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☆ 6 things to do with your tax refund other than spend it right away
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-18 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

That's what many tax filers have been considering this tax season, which ends today, April 18, for most filers. As of April 7, the average 2022 tax refund is $2,878, slightly lower than 2021's $3,175, according to the Internal Revenue Service. Of course, an IRS refund is merely a zero-interest reimbursement for overpayment on taxes throughout the year. To get you started, here are six smart things to do with your tax refund other than spend it right away. "If your tax refund can make a dent to lower the balance or possibly pay off your credit card, do it," says Nycole Freer, a certified financial planner in California.

☆ Do I Need Rental Car Insurance?
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +10 min

By Ben LuthiWhen you rent a car, the most stressful decision just might be whether to accept the rental car insurance. Rental car insurance can provide short-term coverage if you need to rent a vehicle on vacation or while your car is in the shop. Types of rental car insuranceCar rental companies offer four different types of car rental insurance coverage, most of which may already be covered by your personal auto policy. However, note that liability protection and insurance for personal injuries or belongings are not included in credit card rental car insurance. When do you need rental car insurance?

Chase is well-known for its excellent small-business credit cards, most notably the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. Even the no-annual-fee Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card may prove significantly better for your credit card strategy, whether you're interested in cash-back or travel rewards. With other Chase Ink credit cards, like the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card and Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, you can:Redeem your rewards for cash, gift cards, and travel at 1 cent eachConvert your rewards to airline miles or hotel points by moving your points over to a Chase Ultimate Rewards transferable points credit card like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Ink Business Premier Card Benefits and FeaturesAs with many small-business cards, the Ink Business Premier Card comes with travel and purchase benefits that can save you money and give you peace of mind. Methodology: How We Reviewed the Ink Business Premier CardTo evaluate the Ink Business Premier Card, we compared it to other business credit cards and focused on several critieria, including:Simplicity — How easy is it to use the card?

☆ Parents and kids disagree on the right age to become financially independent, report finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-10 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Most people feel like a grownup by the time they're 18, but these days young adults might not become financially independent until years later. And even then, parents and their children could disagree on what exactly that means. While young adults said 21 is a good age to start paying some of their own expenses, older generations are more likely to think that their kids should be completely financially independent by then, according to a new report by Bankrate.com. Soaring food and housing costs pose additional hurdles for young adults just starting out. Now, 68% of parents with children over age 18 are making a financial sacrifice to help support them, according to Bankrate's report.

☆ How to talk to your aging parents about safe driving
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Chris Taylor | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

One person may represent a danger on the roads at age 65, while another may be perfectly fine at age 85. Upgrades can help them stay safe, including technologies to keep drivers from drifting out a lane, backup cameras and various other detection systems. Special licensing requirements for elderly drivers can help screen out problems with vision and cognition. Some states require more frequent renewal for older drivers, or demand regular vision checks, or prohibit online renewals altogether. For a few hundred dollars a year, you could get a $1 million policy that should let everyone sleep better at night – both you, and your parents.

☆ Amid inflation, nearly half of parents financially support their adult children, but 'it has to go both ways,' economist warns
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

To keep up with rising costs, many young adults turn to a likely safety net: their parents. On average, these parents are spending more than $1,400 a month helping their adult children make ends meet, the report found. Soaring food and housing costs are just some of the significant hurdles for young adults just starting out. For parents, however, supporting grown children can be a substantial drain at a time when their own financial security is at risk. And parents nearing retirement contribute the most to their children — to the tune of about $2,100 a month, on average, while only putting $643 a month into their retirement accounts, Savings.com found.

☆ New data shows car thefts are on the rise — here's how auto insurance can help
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-12 | by ( Elizabeth Gravier | Jason Stauffer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

The NICB recommends drivers check to make sure their car insurance policy is up to date, but don't assume that your policy will cover your stolen car. You'll need comprehensive coverage to cover theftWith the exception of New Hampshire and Virginia, every state requires you to have a car insurance policy to drive. One of CNBC Select's top picks, Farmers Insurance, makes coverage cheaper with 22 discounts on car insurance. Take steps to prevent auto theftEven if you do have comprehensive coverage, having your car stolen isn't ideal. While you can take steps to prevent car theft, you'll need to have comprehensive coverage if you want theft to be covered.

Generali Travel Insurance is a reputable travel insurance provider offering generous tiers of travel insurance coverage at reasonable rates. Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance FAQsIs Generali Global Assistance a trustworthy travel insurance company? You can file your travel insurance claim with Generali travel insurance through the company's eClaims portal. Compare Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance vs. Allianz Travel InsuranceAllianz Travel Insurance is another reputable insurance company that has been in business since 1890. Compare Generali Global Assistance Travel Insurance vs. InsureMyTripInsureMyTrip.com is an insurance broker using your travel details to collect insurance company bids on your behalf.

☆ That shiny new electric car you bought will cost more to insure — here's why
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Alexa St. John | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Car-buyers should understand the nuances of EV insurance and why it might cost more. Right now, new EVs cost more on average. The latest estimate from NerdWallet said the national average cost of car insurance stands at about $2,148 per year. Plus, there aren't as many shops with technicians trained to fix electric vehicles versus traditional vehicles." Where EV insurance and upfront costs look more than with a gas-powered car, drivers could see substantial fuel and maintenance costs-savings from going electric.

Even if you don't plan to file an insurance claim, always get a police report after a car accident. In an ideal world, everybody would have full coverage car insurance to protect themselves along with their passengers and other drivers. "When your nerves are working overtime, it's easy to forget what you should do immediately following a car accident," licensed insurance agent Ashley M. Hunter, founding partner of A. Notify your insurance agentRegardless of who is at fault, notify your insurance professional you've been in a car accident as soon as possible. In addition, things like dash cams and other technology can be a saving grace after a car accident.

Premiums can increase by almost 50% after an at-fault accident claim, according to an analysis by The Zebra, an insurance comparison website. If you run into a deer or other animal, your comprehensive car insurance would kick in. When you might not need to file a claimWhile filing a claim for damage caused to others is always encouraged, there are instances where you might consider not filing a claim. When your claim is less than the deductibleIf the repair cost is lower than your insurance policy's deductible, it's probably not worth filing a claim. "Even if you're not at fault, filing a claim could still increase your premium," says Cox.

Car insurance costs are on the rise in 2023. Here are three ways to make sure you find the best car insurance deal for you. Bundle your renters or homeowners insurance with your car insuranceIf you already have homeowners or renters insurance, you might be able to save on your car insurance by getting your car insurance from the same company. According to InsuranceQuotes data, the average driver saves about 16% on their insurance premiums by bundling their homeowners insurance with their car insurance. If you don't have homeowners insurance yet and are looking for a provider, CNBC Select has picked the best homeowners insurance on the market.

☆ Insurance-tech firm Roadzen to go public via $965 mln SPAC deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 13 (Reuters) - Insurance tech firm Roadzen Inc has agreed to go public in the United States with a blank-check vehicle in a deal valued at about $965 million, the companies said on Monday. The deal with special purpose acquisition company Vahanna Tech Edge Acquisition I Corp (VHNA.O) values Roadzen at a pre-money equity value of $683 million and the combined company will be listed on the Nasdaq exchange, according to their joint statement. After the deal is completed, existing Roadzen shareholders are expected to own 73.2% of the combined entity, assuming none of the blank check firm's shareholders elect to redeem their shares. Roadzen, which uses advanced AI to provide data that helps insurers build auto insurance products, is expected to generate about $59 million and $118 million in total consolidated revenues for the fiscal years ending March 31, 2023 and 2024, respectively, the statement added. Reporting by Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi AichOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

(See our methodology to see how we choose the car insurance companies for high-risk drivers.) Best car insurance for high-risk driversBest overall: State FarmState Farm Best for at-fault accidents: ErieErie Best for speeding tickets: GeicoGeico Best for DUI/DWI: ProgressiveProgressive Best for military members and veterans: USAASubscribe to the Select Newsletter! What's the best car insurance for high-risk drivers? Each car insurance company considers your risks differently and will price your car insurance premium accordingly. Our methodologyTo find the best insurance companies for high-risk drivers, CNBC Select looked at dozens of insurers offering coverage to high-risk drivers.

☆ Insurers Say Cyberattack That Hit Merck Was Warlike Act, Not Covered
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Richard Vanderford | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +6 min

The Merck case has attracted attention, and not just for the amount at stake or because it touches on cyberattacks, a growing risk to businesses of all sizes. “The United States didn’t say ‘NotPetya is an act of war against the United States and we’re going to launch a military response,’” Mr. Mosier said. The insurers appealed after a lower court judge sided with Merck in 2021. Newsletter Sign-up WSJ | Risk and Compliance Journal Our Morning Risk Report features insights and news on governance, risk and compliance. PREVIEWMore broadly, APCIA argued that a win for Merck could jeopardize other similar exclusions that insurers rely on when drafting policies.

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is ideal for small-business owners who fly Southwest frequently. Review: Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card the Best Card for You? How to Earn Points From the Southwest Performance Business Credit CardThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card makes it easy to earn lots of Southwest points. The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is the most feature-packed Southwest card on the market. The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a small-business rewards credit card.

"While we disagree with the allegations in this case, we are pleased to have resolved this legacy issue," a Wells Fargo spokesperson said in a statement. Wells Fargo disclosed in July 2017 that hundreds of thousands of customers had been unnecessarily charged for "collateral protection insurance," which covers auto lenders when borrowers are uninsured. The bank also concealed auto insurance issues from the U.S. Senate Banking Committee in November 2016, the investors alleged. Wells Fargo settled an auto borrower class action in 2019 for $386 million without admitting wrongdoing. In 2018, Wells Fargo agreed to pay $1 billion to U.S. regulators to settle probes of its auto insurance and mortgage practices.

☆ Auto insurance is up by more than 15% this year in some states. Here's how to keep your premium down
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Miniseries | E+ | Getty ImagesAs with many line items in your household budget, your auto insurance probably costs more this year than in 2022. While auto insurance tends to eat up a small share of a person's income — about 3% for the average person, according to the Bankrate study — you may be able to reduce it even further. "If you're working from home now, I'd definitely let your insurance company know you're not commuting to work," said Brian Moody, executive editor of Kelley Blue Book. If you were to increase your deductible to $500 from $250, it could reduce your coverage cost by 15% to 30%, Friedlander said. "Auto insurance is extremely competitive and companies want your business to grow their market share," Friedlander said.

☆ Inflation may be falling — but not the cost of your car insurance
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

At least, that is, if you’re paying for car insurance. The average cost of full coverage auto insurance has hit $2,014 a year nationally, up nearly 14% from last year, according to Bankrate’s annual True Cost of Auto Insurance Report, released Monday. It’s a lagging effect of high inflation from the last two years that resulted from labor and parts shortages, which in turn drove up the cost of paying insurance claims on car repairs and related insured expenses. “Car insurance rates are reactionary,” said Cate Deventer, Bankrate’s insurance analyst. “Each geographic area has different risks and costs of living, [so] the cost for car insurance varies across the nation,” Deventer said.

☆ Best Car Insurance Companies for Young Drivers
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( ) www.wsj.com time to read: +14 min

By Kat TretinaWhether you’re a parent adding a child to your car insurance or a recent college grad purchasing your own policy for the first time, you may experience sticker shock when you see how expensive car insurance premiums can be. Geico also has useful options for young drivers who have made serious mistakes in the past. For young drivers looking for personalized help choosing the right policy, the lack of local agents can be a significant downside. Best Car Insurance with TelematicsState FarmWhy We Chose It: Usage-based insurance, also known as pay-as-you-drive, uses smartphones or telematic-technology to track driver behavior and is increasingly popular. How We Picked the Top CompaniesTo identify the top car insurance companies for young drivers, we researched the 22 insurers ranked in the 2022 J.D.

☆ Some auto insurers are refusing to cover some Hyundai and Kia models
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Peter Valdes-Dapena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Progressive and State Farm, two of America’s largest auto insurers, are refusing to write policies in certain cities for some older Hyundai and Kia models that have been deemed too easy to steal, according to one of the insurance companies and media reports. The insurance companies did not tell CNN which cities or states were involved. Hyundai and Kia operate as separate companies in the United States, but Hyundai Motor Group owns a large stake in Kia and various Hyundai and Kia models share much of their engineering. Engine immobilizers are now standard on all Kia vehicles, according to a statement by the automaker and the company says it has been developing and testing security software for vehicles not originally equipped with an immobilize. Hyundai said it is providing free steering wheel locks to some police departments around the country to give local residents who have easily stolen Hyundai models.

☆ Auto Insurers’ Rising Rates Are No Accident
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( Telis Demos | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Auto insurers are racing to catch up with higher costs to cover claims. Investors should buckle up. Loss trends in auto insurance, propelled by higher costs to cover accidents, continue to be ugly. Travelers reported an underlying combined ratio in its personal auto business of 110.5% for the fourth quarter, meaning payouts and expenses were more than premiums earned, excluding catastrophe-related losses and adjustments in reserves for past years. That was a nearly 7 percentage point jump from a year earlier.

Supplemental life insurance is a type of coverage you can purchase in addition to a whole or term life insurance policy. Insider's Featured Life Insurance Companies Lemonade Life InsuranceNationwide Life InsuranceGuardian Life Insurance Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Supplemental life insurance is a life insurance policy that can be purchased in addition to a traditional life insurance policy. The bottom lineJust as it's important to understand what supplemental life insurance is, it's equally as important to understand what it is not: A supplemental life insurance policy should never take the place of a solid life insurance policy, whether that's a term or whole life policy. Before signing up for supplemental life insurance, it's worth considering an increase in coverage through your primary life insurance provider.

If your car is broken into, comprehensive and full coverage car insurance will cover damage or theft of the car. Car insurance, renters insurance, and homeowners insurance all come into play. Comprehensive car insurance covers theft from break-insThere are three main types of car insurance: comprehensive, collision, and liability. Steps to file a claim for car theft or break-insIf personal items are stolen from your car, comprehensive coverage car insurance, full coverage car insurance, and homeowners or renters insurance will cover your personal belongings. If your car itself has been stolen, you will need comprehensive or full coverage car insurance.

The no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the latest in Wells Fargo's refreshed credit card lineup. Wells Fargo Autograph card benefits and featuresDespite having a $0 annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card actually offers a substantial set of benefits that can save cardholders money. Emergency cash disbursement and card replacementIf you lose your Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card, you can get an emergency cash advance and a card replacement within one to three days after contacting Wells Fargo. My Wells Fargo DealsMy Wells Fargo Deals are offers for cash back when you shop with certain merchants such as Starbucks and Airbnb, meet any specified requirements, and pay with your Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card. What credit score do you need to get the Wells Fargo Autograph card?

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