give me a ring and I�ll be happy to help.
  

BAJAJ ALLIANZ LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY


Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture between Bajaj Finserv Limited (recently demerged from Bajaj Auto Limited) and Allianz SE. Both enjoy a reputation of expertise, stability and strength.

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance received the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) certificate of Registration on 2nd May, 2001 to conduct General Insurance business (including Health Insurance business) in India. The Company has an authorized and paid up capital of Rs 110 crores. Bajaj Finserv Limited holds 74% and the remaining 26% is held by Allianz, SE.

As on 31st March 2010, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance maintained its premier position in the industry by achieving growth as well as profitability. Bajaj Allianz has made a profit before tax of Rs. 180 crores and has become the only private insurer to cross the Rs.100 crore mark in profit before tax in the last four years. The profit after tax was Rs. 121 crores, 27% higher than the previous year.

For more details on a summary of our financials, please click here.

For a copy of our Annual Report 2009-2010, Please click here.

Bajaj Allianz today has a countrywide network connected through the latest technology for quick communication and response in over 200 towns spread across the length and breadth of the country. From Surat to Siliguri and Jammu to Thiruvananthapuram, all the offices are interconnected with the Head Office at Pune.

Vision

- To be the first choice insurer for customers
- To be the preferred employer for staff in the insurance industry
- To be the number one insurer for creating shareholder value

Mission

As a responsible, customer focused market leader, we will strive to understand the insurance needs of the consumers and translate it into affordable products that deliver value for money.

A Partnership Based on Synergy
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance offers technical excellence in all areas of General and Health Insurance as well as Risk Management. This partnership successfully combines Bajaj Finserv�s in-depth understanding of the local market and extensive distribution network with the global experience and technical expertise of the Allianz Group. As a registered Indian Insurance Company and a capital base of Rs. 110 crores, the company is fully licensed to underwrite all lines of general insurance business including health insurance.

Our Achievements

Bajaj Allianz has received iAAA rating, from ICRA Limited, an associate of Moody�s Investors Service, for Claims Paying ability. This rating indicates highest claims paying ability and a fundamentally strong position.

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has received the prestigious �Business Leader in General Insurance�, award by NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards 2008. The company was one of the top three finalists for the year 2007 and 2008 in the General Insurance Company of the Year award by Asia Insurance Review.

Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance is a union between Allianz SE, one of the largest Insurance Company and Bajaj Finserv.

Allianz SE is a leading insurance conglomerate globally and one of the largest asset managers in the world, managing assets worth over a Trillion (Over INR. 55, 00,000 Crores). Allianz SE has over 119 years of financial experience and is present in over 70 countries around the world.

At Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, customer delight is our guiding principle. Our business philosophy is to ensure excellent insurance and investment solutions by offering customised products, supported by the best technology.






Saturday, September 15, 2012

AMICA MUTUAL INSURANCE


Serve the Customer

With more than a century of business know-how to our name, Amica is the oldest mutual insurer of automobiles in the country. We also offer home, marine, personal umbrella liability and life insurance products. Our employees are the key to providing exceptional service to our loyal policyholders.

Our Quality Service

From Amica�s very beginnings, quality service was considered a key component in the company�s success. A century later this same belief in quality service reverberates in every action performed by Amica employees. In fact, service has become even more important in today�s anonymous, fast-paced world, where decisions can be made with the click of a mouse.

Personal Service

Whether you have a coverage question or a claim, you�ll always get friendly and efficient help from Amica�s knowledgeable customer service representatives. Today, we combine cutting-edge technologies with personal service to create insurance plans to fit your individual needs and provide the information you need to make decisions.

Direct Contact

Amica does not use agents to sell its insurance products. Whether you contact Amica by telephone, email, or U.S. mail, you will have direct contact with an Amica representative. You�ll always get a friendly response, and we�ll keep you informed regarding your application, policy change, claim, or other transaction. Our service team works directly with you � no middle agent � so you�ll never have to wait to speak to one particular person.

Billing Flexibility

Our payment plans were created with one key word in mind: choice. We offer several options and payment methods to make bill-paying as easy as possible for you. And, as an Amica policyholder, you can check your account on-line to keep track of your payments at any time.



Thursday, September 13, 2012

AMERICAN NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY


American National Insurance Company was founded in 1905 by William L. Moody, Jr. and is headquartered in Galveston, Texas. The Company has multiple subsidiaries, and has operations in Springfield, Missouri; Glenmont, New York; League City, Texas; and San Antonio, Texas.

Throughout the company�s history, the Moody family members have maintained an active role in the direction of the company. Strong management and prudent reinvestment in the company�s growth have made the company a major provider of insurance and annuities.

American National offers a broad variety of life insurance, retirement annuities, accident and health insurance, pension plan products and services, credit insurance, and property/casualty insurance for personal lines, agribusiness and targeted commercial exposures. Products are distributed through career agents, independent marketing organizations and multiple line exclusive agents as well as direct distribution channels.

American National�s mission is to be the company of choice for insurance and other financial products and services while maintaining superior financial strength.

Absolute Assignment: The transfer of ownership of a life insurance policy to a separate entity. The assignee becomes the new policy owner. Commonly used when banks require life insurance as collateral for a loan.

Accelerated Death Benefit: This benefit is included with many policies today. It provides for the payment of a portion of the death benefit prior to the insured�s death should the insured be diagnosed as terminally ill. The specific requirements vary by company.

Accidental Death Benefit (ADB): This benefit is optional with many policies today. It provides an additional death benefit when the insured�s death is caused by an accident.

Actual Age: A method of calculating an applicant�s insurance age. This method uses the insured�s actual age and is sometimes called Age Last Birthday or Attained Age.

Actuary: An individual employed by an insurance company to calculate premium rates, reserves, dividends and other important figures using risk factors obtained from experience tables.

Adjustable Life Insurance: A form of life insurance which allows the policy owner to change various benefits of the policy including the face amount, the premium amount, the length of coverage and the length of the premium payment period.

Adverse Selection: The tendency of persons with poorer-than-average health expectations (higher risk) to apply for or continue insurance coverage to a greater extent than persons with average or better-than-average health expectations (lesser risk).

Age Change: The date on which an insured�s age changes. In most life insurance contracts this is the date midway between the insured�s birthdays. The date of age change depends on whether the insurer uses an age nearest birthday or age last birthday calculation for determining premium rates.

Age Last Birthday: A method of calculating an applicant�s insurance age. This method uses the insured�s actual age and is sometimes called Actual Age or Attained Age.

Age Nearest Birthday: A method of calculating an applicant�s insurance age. This method is based on a person�s nearest birth date for rate calculations. If the person�s birth date is within the next six months, they are considered the next age.

Age Limits: The ages above or below which an insurer will not issue and insurance policy or continue a policy presently in force.

Agent: An authorized and licensed representative of an insurance company who sells and services insurance policies. Agents represent the insurance company and typically only sell policies from that company.

Allowable Charge: Charges for medical services or supplies provided by a hospital or physician which qualify as covered expenses as stated in the health plan�s certificate of coverage.

Ambulatory Services: Health care services provided to patients who are able to return home without an overnight stay in a medical facility. Typically, ambulatory services include preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services provided on an outpatient basis.

Ambulatory Surgery: Intermediate level surgical procedures that usually are too complex to be performed in a physician�s office but do not require inpatient hospitalization.

Amendment: A formal document which corrects or revises an insurance policy. When authorized by the insurer and the policy owner, the amendment attaches to or becomes part of the policy.

Annuitize: To begin a series of payments from an annuity. This term also refers to the settlement of a life insurance policy under the contract�s annuity options.

Annuity: A contract sold by a life insurance company that provides fixed or variable* payments to an annuitant, either immediately or at a future date.

Applicant: The person applying for the insurance policy. The applicant may be different from the proposed insured or the policy owner.

Application: Forms required by the insurance company which the proposed insured completes when requesting coverage from an insurer.

Approved: A status that indicates the insurance company has completed underwriting and agrees to issue a policy to the proposed insured.

Assignment: The transfer of the ownership rights of a life insurance policy from one person to another.

Attained Age: The age of an individual on a given date. Some insurance companies use attained age as a method of calculating insurance premiums.

Attending Physician�s Statement (APS): Information provided by a proposed insured�s physician covering medical history and results of medical examinations. It is used to determine the appropriate underwriting classification for the proposed insured.

Aviation Hazard: The increased risk of death or injury resulting from participation in aviation, usually as a pilot. The presence of aviation hazard will often result in extra premium or the exclusion of certain benefits.

Avocation: This refers to either an occupation or an activity the insured participates in.