The Insurance Bulletin
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Matt Collister

Matthew Collister

Matthew Collister is a freelance writer and editor based in Cleveland, Ohio. Leveraging his 15 years of experience working in marketing communications for one of the country’s largest insurance companies, Matthew specializes in creating content on property and casualty insurance topics with a focus on personal lines. His freelance clients have included some of the country’s largest and best known insurance brands, along with leading companies in the packaging, industrial manufacturing, home improvement, and hospitality industries. He handles a wide range of content for these companies, including feature articles; employee communications; web copy, marketing, and other promotional materials; video scripting; and press releases. His work has been recognized by the International Association of Business Communicators.

In his spare time, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and travel. He’s an avid sports fan and a strength-and-fitness enthusiast who’s completed multiple Ironman triathlons, Spartan races, and more than 30 marathons.

Website: mattcollister.com

Articles by Matthew Collister

non standard car insurance
Car

Nonstandard Auto Insurance Guide

Updated on March 7, 2023
|
5 Min Read
Nonstandard car insurance is for drivers the insurance company considers riskier to insure due to their driving record, age, or type of vehicle.
Read more >
insurance score
Car

What Is an Insurance Score?

Updated on March 7, 2023
|
4 Min Read
Based on your credit information, an insurance score is one of the factors insurers companies use to determine how much you pay for a car or homeowners policy.
Read more >
Agreed Value Car Insurance vs Stated Value Insurance
Car

Agreed Value Car Insurance vs Stated Value Insurance

Updated on March 7, 2023
|
3 Min Read
Agreed value and stated value insurance are coverage options for vehicles that are hard to value. These include classic, antique, or highly customized cars.
Read more >
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Car

Understanding Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

Updated on December 13, 2021
|
7 Min Read
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your medical and car repair bills if you’re in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance.
Read more >
How Car Insurance Works
Car

How Car Insurance Works

Updated on February 3, 2022
|
5 Min Read
When you buy car insurance, you pay what’s known as a premium to a car insurance company. That premium gets you a policy that can include several coverages. Each coverage provides insurance for a specific situation
Read more >
Full Coverage Car Insurance
Car

What is Full Coverage Car Insurance?

Updated on January 27, 2022
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4 Min Read
Full coverage car insurance is a combination of coverages that, in most auto accident situations, provides financial protection for you, your passengers, and other involved drivers.
Read more >
Liability Car Insurance
Car

Liability Car Insurance Coverage Explained

Updated on December 13, 2021
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4 Min Read
Liability coverage on your car insurance policy ensures other drivers are reimbursed for medical and repair bills if you cause an accident.
Read more >
SR-22 Example
Car

What Is SR-22 Insurance?

Updated on February 3, 2022
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3 Min Read
An SR-22 is not actually insurance but a form that your car insurance company files with your state. It proves that you have car insurance with at least the minimum level of coverage required by law.
Read more >
cop giving a speeding ticket
Car

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record?

Updated on November 2, 2022
|
4 Min Read
A speeding ticket stays on your driving record for up to five years, though this varies by state. It may affect your insurance premium for three years.
Read more >
car insurance monthly increase
Car

Why Have Car Insurance Premiums Gone up in 2022?

Updated on October 31, 2022
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5 Min Read
Inflation and rising costs to settle claims have caused car insurance premiums to increase in 2022. Learn more.
Read more >
woman driving car
Car

How Does Your Credit Score Affect Auto Insurance Rates?

Updated on October 6, 2022
|
4 Min Read
Your credit history is one of the things a car insurance company looks at when calculating your premium. Here’s how it affects what you pay.
Read more >
mechanic opens car hood
Car

What Is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance?

Updated on October 6, 2022
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4 Min Read
Mechanical breakdown insurance, an option available from some insurers, helps pay for car repairs unrelated to an accident.
Read more >
Business Owners Policy
Other

Is a business owners policy right for your business?

Updated on March 13, 2022
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4 Min Read
A business owners policy (BOP) is a package of essential insurance coverages, intended for small to medium-sized companies. It covers any buildings or equipment you own and provides basic liability insurance to protect your business financially in the event of a lawsuit.
Read more >
Auto insurance claim form
Car

How Long Does it Take for a Car Insurance Claim to Settle?

Updated on November 3, 2021
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5 Min Read
Many factors affect how long it takes for a car insurance claim to settle. Learn how long it will take, what factors affect it, and ways you can help the process move faster.
Read more >
file a claim
Car

How to File a Claim With an Insurance Company

Updated on December 13, 2021
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5 Min Read
You’ve been in a car accident, or something has happened that’s damaged your home. Learn how to file a claim with your insurance company.
Read more >
woman checking recoverable depreciation on her items
Home

What is Recoverable Depreciation?

Updated on October 2, 2022
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4 Min Read
Recoverable depreciation is the gap between an item’s retail cost and its current value. Depending on your policy, you may be able to recover this money when you file a claim against your homeowners policy.
Read more >
best small business insurance companies
Business

Best Small Business Insurance Companies

Updated on September 11, 2022
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5 Min Read
Insurance is critical when you run a small business. Learn about the leading small business insurers and which one might be right for your needs.
Read more >
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premiums
Car

How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premiums

Updated on April 10, 2022
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8 Min Read
There are lots of things you can do to save money and lower your car insurance premium. There’s also one thing you should never do
Read more >
Insure a Car Not in My Name
Car

Can I Insure a Car Not in My Name?

Updated on September 5, 2022
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4 Min Read
An insurance company probably won’t sell you a policy for a car not in your name. However, there are ways to be insured when you drive that car.
Read more >
Disability Insurance
Health

Disability Insurance: What You Need to Know

Updated on December 13, 2021
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8 Min Read
Disability insurance provides continued income if an injury or illness prevents you from working. It’s an important part of an insurance portfolio. Learn more.
Read more >
Family of four under a paper Disability Insurance umbrella
Health

Guide to short term disability insurance (STDI)

Updated on December 13, 2021
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8 Min Read
Short term disability insurance ensures you’ll have income if you’re unable to work due to an injury or illness sustained outside of your job. Learn more.
Read more >
no fault car accident
Car

What is No-Fault Insurance?

Updated on February 25, 2022
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4 Min Read
Let's examine how no-fault works, what states have these systems in place, and why the insurance industry developed no-fault as an alternative to traditional tort-liability insurance.
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Calculating renters insurance
Home

How Much Renters Insurance Do You Need?

Updated on April 3, 2022
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4 Min Read
The amount of renters insurance you need depends on several factors. We take a look at some of the things you should think about when considering how much you need.
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multiple cars in driveway
Car

Multi-Car Insurance Guide

Updated on August 23, 2022
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5 Min Read
A multi-car policy provides insurance for multiple vehicles and drivers in a single household. These policies typically offer a discount and other benefits.
Read more >
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Life

Guide to Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

Updated on October 25, 2021
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6 Min Read
Accidental death and dismemberment insurance protects your family financially in the event of a severe or deadly accident. Learn more.
Read more >
Stacked car insurance
Car

Stacked vs. Unstacked Car Insurance

Updated on February 3, 2022
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3 Min Read
Stacked car insurance is a way to increase your coverage and get more protection if you're in an accident caused by a driver with little or no insurance. Learn more.
Read more >
cancel car insurance policy
Car

How to Cancel Car Insurance

Updated on July 21, 2022
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4 Min Read
Canceling car insurance involves contacting your insurer to request the cancellation, signing a form, and receiving confirmation. It’s a straightforward process.
Read more >
Health Insurance Guide
Health

A Guide to Health Insurance

Updated on January 11, 2022
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11 Min Read
We’ll take a look at what health insurance does; the types of health insurance, including HMOs and PPOs; and give you some guidance on what to look for when shopping for a policy.
Read more >
Home

How Much Does Title Insurance Cost

Updated on July 17, 2022
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3 Min Read
Title insurance protects you if there are any problems related to your home’s title. Its cost varies, usually ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Read more >
what is mortgage insurance premium
Other

What is Mortgage Insurance Premium?

Updated on March 23, 2022
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4 Min Read
If you get an FHA loan for a home purchase, you’ll pay a mortgage insurance premium (MIP). This protects the lender if you default on the loan.
Read more >
Homeowners Insurance Policy
Home

What is an HO-3 Homeowners Insurance Policy?

Updated on January 6, 2022
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5 Min Read
An HO-3 policy is the most common type of homeowners insurance for single-family homes. It protects you financially if your home is damaged or destroyed.
Read more >
Home

What is a Homeowners Insurance Declarations Page?

Updated on July 6, 2022
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5 Min Read
Homeowners insurance can be complex and challenging to understand. As a high-level overview of your policy, your declarations page can help you break through the complexity. When you buy or renew your homeowners insurance policy, look for this important document.
Read more >
What is Single Premium Life Insurance?
Life

What is Single Premium Life Insurance?

Updated on July 3, 2022
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5 Min Read
Single-premium life insurance is a type of policy requiring just one lump-sum payment of premium at coverage inception.
Read more >
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
Home

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

Updated on June 19, 2022
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4 Min Read
Replacement cost and actual cash value refer to the approaches an insurance company may take when determining the value of your property for a claim.
Read more >
health insurance cost
Health

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost?

Updated on June 19, 2022
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5 Min Read
While expensive, health insurance can save you from spending even more on medical bills. This guide explains how much health insurance costs and why, so you can make an informed decision.
Read more >
insurance agent vs broker
Other

Insurance Agents vs. Insurance Brokers

Updated on June 12, 2022
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4 Min Read
Insurance agents and brokers act as intermediaries between you and an insurance company. Either can provide advice and help you navigate your policy purchase.
Read more >
Car Insurance for Delivery Drivers
Car

Car Insurance for Delivery Drivers: Everything You Need to Know

Updated on January 27, 2022
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7 Min Read
Thinking about being a delivery driver? be aware that your car insurance may need to be updated. This is true even if the company you’re working for says it provides you with insurance.
Read more >
Business

What is Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance?

Updated on May 24, 2022
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4 Min Read
If your business provides professional advice or services, your E&O insurance protects it financially from certain lawsuits.
Read more >
Service line coverage
Home

What is Service Line Coverage and Do You Need It?

Updated on March 30, 2022
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4 Min Read
Service line coverage is insurance that pays to repair damage to underground utility lines on your property. Learn more about this useful type of coverage.
Read more >
Rebuilt Car
Car

How to Insure a Car With A Rebuilt Title

Updated on December 13, 2021
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4 Min Read
A car with a rebuilt title is more difficult to insure than one with a clean title, but getting the coverage you need is possible. Learn how.
Read more >
Collision insurance when vehicle is damaged
Car

What is Collision Insurance?

Updated on February 3, 2022
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5 Min Read
Collision insurance helps pay for repairs to your car when you’re at fault in an accident. Learn more about this coverage on your car insurance policy.
Read more >
Family life insurance plan
Other

What Is an Insurance Rider?

Updated on April 3, 2022
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3 Min Read
A rider is a way to customize a standard home, auto, or life insurance policy to meet your specific needs. Learn more.
Read more >
when can you file an insurance claim after a car accident
Car

How Long After a Car Accident Can You File an Insurance Claim?

Updated on March 23, 2022
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4 Min Read
it’s almost always in your best interest to file a car insurance claim as soon as possible after an accident.
Read more >
Permanent Life Insurance
Life

What Is Permanent Life Insurance

Updated on March 13, 2022
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4 Min Read
Permanent life insurance stays in effect until your death, pays a death benefit, and has a cash value feature to help you save money. There’s no set term of years. Hence the label “permanent”.
Read more >
Cash Value Life Insurance
Life

What is Cash Value Life Insurance?

Updated on March 13, 2022
|
7 Min Read
Cash value life insurance provides financial protection for your family, along with a savings tool you can access while living. Learn more.
Read more >
No Medical Exam Life Insurance
Life

No Medical Exam Life Insurance: What You Need to Know

Updated on March 13, 2022
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6 Min Read
No-medical-exam life insurance is an option that allows you to buy a policy without having that medical exam. Instead company may ask you to do a much simpler questionnaire about your health, while relying on your medical records to inform their underwriting assessment.
Read more >
What is an Insurance Premium?
Other

What is an Insurance Premium?

Updated on February 10, 2022
|
5 Min Read
An insurance premium is the amount you pay for an insurance policy. Companies calculate the premium using a wide range of information.
Read more >
Pulled over by the police
Car

What Happens If You Get Caught Driving Without Insurance?

Updated on February 3, 2022
|
4 Min Read
Driving without insurance risks penalties including fines, license suspension, jail time, and responsibility for damages and injuries you cause in an accident.
Read more >
Rideshare Insurance
Car

Rideshare Insurance for Drivers: Everything You Need to Know

Updated on January 27, 2022
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6 Min Read
Rideshare insurance is an optional coverage, and is available from many personal auto insurers. Although it’s not legally required for drivers, it provides important financial protection if you cause an accident that results in injury or damage.
Read more >
Rental Car Insurance Guide
Car

Rental Car Insurance Guide

Updated on January 27, 2022
|
4 Min Read
If you have a personal auto insurance policy, and you’re traveling in the U.S. or Canada, your coverages likely extend to the rental car. You should check with your insurance company to make sure, but you probably don’t need the insurance offered at the rental counter.
Read more >
Home insurance on model wooden home
Home

Types Of Home Insurance Policy Forms

Updated on January 27, 2022
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6 Min Read
What does the “HO” on your home insurance paperwork mean? It denotes your policy form, or contract. Learn more.
Read more >
Mobile home park
Home

Mobile Home (HO-7) Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Updated on January 20, 2022
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4 Min Read
Mobile home (HO-7) insurance protects you financially if your home is destroyed, your personal property is damaged or stolen, and more. Learn about it.
Read more >
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT)
Life

An Introduction to Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILIT)

Updated on January 11, 2022
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4 Min Read
An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) can protect generational wealth by sheltering a life insurance policy’s death benefit from estate taxes. Learn more.
Read more >
Whole Life Insurance
Life

What is Whole Life Insurance?

Updated on December 13, 2021
|
5 Min Read
Whole life is a form of insurance that provides both a death benefit and a savings component that can add flexibility to your financial portfolio.
Read more >
Understanding Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Insurance
Life

Understanding Indexed Universal Life (IUL) Insurance

Updated on December 13, 2021
|
5 Min Read
Indexed universal life (IUL) insurance provides financial security to your family while earning you money based on stock market performance. Learn more.
Read more >
Earthquake Insurance
Home

Your Guide to Earthquake Insurance

Updated on December 13, 2021
|
6 Min Read
Earthquake insurance provides coverage if your home is damaged by a quake. If you live in an area that’s high risk, it’s coverage worth considering. Learn more.
Read more >
Condominium ho 6 insurance
Home

What is Condominium (HO-6) Insurance?

Updated on December 13, 2021
|
5 Min Read
Condominium insurance is a form of homeowners coverage designed for condos. It insures areas of the condo that are not insured by your association’s policy.
Read more >
COBRA Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
Health

Your Guide to COBRA Health Insurance

Updated on December 13, 2021
|
9 Min Read
COBRA is a health insurance option that can help you and your family stay covered if you no longer qualify for an employer’s group plan. Learn more about this option.
Read more >
Insurance on a stack of money
Car

What Is Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage?

Updated on December 13, 2021
|
5 Min Read
Medpay is a coverage available for your car insurance policy. If you’re injured in an accident, it helps pay for your medical costs. Learn more.
Read more >
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