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.

More...

"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.

More...

From La Prensa:

Insurance industry sees sustained growth

The insurance industry pushed upward in in July, registering a growth rate much higher than during the first few months of the year.

The volume of new premiums that month totaled $78 million, an increase of 22 percent compared to July 2008, according to information collected by the Superintendency of
Insurance.

The sector had remained at an average rate of growth that hovered under 10 percent until the close of the first semester.

Also in July, figures demonstrated a 143.3 percent rise in the purchase of individual life premiums (first year), a category that drove activity in the sector that month, similar to May reports, when these policies soared 459 percent and the industry grew 11 percent.

According to market sources, a single insurance company is responsible for the popularity of these first-year life insurance premiums by placing a nontraditional product on the market.

Despite the economic slowdown, the industry is reporting good results and have shown an encouraging 7.82 percent drop in claims.

A client sent me this very powerful video created by the Gwent Police Dept. in Wales:



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http://tecnologia21.com/impresionante-video-sobre-los-peligros-de-enviar-sms-al-volante

I hope it will contribute to ending this terrible habit!

Kevin and his English speaking team are service representatives of the Ducruet Insurance Agency. If you need coverage individual coverage or quotes for your Corporation, Kevin, Carmen and Ana are standing by to help with all your Panama insurance. Our location (DUCRUET) is in San Fransisco, near the end of Calle 50, turn left just BEFORE the light at Via Porras on calle 77E, between the Deli Gourmet, directly across from BANISTMO. Here's a link to a map showing our office location. Know your policies! With the rash of floods, earthquakes and windstorms here in Panama, you need to understand your coverage. We can help explain your existing policies or customize a new insurance plan for your portfolio. Does your fire insurance have extended coverage (earthquake, lightning, flood, smoke damage etc.)? Do you have personal liability coverage? Adequate auto insurance is essential to protect you from the crazy drivers and complicated legal system. Let us help you understand your coverage. Knowing how roadside assistance works, it can be a life saver if you are involved in an accident!

If you would like additional information regarding all types of insurance in Panama, please send me an email to kevin@panamakevin.com. I will be happy to answer all of your questions to the best of our abilities. Carmen 322-1605 or Kevin 6674-1063