Commissioner urges review of insurance

Kansas Insurance Commissioner and Lawrence resident Sandy Praeger encourages her fellow Kansans to begin the new year by “getting smart” about their insurance coverage.

According to recent studies by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, few Americans understand the details of their insurance policies to the extent they should.

Praeger urges residents to check their coverage during the fourth-annual Get Smart About Insurance Week, Jan. 24-28. Here are some suggestions:

• Stop, call and confirm before buying insurance. Residents should check in with the Kansas Insurance Department at (800) 432-2484.
• Review insurance and identify areas where you may need additional or decreased coverage.
• Contact the department for free tips. The department publishes guides and reports offering premium comparisons.
• Ask about discounts. Some insurers offer discounts for having a healthy lifestyle, clean driving record, good grades, special education or training, multiple policies and safety equipment.

Charity

Donors still can claim tsunami relief on taxes

Congress has passed a law enabling people to donate money for tsunami victims through Jan. 31 and still get a break on 2004 taxes.

The donations must be made in cash, and they must benefit tsunami victims. The extended deadline doesn’t apply to other good intentions, such as charitable gifts to the alma mater, a check to a church or a bag of winter clothes for a local shelter.

Before donating, be sure to find a reputable organization. Scams tend to spring up after a disaster. Check out the charity at Charity Navigator, a nonprofit organization that evaluates and ranks charitable organizations. The Web site www.charitynavigator.com offers a list of its top-ranked charities providing tsunami aid.

Deductions are valid only for gifts to a recognized charity, meaning it has IRS approval to register as a tax-exempt organization.

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