Dreamboard – Jennifer August 23, 2012
Posted by Meike Suggars in Dreamboard - Client Stories, Income Protection, Personal Insurance.Tags: Income Protection, income protection claim, insurance claim
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Meet Jennifer, aged 51 & on Income Protection claim
First thought when you found out your claim was successful and you were going to get paid by your insurer?
I signed up in 1996 for income protection insurance. My business was doing really well and I was 36 years of age, I had very good health, although I declared previous illnesses. Within 6 weeks of signing up I went to Cairns to sell books and was bitten by a mozzy and came down with a RossRiver style virus. I was extremely ill for several months and I was amazed at the ease that my claim was paid and that I was receiving money that allowed me to pay my bills, after I only had the insurance for six weeks!
I have had several claims since then, unfortunately in 2003 I had a series of bad falls where I ruptured a disk in my back, eventually in 2007 I had a spinal operation. I have now been on claim since 2007 and although we have had a great deal of opposition from the insurance company to pay me regularly I can honestly say without Suggars and Assoc and their advice, I would not have been able to deal with the machinations of the insurance company on my own.
What would have happened if you hadn’t been insured?
I hate to think what my life would have been like now if I hadn’t taken that insurance out when I was well and able person. I wouldn’t have my business, I probably would not have been able to continue my rehabilitation which has been long, continual and ongoing. When you are 36 you can-not imagine being in your 50’s and disabled. It is true to say that you never know what is going to happen in the future but taking out and having the advice from Suggars and Associates has been a very important part of my recovery. I will add that as I am now permanently disabled I will be receiving money from the insurance company until age 65.
How did working with Suggars & Associates help you during the claim process?
Insurance companies can be tricky, they can make you jump through many hoops and can make your life hell at times. Particularly when you are in pain or on drugs for the pain and perhaps thinking less than clearly. It is very important to have people like Suggars and Associates who are there for you, they don’t work for the insurance company they work for you. This is very important and when you are ill you need someone working for you.
Anything else to say?
Obviously over such a long period of time I have come to know Jeff and Meike very well. Mostly Jeff has helped me but it is wonderful to see Meike Suggars coming into the business and offering the same excellent service and attention to detail that her Father has given me since 1996. I also have my Superannuation and my Life Insurance organized through Suggars and Associates, with no problems at all. Although I haven’t used my Life Insurance yet, nor do I plan to for some time, LOL!
Dreamboard – Jess August 6, 2012
Posted by Meike Suggars in Dreamboard - Client Stories, Income Protection.Tags: Income Protection, income protection claim, insurance claim
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Meet Jess, aged 26 & on Income Protection claim
First thought when you found out your claim was successful and you were going to get paid by your insurer?
I was shocked, and incredibly surprised seeing as though for one thing, I didn’t think it would be a viable claim in the first place and second, because it took SOOOOO long because the company was such a pain! I never thought we would get through it – but we did!
What would have happened if you hadn’t been insured?
I wouldn’t have been able to take the time needed, as I am now, to do as much rehabilitation work as possible to get as well recovered as I can be, so I can one day get back to doing some kind of work.
How did working with Suggars & Associates help you during the claim process?
Apart from being frustrated at the length of time that it took to go through – which had nothing to do with Suggars & Associates; the holdup was coming from the other end – it was so easy. There would be no way that I would have even thought to have claimed if it weren’t for Meike, and I certainly wouldn’t have had the patience that she did to see it through to the very end
Anything else to say?
Just a big THANK YOU!
What happens to your income if you can’t work? March 9, 2010
Posted by Meike Suggars in Income Protection, Personal Insurance.Tags: Income Protection, income protection insurance
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This is a question that most people don’t ask themselves until it’s too late – they’ve been diagnosed with a traumatic illness or have had a serious accident that means they’re off work for an extended period.
The obvious answer is if you can’t work you lose your income. The bills start to mount up, and so does the stress – instead of focusing on getting better, you’re worrying about how to pay the mortgage repayments, or pay the school fees.
But there is an alternative.
Income Protection Insurance allows you to protect your income from the risk of illness or injury. After being off work for a specified waiting period, you can make a claim and the insurance company will pay a monthly benefit equivalent to 75% of your income – in many cases, until you’re able to go back to work.
There are a number of different income insurance policies available from a variety of insurance companies, and different policies suit different people depending on their occupation and employment status. The amount of cover you need will depend on your financial obligations and there are many optional extras. Talking to an insurance adviser with access to a variety of products in the market, such as Suggars & Associates, will help you understand your needs and find the best policy available to suit your circumstances.
Like any personal insurance, the best time to take out income protection is while you’re fit and healthy to avoid paying loadings that may apply if you’ve already been diagnosed with a medical condition. Once you have your income protection in place, it remains in force for as long as you continue to pay your premiums – so no matter what happens to your health in the future, you’re protected from losing your income.
The moral of the story? Don’t wait until it’s too late! Protect your income and your lifestyle, and that of your loved ones, by making sure you have adequate income protection insurance. Contact Suggars & Associates to make an appointment and get covered.
The advice in this article is of a general nature only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. You should seek financial advice before making any investment or financial decisions.
