The Bensman Group


Insurable Interests

Bensman Risk Management, Inc.
2333 Waukegan Road Suite 275
Bannockburn, IL 60015
847-572-0800 Phone
847-572-0502 Fax

Insurable Interests may offer general financial, insurance, tax and business ideas. However, due to the ever-changing tax laws as well as the complexity of the financial industry, you should seek professional advice before implementing any of the ideas contained in this newsletter. The Bensman Group, Bensman Associates Ltd., Bensman Risk Management, Inc. or Schemata, LLC. assumes no liability whatsoever in connection with the use of this newsletter.

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Insurable Interests

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VOL. 6, ISSUE 1   •   SEPTEMBER, 2010
Be Careful to Avoid Dog-Bite Claims
Man's best friend can become your worst enemy if you find yourself on the wrong end of a dog-bite claim. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 12   •   AUGUST, 2010
Should You Raise Your Homeowners Deductible?
If you are thinking about raising your deductible in order to lower your homeowners insurance premium, there are some things you should consider. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 11   •   JULY, 2010
Someone You Should Know: Amy Meyer
From time to time, we have a special feature called "Someone You Should Know," which introduces you to the people who work at The Bensman Group. In this issue, we profile Amy Meyer, Personal Lines Manager. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 10   •   JUNE, 2010
The State of the Economy and Its Impact on You: A Risk Management Perspective
In times like these, when there is so much uncertainty, it's important to focus on the things we can control and take care of the people who rely on us. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 9   •   MAY, 2010
Buyer Beware of Foreclosed Homes
If you are considering buying a home out of foreclosure, there are some things you should know before you move ahead. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 8   •   APRIL, 2010
Healthcare: We're All in this Together
Now that the dust has settled, it's time to take a look at what we know -- and what we don't know -- about the new healthcare reform law. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 7   •   MARCH, 2010
Understand Your Obligations for Household Employees
If you have household employees, such as a nanny or a housekeeper, you also have tax and other obligations for that employee. If you don't meet those obligations, you could end up in hot water with the IRS. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 6   •   JANUARY, 2010
Someone You Should Know: Barb Hill
As Senior Account Manager for Employee Benefits, Barb Hill answers questions, negotiates with insurers and, most importantly, builds relationships with clients. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 5   •   JANUARY, 2010
Don't Put Off Planning Your Estate
Even if you don't think you have an estate plan, you do. The problem is that it is the state, and not you, that decides how to distribute your estate unless you act. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 4   •   DECEMBER, 2009
Finding the Real Holiday Spirit
In early December, about 25 employees of The Bensman Group volunteered at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 3   •   NOVEMBER, 2009
Check the Coverage on Fine Wines
If you have a collection of fine wines, make sure that you have the right kind of coverage to protect your investment. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 2   •   OCTOBER, 2009
Someone You Should Know: Jill Johnson
Earlier this year, we announced a special feature called "Someone You Should Know," which introduces you to the people who work at The Bensman Group. In this issue, we profile Jill Johnson, Underwriting Manager. READ MORE...


VOL. 5, ISSUE 1   •   SEPTEMBER, 2009
The True Value of Your Insurance
The experience of a Bensman client in the wake of last fall's flooding shows the true value of insurance coverage. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 12   •   AUGUST, 2009
Give Us Your Thoughts on "Insurable Interests"
We at The Bensman Group would like to know what you think about our electronic newsletter. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 11   •   JULY, 2009
Risk Management on the Home Front
You know that companies practice risk management, to address losses before they happen. You can practice risk management at home, too. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 10   •   JUNE, 2009
Watch Out for Insurance Scam
You may be tempted to file an insurance claim for damages that did not really happen. But that's not only unethical, and possibly illegal; it also ultimately could raise your rates. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 9   •   MAY, 2009
Rising Risk from Uninsured Motorists
Rising unemployment is resulting in an increase in uninsured and under-insured motorists. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 8   •   APRIL, 2009
Finding Coverage in the Sunshine State
Recent events have made it harder than ever to buy property insurance in Florida. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 7   •   MARCH, 2009
Frank Talk About Texting and Driving
This is a good time to talk to your teens about the dangers of texting and driving. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 6   •   FEBRUARY, 2009
Do You Have a Personal Recovery Plan?
You should have a plan for your financial recovery from these uncertain economic times. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 5   •   JANUARY, 2009
Someone You Should Know: Rob Terranova
In addition to working with his own property/casualty clients, Rob Terranova helps all Bensman Group clients with their claims and home appraisals. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 4   •   DECEMBER, 2008
Homeowner Insurance Rates
There are reasons why the drop in the housing market has not caused a drop in homeowner insurance premiums. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 2   •   OCTOBER, 2008
Insurance Solutions to Market Turmoil
Using life insurance as an asset class can help investors diversify their assets during financial crisis. READ MORE...


VOL. 4, ISSUE 1   •   SEPTEMBER, 2008
Looking Back -- And Forward
This is my five-year anniversary with Bensman Risk Management. A lot has changed during those years. But a lot also has remained the same, especially our continued commitment to serve our clients. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 12   •   AUGUST, 2008
A Crash Course in Insurance and the College Student
As your child gets ready to head off to college, there are a few insurance issues you should add to your to-do list. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 11   •   JULY, 2008
Keep Long-Term Focus During Market Downturn
In unsettling times like these in the market, it is especially important to keep your focus on your long-term goals. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 10   •   JUNE, 2008
A Good Time to Check Your Umbrella Coverage
While you are enjoying some summertime fun, don't forget to check the limits of your excess liability, or umbrella, coverage. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 9   •   MAY, 2008
Home Remodeling and Your Insurance Coverage
Your insurer needs to know when you start a home remodeling project, so that your coverage can keep up with your improvements. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 8   •   APRIL, 2008
Experiencing a Claim Teaches Important Lessons
I have helped lots of my clients handle claims with their insurance companies. But when I experienced a claim of my own, I found out I had several things still to learn. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 7   •   MARCH, 2008
Protect Against Liability for Identity Theft
The Bensman Group can help business owners get the protection they need against liability related to theft of client information. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 6   •   FEBRUARY, 2008
Bensman Increases Commercial Insurance Depth
We are very pleased and proud to announce that Timothy S. Maurer has joined the Bensman Risk Management Team. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 5   •   JANUARY, 2008
Take Time to Check Beneficiary Forms
When you purchase a life insurance policy or open a retirement plan, you name a beneficiary -- the person who will get the money when you die. It is important that you review that beneficiary decision periodically, to make sure you are still protecting the people you love. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 4   •   DECEMBER, 2007
New Rules for Young Drivers
The State of Illinois has new rules designed to better prepare young people for driving. The rules take effect Jan. 1, 2008, and they apply to 15-year-olds getting their learner's permit as well as to recently licensed young drivers. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 3   •   NOVEMBER, 2007
Long-Term Disability Insurance Helps Protect Your Assets
Whether you are an employer or an employee, disability insurance can be an important tool in adding financial protection. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 2   •   OCTOBER, 2007
New Auto Insurance Rating System
A new auto rating system, called predictive modeling, considers many factors to arrive at a rate that is designed to more accurately reflect your risk. READ MORE...


VOL. 3, ISSUE 1   •   SEPTEMBER, 2007
Serving the Whole Client
The holistic, integrated team approach of The Bensman Group helps our clients create a team of professional advisers who can provide the answers they need in several important aspects of their lives. READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 12   •   AUGUST, 2007
Consider a Group Approach to Umbrella Coverage
Anyone with assets to protect should consider excess liability, or "umbrella," coverage, and the more assets you have, the more coverage you may need. However, very high limits -- over $10 million -- can be very costly. A group policy may be able to protect a firm's top executives at a lower cost and with better terms. READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 11   •   JULY, 2007
Update from Bensman Risk Management
It's hard to believe that half of the year is officially gone already. It used to be that you got used to the New Year when you stopped writing the prior year in your checkbook. READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 11   •   JULY, 2007
Managing Premiums
Did you know that an easy way to reduce your home insurance premium is to increase your policy deductible? Now home insurance carriers can make it worth your while to do so. READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 10   •   JUNE, 2007
The Final Step: Distribution of Assets
In earlier issues of Insurable Interests, professionals with The Bensman Group have talked about the first two steps in creating a strong financial framework for your life: protecting the assets you have, and accumulating more assets. The final step is distributing those assets as part of your estate. READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 9   •   MAY, 2007
Protect and Then Accumulate
At The Bensman Group we want to be your strategic alliance for life. Our organization is positioned to help you protect, accumulate and distribute your assets. In an effort to continue to bring you timely and helpful information, Insurable Interests will begin bringing messages from other key professionals in our firm like myself. READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 8   •   APRIL, 2007
What You May NOT Know About Insuring a Home Remodel
Please let us know if you are planning to do any home remodeling or renovations. While your homeowner's insurance policy includes special replacement-cost provisions for homes under construction or renovation, it is critical that... READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 7   •   MARCH, 2007
Your Financial "Spring Cleaning"
It's spring, the traditional time for brushing off the cobwebs and cleaning the winter grime. Spring cleaning also should extend to your financial house. READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 6   •   FEBRUARY, 2007
Bling! Now's A Good Time To Size Up Risk Exposures
If you gave or received a gift of jewelry for Valentine's Day, now is the time to protect your "bling." Jewelry valued at $1,000 or more may need to be scheduled as a new item on your homeowner's insurance policy. But don't assume that's all you should address. READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 5   •   JANUARY, 2007
First Time Drivers and Your Insurance Premiums
Like death and taxes, an increase in your auto insurance premium is inevitable when an inexperienced driver is behind the wheel. READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 4   •   DECEMBER, 2006
Dave's Top Ten
As 2006 comes to a close, DO NOT head into 2007 with gaps in your auto, homeowners or personal umbrella liability insurance coverage. READ MORE...


VOL. 1, ISSUE 7   •   NOVEMBER, 2006
A New Look at Gratitude
Sometimes, November can seem like the grayest and most dismal month of the year. The days are short; we get up in the dark and come home in the dark. Isn't it curious that this dark, damp, and dreary time of year is the time we are most reminded to be thankful? READ MORE...


VOL. 1, ISSUE 6   •   OCTOBER, 2006
Don't Fall Behind This Season
It's time to face it. Summer is officially over, and fall is upon us. The days are getting shorter, the school year is in full swing, and the holidays are right around the corner. Aside from getting an extra hour of sleep, falling back can be challenging. READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 1   •   SEPTEMBER, 2006
Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. For those of us that use credit cards routinely, we are potential victims of credit card fraud. Read on to learn more about how you can take the necessary steps to reduce the risk and impact of identity theft happening to you. READ MORE...


VOL. 1, ISSUE 12   •   JULY, 2006
Expect The Unexpected
As we all know, life is unpredictable. Quite often things do not go as planned, and every now and then we are thrown a real curveball. Through our years of experience, we come to realize that life is full of all sorts of surprises. As the saying goes, "Expect the unexpected." READ MORE...


VOL. 1, ISSUE 11   •   JUNE, 2006
Summer Travel Planning
As we head into the summer months and people are planning their vacations, a common question we are asked is whether or not one should purchase the insurance offered by the rental car company. READ MORE...


VOL. 1, ISSUE 10   •   MAY, 2006
Extending Our Services
One of the great traditions of The Bensman Group is collaborating with people that we truly enjoy working with; READ MORE...


VOL. 1, ISSUE 9   •   APRIL, 2006
Safety First
At The Bensman Group a theme we continue to emphasize with our clients is safety. As premier risk managers, we clearly feel that taking steps to reduce risk by taking reasonable safety precautions is as important as insuring risks. The story that follows illustrates this. READ MORE...


VOL. 1, ISSUE 8   •   FEBRUARY, 2006
Significant Insurance Updates for Early 2006
Last month, I briefly described some of the insurance changes that will be affecting homeowners. But changes have also been occurring over the last several years affecting life insurance contract holders. How will these affect our clients? READ MORE...


VOL. 1, ISSUE 6   •   NOVEMBER, 2005
Key Principles to Wealth Management
At The Bensman Group we strive to conduct our business on the basis of sound principles. These principles serve to guide us in defining our relationship with you and how we deliver our services. READ MORE...


VOL. 1, ISSUE 5   •   OCTOBER, 2005
Managing The Risk of Natural Disasters
With two major hurricanes hitting the Gulf Coast in the span of one month, natural disasters of this magnitude may cause those of us who haven't been directly affected to pause and ask, "Could this happen to me? What if it did?" READ MORE...


VOL. 2, ISSUE 11   •   JULY, 2007
Managing Premiums
Did you know that an easy way to reduce your home insurance premium is to increase your policy deductible? Now home insurance carriers can make it worth your while to do so. READ MORE...


VOL. 1, ISSUE 2   •   JULY, 2005
Cornerstone Relationships
At The Bensman Group, we value deep client relationships. As one of your trusted advocates, we strive to be a "cornerstone" advisor that comprises the foundation of your financial picture. READ MORE...



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