Fire Insurance policies for structures in the Republic of Panama are similar to those issued in the USA, Canada and Europe. The basic fire policy also includes extended coverage for occurrences other than fire. This may include damage from Explosion, Earthquake, Windstorm, Lightning, Smoke, Flood & Water damage, Falling Objects and Debris Removal after an incident. Here is an example of coverage available from a large Multi-National Underwriter:

Fire / Lightning Earthquake
Windstorm / Hurricane Impact of falling objects
Debris Removal Explosion
Esthetic Restoration (5% of the sum insured) Smoke Damage
Alterations, Modifications and Additions Flood and Water Damage
Breakage of glass/windows (Sub-Limit$.30,000.00)
Damages to the structure as a consequence of robbery (5% of sum insured)
Electrical Damages (80% of the sum insured)
Intentional/malicious damage and looting
Common water damages, filtration and leaks (20% of the basic sum insured)

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Why do I need fire insurance in a cement condominium? Click on the link from our friends at Panama Guide to see this scary video.........

http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/20090926130530310

Be sure to read the comments at the bottom of the article.......

Here in Ducruet, we have designed a special program to cover your property and extend certain coverage to your TENANTS.

First of all, we recommend that you insure YOUR contents under a homeowner´s multirisk policy. This policy will include coverage for fire, theft, explosion, earthquake, hurricane/windstorm, flood, smoke and water damages. It will also cover your electronic equipment ( % of the basic sum insured); theft ( % of the basic sum insured); break in with forced entry and assault (up to $250.00 cash) inside or outside the premises.

Within this basic policy, there is General Liability Coverage up to $100,000.00. This protection also extends to damage sustained by your neighbors from an incident originating in your residence.

If you are renting to third parties, we recommend that you request a "special endorsement" extending the Personal Liability coverage to these inquilinos(renters):

This special endorsement will extend coverage to the damages caused to third parties as a result of the renter’s negligence for which they are legally liable.

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Ten autos that will sap your wallet -- and 10 that won't:

http://finance.yahoo.com/insurance/article/107172/most-and-least-expensive-cars-to-insure?mod=insurance-autos

These devices are dangerous! Imagine what they are doing to our brains? I carry a Blackberry on my belt..............not anymore.....

Check it out!

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5odhh_pop-corn-telephone-portable-micro-o_news

A very serious Explosion and Fire occurred yesterday behind the Marriot Hotel in the Bella Vista Banking District. Several apartments were damaged and many autos parked on the street were totally destroyed.

Here is a link to the video from several perspectives:

http://www.panama-guide.com/article.php/videos-of-fire-yesterday

As you will see, the apartments were burning for some time and according to the fire department inspectors at the scene, one building may be a TOTAL LOSS!

Do you have fire insurance for your residence?

Read: http://panamakevin.com/article.php/20050819172521385

The following information from a post in AIP by Mary Roush may help new arrivals through the process of obtaining a Panama Drivers license.

Documents Needed:
• -Resident Card
• -Passport
• -Driver's License from Country of Origin
• -Blood Test (Your blood type is indicated on the license, which is pretty cool if you don't know what it is! I'm O+!)
• -Glucose Test (To show that your blood sugar levels are not outside the standard range)

Procedure (I think it is virtually impossible to do this in one day, but if you start at 7 a.m., you may make it):
• 1. Consult with lawyer to obtain residency card…That's a whole other article!
• 2. To obtain your blood and glucose test, go to a medical center while fasting (en ayunas) and mention that the tests are for your "licencia de conducir." The results are ready in an hour or so and costs approximately $15.

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"The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety conducted a unique crash test to demonstrate the advances in motor vehicle safety over the last 50 years. In this test, a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu and a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air are both going 40 mph and the vehicles collide offset, driver side to driver side. This is the same crash configuration represented by the Institute's 40 mph frontal offset barrier test, which is used to rate the frontal crash performance of new cars."

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As you probably know, in Panama all cars must have insurance in order to get the vehicle inspected, registered, and to obtain license plates. I bet the people in this video are happy they have insurance. At least in Panama we don't have to worry about snow and ice.

From my friends at HTH:

If you’re contemplating relocating overseas for employment or even lifestyle reasons, there’s no doubt about it, you will have a wealth of things to organize and prepare ahead of your international move. From housing and schooling to work permits and language lessons, the list of activities and preparations is almost endless! However, one key preparation feature that often gets overlooked until almost the last moment is getting appropriate health care coverage in place for you and your family.

In the US we’re used to having our insurance company pick up the tab for illnesses and accidents, but if you move abroad you could well find that your insurer no longer protects you and your loved ones, so what type of health care coverage do you need for you and your family if you’re moving overseas?

The one word to sum up your requirements is ‘comprehensive’ – you will need a comprehensive health insurance plan in place that will cover not only your international medical care and bills, but also any medical treatment that you require back home in the US for all those times when you re-visit home for business or pleasure.

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