Sony Xperia Miro Review

Sony Xperia Miro Review



The Sony Experia Miro, with its 3.5-inch screen, fits nicely in the hand and it is not bulky. | Source


The Sony Xperia Miro, while it is not cheap, it is one of the more economical offerings in the Sony Xperia smartphone line. It has many features that make it a smart purchase as a cell phone. It comes with Android 4.0.4 installed, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, one of the more advanced Android operating systems. It is also light and has a long battery life.

One of the great features of this phone is that it comes unlocked. So, this means you can use it with any GSM or CDMA provider that will sell you a SIM card. No contracts means less money out of your pocket and more freedom to choose or lose a carrier.

More pros and cons of this device are covered below to give you an outline of this phone's important features and specifications. Photos and two videos from the camera are also included to demonstrate its capabilities in that regard.

Pros and Cons


Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons for this device. For explanations on some of the evaluations, read the text further down in the article.

Pros
Easy to handle, not bulky (2 1/4 x 4 3/8 inches, 57 x 102 cm; 5/8 in or 1 cm thick)

Solid build, nice finish on the back
It is relatively economical for a smartphone and compared to Sony's other Xperia models
Accommodates a 32 GB SD card for storing songs, videos, documents and applications
Speaker quality is excellent, call quality is excellent
Easy to read screen *(see below)
Has Android 4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich
Works on both CDMA and GSM cell phone networks
Has excellent cell phone signal reception
It is easy to access software updates from the Sony website
A widget on the home screen controls many basic functions: airplane mode, backlight, sound, etc, for quick changes as needed
Touch screen is not over-sensitive when using controls
Battery life is good, and it can be swapped out easily by the user if need be

Cons
Wifi signal reception is weaker than that observed with iPhones, particularly the iPhone 4S and later models
Camera is 5.0 MP and its photos leave a lot to be desired (see below), but some of the owes can be fixed by downloading another camera app - Camera FX Zoom (paid)
The screen size is 3.5", which is the same size as a iPhone 3G and 3GS - a bit small for some, and the resolution is not very good with some applications. But I have no complaint with my old eyes reading news and web pages onPulse and Flipboard.
This phone is not going to get an update to Android 4.1, Jelly Bean - perhaps because it doesn't have the full feature set required to take advantage of the more recent software. If you want a cell phone that does that, buy a newer or more expensive Xperia model like the Z.




Other Sony Xperia Smartphones
Sony Xperia M4 Aqua 16GB GSM/LTE Unlocked Cell Phone - Black (U.S. Warranty)
Buy Now


The opened widget for controlling the various power-consuming functions on the phone. | Source

A Summary of the Good and Bad of the Sony Experia Miro


Overall, this smartphone from Sony gets kudos for its build, handling, and ease of use. It is primarily a phone and a Walkman with Android features and capabilities. And as that goes, it is excellent.

On the other hand, the photographic capabilities are limited but they can be improved by downloading the camera app mentioned above. In this aspect, I think Sony could have done much better, as I have seen 5 MP cameras on several much older phone models that far outshine the one on this smartphone. See the photo examples below.

The Radios. As a cell phone, it works well in areas with weak cell phone signals. And since it can work with both GSM or CDMA carriers, it can be used across a spectrum of carriers. The radio for data works well also. The WiFi radio reception is weak. It works in most cases, but it is limited as compared with the WiFi receiver on the iPhone. Also, I am not impressed by the FM/AM radio - it is impossible to get good reception, even when you follow instructions and use earphones. (Do I have to buy special earphones?)

Battery Life. With Android phones, you can multitask with many applications in the background and this can reduce battery life. However, when using this phone with several apps, it seems to keep a decent battery life. It usually lasts a bit more than a day. And, with the functions widget, you can shut of power-eating features like WiFi, data, backlight and GPS very quickly. I also advise any Android device owner to have the Android Assistant application available on one of their home screens to help kill applications that accumulate in the background.

The Big Disappointment. As I have already said, the biggest let down is the camera. As you can see below, most of the photos below leave a lot to be desired. The colors are rich, but washed out and blurry photos are common. It doesn't handle shots well where there is a mixture of dark areas and light. It doesn't handle dark scenes well, although there is an adjustment for that which helps somewhat. Light areas are often washed out and the dark areas are completely black in scenes where there are sharp shadows. Also, the daytime videos are okay, but they aren't HD, as you can see below.

To help tweak the camera to get better shots in the dark, I recommend downloading FX Camera Zoom. It has more features that the standard camera set and it has a more intuitive user interface. Otherwise, you may be able to use Photoshop or some other photo editing program to take care of the shadow problem.

Photos Taken with the Xperia Miro

A shot taken early in the morning, with a substantial ground shadow. The camera seems to have difficulty with this type of scene. | Source

Another building shot taken early in the morning, without the inclusion of the shadows, as seen in the earlier photograph. | Source

The camera seems to have difficulty in freezing movement with the flash at night. For that reason, I don't recommend relying on this phone for that capability. Bring a real camera. |Source

Boys walking a bannister rail for fun. One boy fell with a loud thump, but got up with no injuries. | Source

Nightime Video


A Video in a Well-Lit Store - Bubble Machine Demo


Sony Xperia Miro Update Info


This particular model seems to be locked in to Android 4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich, as news from Sony shows that they are focusing more on their high-end models. However, after having the phone for 3 months, I have gone through two updates on the phone using the Sony PC Companion software that is on the phone (it automatically installs on a Windows computer, but not on a MacBook). The second update, about the second week of February of 2013 caused me to lose my data connection, but I removed the battery and started it up again and to restore the data connection again. These updates seem to be related to the Sony skin only, and I have not seen any obvious changes or improvements in performance.

Sony PC Mobile Companion


Sony PC Companion has several features that help you keep the phone up to date and has backup features for your contacts and calendar events. You can move files back and forth, and back up your photos. If you wish to use something like the Carbon app for a full backup, don't waste your time if you have the Windows 8 operating system - even if you download the drivers that are associated with the PC Companion application, Carbon will not recognize the phone.

If you happen to have a Mac, you are out of luck with using the Sony PC Mobile Companion. The phone recognizes a connection, but the Mac computer doesn't. (Thanks, Sony) So, to transfer and delete files, you will need to use an application like WiFi File Transfer (free). If you have all your contacts in a gmail account, you won't have to worry about backing them up, it is done automatically when you add one on the phone or online.

Doing an Android System Restore


So, what if some glitch happens in your Android software on this phone? This is more common than you may think. If you have your contacts information and other data backed up on the phone, you can restore it. To access the menu, first swipe down from the top then click "Back up and Reset" and then click on Factory Data Reset." This erases all data on the phone, so make sure you do a backup of your contacts with your Google account beforehand, and afterward restore your contacts.

How to Pick the Best Phone – Locked vs Unlocked

How to Pick the Best Phone – Locked vs Unlocked

Updated on October 31, 2013


In many parts of the world, the cellphones used will work with any cellphone company in the country. However, in come countries such as the United States, there is a second group of cellphones that are also available to the public.

If you sign up with a cellphone company, you will often be provided with the opportunity to buy a phone at a price that's much lower than what it normally retails for. It is even possible that you will get a phone for free under the condition that you sign a long-term contract with the company.

The chance to get a high-end smartphone for free or at a low price is often the reason why some people commit to a contract with a phone company. However, there are several reasons why this may not be such a good thing.





Source

What are locked and unlocked phones?


The phones supplied by a cellphone provider to their customers are usually locked, which means that the phone can only be used with that company. The phone will not work if you try to switch service to another company. That's usually true with both prepaid and postpaid customers.

On the opposite side are unlocked phones, which do not have these restrictions and can be used with any cellphone company. Cellphone companies usually do not sell these phones themselves, you have to buy them on your own from a third party.

The reason phones companies lock their phones is because the phone is either free or came with a huge discount. That's okay as long as you continue to use their service. If you go somewhere else, then they're not making any money and the discounted or free phone will cause them to lose money.

To discourage you from leaving, the phone they give you will only work with the service that they provide. Note that locked phones can often be unlocked. Some cellphone companies may do it for you, provided you've been a good customer for a certain amount of time.

If they refuse, you may want to try a third party who may be able to unlock the phone. However, this is more risky and you run the risk that they don't do it properly and damage the phone. That is not the case with the original cellphone company.




What are the advantages of locked phones?


The biggest advantage with locked phones is that they're more affordable initially to the consumer. Locked phones are usually provided free or at low cost to entice people to sign a contract with a phone company.

Once signed, the company is ensured a steady income for the duration of the contract which is highly valued by companies. For companies, steady and stable income is much better than unstable income that tends to fluctuate all the time.

The consumer benefits because they're able to get a much better phone than would have been possible if they had to pay the full price right away. There's no need to have any or a lot of money beforehand. The company will basically lent you the money and you pay them back as you continue to use their service.





Source

What are the disadvantages of locked phones?


With locked phones, cellphone companies run the risk that people manage to unlock the phones on their own and switch service. If that happens a lot, companies can lose a lot of money on phones that are not being used on their own, but on another network from a rival cellphone company.

From the standpoint of the consumer, locked phones can be cheaper in the short run, but more expensive in the long run. Since you're often on a contract, you're stuck with a cellphone company for the duration of the contract with any potential problems that come with it.

That means you can't easily take advantage of cheaper alternatives when they become available. Companies don't have to worry too much about keeping you satisfied with good customer service and so on because they know that you cannot easily switch to a rival company.




What are the advantages of unlocked phones?


The chief benefit of unlocked phones is freedom. Since switching phone companies is as easy as swapping sim cards, you can easily move around to take advantage of the best deals and promotions available which in turn can help you save money.

That is why some people will decline to use a locked phone, but will instead get their own unlocked cellphone from somewhere else. In the long run, unlocked phones can help you save money, although you will have to spend more in the short run.

If you find that a cellphone company is too expensive, has bad signal reception for cellphones, poor customer service, charges excessive fees or has any other problems, you don't have to put up with it. You can quickly do something about it by going to another company with no one to stop you because you have an unlocked cellphone.




What are the disadvantages of unlocked phones?


The primary disadvantage of locked phones is that they're more expensive to purchase. In addition, since unlocked phones are usually not provided by cellphone companies, you will have to deal with a third party when it comes to issues such as warranty, network compatibility, after-sales service and so on.

With locked phones, the cellphone company will take care of everything if something goes wrong. They will make sure that you can use whatever phone you chose with their network. That is not the case with unlocked phones. You are on your own and have to deal with the extra hassle that comes with unlocked phones.





Source

Should you get a locked or unlocked phone?


Generally speaking, most people are probably better off by going with unlocked phones as their first option. If you have the money available, consider going for an unlocked phone, especially if you're not familiar with your cellphone provider.

However, there are exceptions where it's better to go for locked phones. For instance, if you're short on cash for the foreseeable future, you should probably stick to using locked phones if you cannot afford the extra expense of unlocked phones.

If you can find an excellent deal during a promotion, know the company has very good customer service, are a long-time customer of the cellphone company and basically know what to expect, you may consider going for a locked phone with the company.

If you're new to cellphones, especially smartphones, and not technically proficient, you may want to choose locked cellphones from the cellphone company. They can provide you with better support to help you fix problems that you cannot easily find anywhere else.

Basically, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of locked and unlocked phones. Only after doing that should you decide for yourself what to do. Every person's circumstances are different and only you can know what's best for you.

Home Warranty Policies Provide Additional Home Appliance and Home System Service

Home Warranty Policies Provide Additional Home Appliance and Home System Service
Updated on September 7, 2015


With a home warranty, appliances and systems can be repaired or replaced. |Source

A Home Warranty Personal Experience


December 29th, 2006 is a Saturday etched deep inside my brain. It is a day I shall never forget. My husband and I had just purchased our new home located in the San Francisco, California East Bay Area. It was a few days before the New Year. We wanted New Year’s Day to be a day of celebration, so we worked diligently to move furniture and unpack boxes.

Finally! It was 8:00 p.m. and we were almost settled in. We decided to save whatever little unpacking we had to do for a later day. It was one of the coldest nights in the history of the season and we were starting to get a little chilly. We needed heat, so my husband went to turn on the furnace and…

…nothing happened. We could see that the pilot was lit, but no heat was coming out of the furnace. “What are we going to do?” I asked. I was so cold my teeth were chattering. We had waited too long to get the house warmed up. “Well, my dear..." my husband turned to me and said, “It’s a good thing we have that home warranty.”

Indeed, it is a good thing we had a home warranty. The home warranty company had a 24-hour hotline, so we called to schedule service. Because it was a holiday weekend, we were not able to get service until the following Monday. We were alright with that, because we knew if it were us, we would not want to go on a service call during the holidays. Our patience meant that we would have to find other means to keep warm until the service technician could come out to diagnose the problem. It was cold, but we were happy in our new home.

Having a home warranty meant that we could call for service, pay a small fee, and get our furnace repaired or replaced. We were satisfied with the service, but later in this article I will share a personal experience about what can go wrong even if you have a home warranty contract. I will also shed light on some things to be aware of with home warranty contracts.


Anyone Can Pay for the Home Warranty Service Contract


I have been involved with transactions where the buyer wants a home warranty service contract, but wants the seller to pay for it. The seller refuses to pay so I pay for the warranty myself. I don't mind giving up a little commission to make sure the buyer moves into the home with the protective service of a home warranty.

What is a Home Warranty?


A home warranty is a contract for service with a standard term of one year which is renewable at the end of each term. Homeowners buy home warranties to protect them against the cost of unforeseen repairs to home appliances and household systems. At the time the home warranty is issued, the appliance is presumed to be in good working condition prior to the start of the contract.

As a real estate broker, I insist on the buyer having a home warranty before they take occupancy. The buyer or seller can purchase the home warranty contract, however, in my region it is customary for the seller to pay for this service. The concept behind this custom is that the seller is willing to pay money as a gesture to state that the appliances and systems are in working condition at the time of the sale. Should a buyer move in and find, for whatever reason, something does not work, the buyer can use the home warranty to bring the item into working condition.

What is Covered in a Home Warranty Contract?


Home warranty coverage varies by company, so it is important to compare contracts to assure you are comfortable with the appliances and household systems covered by the contract.

Home warranties typically cover mechanical, plumbing, and major appliance repairs that homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover. The type of homes covered are residential single-family homes (including manufactured housing), new construction homes, condominiums, townhomes, and mobile homes. Homes must be owned or rented as residential property, not commercial property. Homes must be less than 5,000 square feet.


Personal Experience


My husband and I had an old heater and air conditioner covered by a home warranty contract. The heater went bad and was replaced by the home warranty agreement, however, the contract did not cover code changes, therefore it cost us about $5,000 to replace the compressor because since the time the original heater and air conditioner were installed, the county made some code changes, making it so that the connections to the heater no longer conformed with the current county code stipulations.


Read your contract carefully. Be aware that the contract may stipulate that the home warranty company is not responsible for industry or local specification requirement changes. In other words, an appliance that may have been covered at the beginning of the contract may no longer be covered due to county ordinance or code changes.


Definitely check to see which appliances and services are covered. More than that, check to see if the home warranty contract covers the full replacement cost of an item.

Home Warranty Companies


My experience with home warranty companies is that in a side-by-side comparison, they all operate fairly the same, servicing the same appliances and systems, but offering varying combinations of coverage and prices. Customer service is excellent with no one company standing out among the others.

I have outlined the home protection service plans of two prominent home warranty companies. These two companies represent the general concept and the type of offers you can expect to see when you visit home warranty company websites or when you call to speak to a representative.

Disclaimer: While the following information is reliable, it is not meant to be depended upon for making a selection. All home warranty companies differ in what they have to offer and the prices they charge for their services. Use this information to give you an idea of what you can expect to see when searching for your home warranty policy.

American Home Shield
American Home Shield has two basic plans and you can pay monthly for their service.
The Combo Plan is a general plan that provides coverage for many of the main appliances and systems in your home.
The Build Your Own Plan lets you select 10 or more covered items so that you can get only the coverage that you feel is most important for you.

Old Republic Home Protection
Old Republic Home Protection has three basic plans and you pay up front for theentire year.
Standard Coverage Plan – Covers basic appliances and systems in your home.
Ultimate Protection Plan – Covers everything in the Standard Coverage Plan, plus refrigerant recapture, reclaim and disposal, code upgrades, permits, haul away, cranes, improper installation, and mismatched systems.
Platinum Protection Plan – Covers everything in the Standard Coverage Plan and the Ultimate Protection Plan, plus increased coverage for plumbing items, increased coverage for stoppages, modification (with Additional Code Upgrades), and increased coverage for specific HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems.



Home Warranty Appliances and Systems


The following table of home warranty appliances and systems shows what you can expect to have covered in a home warranty service contract. There are no hard and fast rules for what is labeled as an appliance and what is labeled a system. Each company has its own criteria for labeling appliances and systems. Your personal contract will outline the specific details of your service. Generally, home warranty companies list appliances and systems as shown below.

Note: Some items are shown as both an appliance and a system. For example, the plumbing associated with a dishwasher would be covered as part of the appliance service.

Home Warranty Appliances and Systems Table


Appliances
Systems
Optional Add-ons
Generally, the following household appliances are replaced, or the broken components are repaired:
Generally, the following household systems are replaced, or the broken components are repaired:
Generally, the following household appliances and systems are not covered in a basic contract, but can be added on:

Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers
Air Conditioning, including ductwork
Pool/Spa

Central Vacuums
Heating, including ductwork
Water Softener

Doorbells
Plumbing
Septic Pumping

Ceiling Fans
Garbage Disposals
Limited Roof Leak Repair

Plumbing
Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers


Water Heater
Central Vacuums


Water Pump
Smoke Detectors


Dishwasher
Ceiling Fans


Garbage Disposal



Stove/Cooktop/Ovens



Microwave



Refrigerator



Washer/Dryer







Each home warranty company differs in how they label appliances and systems. Contact the home warranty company directly to know their specific policy.


Personal Experience


A personal quote for my modest home is as follows:
Monthly Cost - $36.33
Trade Service Fee - $100

Note: If I were to lower my trade service fee to $75.00, then my monthly cost would increase to $42.83.

How Much Do Home Warranties Cost?


The cost varies by company, so you must call or visit the company’s website to obtain a quote that will provide the service you need. Below (for the two company examples shown in the above paragraph, "Home Warranty Companies") are some prices you will see when you visit the website.

American Home Shield:
Appliances Plan: $22.17 per month
Systems Plan: $25.67 per month
Combo Plan: $36.33 per month
Build Your Own Plan: $29.92 per month (For 10+ appliances and systems.)
Trade Call Fee: $75, $100, or $125 per diagnostic visit (You choose the price; the lower the trade call fee, the higher the monthly fee.)

Old Republic Home Warranty
Standard Protection Plan: $275 per year
Ultimate Protection Plan: $385 per year
Platinum Protection Plan: $485 per year
Trade Call Fee: $60 per diagnostic visit



How Does the Home Warranty Service Work?


The process is easy. Either call the service number or go online to place an order for service. Very shortly after you order a service call, the service process begins:
The home warranty company will assign a local pre-screened repair technician to your home. The technician will call ahead of time to schedule a time for service.
You pay a small service fee which is predetermined at the time you establish your policy. This fee generally runs in the ballpark of $50 - $125.
The appliance or system is repaired or replaced.

There is nothing more to do.

Beware of the Following Disclosures


Most people tend to ignore the information at the bottom of the page in small grey print. Save yourself some disappointment by making sure you read the fine print. Be sure to read about the following disclosures:
The trade service call fee – This fee applies to the initial visit by a contractor for each covered trade. This is the fee you pay to have a contractor come to your home to diagnose a problem. The trade service call fee is a fee that is selected and stated at the time you sign your contract.
The replacement policy – Appliances and system components will be replaced with units having comparable features, not necessarily the same dimension, color, and/or brand. There may be additional charges for somerepairs and replacements. The home warranty company may provide cash back in lieu of repair or replacement in the amount of the home warranty company’s actual cost to repair or replace such item, which in most cases may be less than the actual retail pricing. Any item designated by the manufacturer as commercial is not covered.
State or local taxes – In your state or county, sales taxes may apply. The rate shown may or may not include such taxes, so you want to make sure to inquire about any applicable taxes.

If you have questions about your coverage, it is wise to contact your home warranty company and speak with a representative.

Read the Contract


The contract is where you will find the details of your home warranty coverage. Be aware that even though items may be listed as covered, some components of the item may not be covered. For example, some policies list the doorbells as being covered. All of the components and parts of the doorbell are covered except when the doorbell is part of an intercom system.

Be aware that if your appliance or component is located behind obstructing walls or floors, there may be an additional cost to you. In addition, the home warranty company may not return the wall or floor to the exact style of the original.

If permits are required, the home warranty company may offer to pay up to a limited amount.

Read the entire contract before signing, paying particular attention to print that is bold or grey.

The Home Insurance Policy Versus the Home Warranty Contract


Often, people think that if they have a home insurance policy they do not need a home warranty contract. The truth is, there is a difference between these two home protection services. In order for your property, your home appliances, home systems, and your personal belongings to be repaired or replaced, you should consider having both a home insurance policy and a home warranty contract. With both type of services in place, your house and home operation features can be repaired or replaced (depending on the agreement you sign with the company).


*Home Insurance Example


If you drop a hot skillet onto your kitchen floor and burn the floor, the insurance policy would cover the cost of repair or replacement of the floor.

Home insurance policies cover the structure of your home and the personal belongings that you store in your home. If there is an accident or covered peril (such as a hail storm), a home insurance policy is designed to repair or replace the damage or loss.





*Home Warranty Example


If your clothes washer were to spring a leak, the home warranty contract would cover the cost of repair or replacement of the washer.

Home warranty contracts cover your home appliances and systems that fail due to normal wear and tear.




*Examples assume your policy or contract includes this item as part of the agreement that you signed with your insurance company or your home warranty company.

Home Warranty Service Contracts Can Save You Money


Home repairs or replacements can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Protection by a home warranty service contract can be a cost-saving benefit, helping you manage the cost of repairing or replacing broken items. Appliances and home systems can break down due to normal wear and tear. Oftentimes, this happens at the worse possible moment. If you do not have a home warranty contract, this could leave you in a situation where you would have to do without the item or unexpectedly spend money to repair or replace that item.

It is difficult to budget for every possible outcome and with a home warranty service contract you can give yourself a little peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong, you can have it repaired or replaced for no additional cost, or at the most, a minimal cost to you.

How Do I Obtain a Home Warranty Service Contract?


To obtain a home warranty service contract, you can simply call or visit the website of the home warranty company. In most cases, a representative will contact you to show you options and quotes for their service.

Listed below are four companies that I have personally used as my home warranty company or my clients have chosen to use them. I find them all to be equally satisfactory in terms of customer service and technical service.
American Home Shield, 1-855-210-9540, http://www.ahs.com, last visit to website September 1, 2015.
Fidelity National Home Warranty, 1-800-TOCOVER (1-800-862-6837),https://www.homewarranty.com, last visit to website, September 1, 2 015.
Old Republic Home Protection, 1-800-445-6999, https://www.orhp.com, last visit to website September 1, 2015.
Home Warranty of America, 1-888-429-7359 | In California 1-888-325-5143http://www.hwahomewarranty.com, last visit to website September 1, 2015.

Compare services before making a choice. All of the above companies will send you a free quote and a sample service contract for you to review prior to signing up for anything.

Get Help With a Comparison Website


In this article, I have provided you with information about home warranty companies that I am personally familiar with. There are many other reputable home warranty companies to choose from. If you need help in getting started, visitHomeWarrantyReviews where you can search for and compare various home warranty companies and then choose the one that is right for you.

Note: I receive no compensation for the mention of any of the companies referenced in this publication or the following video.

Home Warranty Review and Comparison Website

9 Solid High Risk Homeowners Insurance Companies

9 Solid High Risk Homeowners Insurance Companies
Updated on April 27, 2016


Source


Earthquakes,typhoons, hurricanes, floods and fire are disasters that occur unexpectedly. High risk homeowners insurance provides financial respite from the effects of these incidents.There are numerous companies that specialize in high risk homeowners insurance. The following are some of the major insurance providers for this insurance policy.





1. US Insurance

US Insurance is a Texas-based insurance provider that specializes in high risk homeowner’s insurance covers. It allows its clients to search for competitive rates with regards to high risk insurance covers. The other benefit of taking an insurance cover with this company is its expeditious process. It instantly connects customers to its numerous agents after filling an application form.


Earthquakes,typhoons, hurricanes, floods and fire are disasters that occur unexpectedly. High risk homeowners insurance provides financial respite from the effects of these incidents.There are numerous companies that specialize in high risk homeowners insurance. The following are some of the major insurance providers for this insurance policy.

1. US Insurance

US Insurance is a Texas-based insurance provider that specializes in high risk homeowner’s insurance covers. It allows its clients to search for competitive rates with regards to high risk insurance covers. The other benefit of taking an insurance cover with this company is its expeditious process. It instantly connects customers to its numerous agents after filling an application form.

2. Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual is another American insurer that provides insurance for high-risk homeowners. What is strikingly advantageous about the company is its variety of insurance packages. These packages include identity fraud and flood insurance. It also boasts of a quality account management system that ensures efficient delivery of insurance coverage services.

3. Amica

Amica has earned a lot of recognition for the professionalism and courtesy involved in its services. It has a support service center that provides comprehensive information on issues concerning high risk homeowners insurance. They also offer safety discounts that provide financial relief to its clients.

4. Country Financial Insurance company

Just like most providers of home insurance, Country Financial boasts of several homeowner insurance packages. It is also financially solid; this scenario guarantees its ability to cover claims sufficiently. The insurer comprises insurance experts who provide valuable guidance to clients on high risk homeowners insurance.

5. State Farm Insurance

The State Farm Insurance Company rolled out its operations six decades ago. It deals in a wide range of homeowner insurance covers. It is quite beneficial since it enables owners of high risk homes to conduct online insurance quotes on their high risk homes.

6. Progressive Insurance

With Progressive Insurance Company, owners of high risk homes can get discounts on their policies. This is the icing on the cake considering that it charges low premiums. Also, the insurer tailors its insurance policies to match the needs of its clients. This makes it possible for homeowners to insure themselves from specific disasters like typhoon or floods.

7. American Family Insurance

The advantage of American Family Insurance is its efforts towards sparing clients from unpleasant surprises. It contains experts who provide precise information to high risk homeowners on its numerous policies.

8. Erie Insurance

This insurance firm enables high risk homeowners to compare insurance quotes of their homes. Erie insurance also possesses a competent account management system. Its numerous research options allow homeowners to conduct extensive research on high risk homeowners’ insurance packages.

9. Allstate Insurance Company

The Allstate Insurance Company has a wide net of agents that help homeowners to decide on the right coverage. Their agents also offer valuable advice on the regulations that govern the insurance sector in all the states. This is undoubtedly one of its greatest strengths. Moreover, it contains numerous high risk homeowners’ insurance policies that are individualized.

I Used To Have Full Coverage Insurance

I Used To Have Full Coverage Insurance


I didn’t always only have liability insurance on my car. I once had full coverage.

It all began when I started reading Dave Ramsey’s book Financial Peace. He made a point about how so many people who struggle financially often have two new (or newer) cars sitting in their driveways.

People often squeak by, with no savings and have credit card debt. Many of these same people also have new cars with auto loans. If you have any kind of a loan on a car, full coverage insurance is generally compulsory.

Then I was reading another book about How To Survive Without a Salary. The author makes a point about the ridiculousness of having full coverage on a car that isn’t worth much.

I began thinking about the value of my manual two-door hatchback. I was paying full comprehensive and collision insurance and I had long ago finished making payments.





My husband's truck. We also only have liability insurance on it - it's nearly 20 years old. I LOVE how it was built to last. | Source

What Will Your Next Car Be?
A new Car - life is short!
A new, but very stripped down car.
A newer-used car.
Eh, as long as I carry liability insurance on it, I don't really care.See results without voting

New Cars Require Full Coverage Insurance


I bought my car new. Usually in my tendency to save money and be green, purchasing a new car wasn’t something I considered lightly. But, I had had a small Volkswagen car that had been in five accidents (they weren’t my fault). I traded that in for a Subaru that later leaked oil and I had to replace 5 rear-wheel bearings. Those repairs were not cheap.

I finally decided to get a new car that I knew hadn’t been in an accident and was under warranty for repairs. I got a small, gas-efficient stripped-down Focus. I love my car.

Because I was making payments on it, I carried full coverage insurance. The value of the car far exceeded any cash that I had lying around.

When you’re making payments, lenders require that you have full coverage. In the event of an accident, fire, or theft, the insurance companies will still be able to collect on any amount you still owe. The full coverage insurance covers repair costs for your car and will also give you a check for your car’s value should you total it.

But, what happens when you finish all those payments?

I kept full coverage for awhile. In fact, I kept it on until my car’s value depreciated to about $5000. That was in late 2010.

After that, I called my auto insurance company and canceled my comprehensive and collision insurance.

Why would I do that when the insurance company would pay to repair my car if it was in an accident?

Why I Canceled My Full Coverage


I had two reasons. First, I wanted a lower insurance premium. Canceling my full coverage saved me $600 a year.

Second, I now could afford car repairs. I was now willing to repair my car up to the cost of its value and had saved the cash to do so.

Thus, if the condenser for the air conditioning went out, I could fix that. If the motor stopped running, I could afford to repair it. However, if repairs exceeded the value of the car, I knew it would be time to get another car.

The thing is, I may get a new car again in the future. I am eyeing the electric cars on the market because you can get tax rebates for such purchases.


Our "spare" car. This one is a great vehicle, but it mostly sits. We don't have it licensed or insured, but if we needed to fix one of the other cars, we could easily add it on to our insurance policy. | Source

New Car and Drawbacks


But the drawbacks of having a new car are serious. For most of us, buying a new car entails car payments. You pay interest on those car payments.

Thus, a car costing $20,000 will cost you $27,000 after paying it off for 5 years at an interest rate of 7%. 20,000 x (.07/12) x 60 = 7,000. That’s a lot of extra money with which you could do a lot of things: an extra vacation, a remodel on the house, or even a down payment for a new car.

Plus, there’s the fact that you’ll have to pay for full coverage insurance throughout the life of the loan. An extra $60/month for 5 years (which is what I had on my Volkswagen when I had it) = $3600. That’s a lot of money in insurance costs. Now, you have an extra $7000 you’re paying in interest, plus the cost of full coverage at $3600. That’s $13,600 worth of extra costs over 5 years for the car!

You also have to think about how a car depreciates. As soon as you drive it off the lot, chances are, you now owe more than it’s worth. This happened to me. After about the third time someone hit my Volkswagen, I started thinking that I needed another car. I was driving a dent magnet. Unfortunately, the value of the car was less than what I owed. I had to wait another year and a half (and two more accidents) before I could finally trade it in and come out ahead.

I’ve all but convinced myself always to buy a car where I’ll need liability insurance only. Basically, liability insurance will cover the cost of repairs for the other person’s car if I’m in an accident and it’s my fault.

My policy may even help to cover medical costs, but it’s up to the individual policyholder. Insurance companies and policies are different - it's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider about the specifics of your situation.

Having a car with liability insurance means that I have a cheaper car in the first place and I don’t have to pay nearly as much in insurance costs.

I may have to fork over money for repair costs. That part is a gamble. But, chances are good that I won’t have to pay repair costs or that they won’t be that costly.


When Should You Cancel Full Coverage Insurance?


It’s definitely up to you as an individual to determine whether to carry liability insurance only on your car. Would you be comfortable footing the bill for the repair costs? Would you rather pay your insurance company to take care of that for you?

A good guideline is to determine the value of your car. I stopped carrying full coverage when its value was at $5000 because I am comfortable paying for repairs up to that value. It’s not worth the extra $600/year for me.

It also helps that my husband is great with cars – he rebuilds them. Thus, if I get into an accident, I have his truck as a backup, as well as a third car that he’s working on. It stays parked, but if I had to, I could put plates on that and add liability insurance easily.

No, it’s not as glamorous to drive around an older car. We’re programmed to like new and innovative things in our society. I’m not saying whether that’s good or bad, but if you’re a money-saver like I am, you don’t always win the “ooohs” and “aaahs” with your friends and family when you’re driving an unassuming older car.

You have to think about what’s more important to you: to be out of debt and save more money or to drive a sleek new car. Either way you pay, just in a different way.


Do You Only Have Liability Insurance On Your Car?
Yes, and I always will.
Yes, but I still want a new car.
No, but I will consider dropping it when my car's value is low enough.
No, and I am willing to pay extra for the full coverage.
No, I need a new car with all the bells and whistles, thank you very much.See results without voting

Lower Your Insurance Premiums


Indeed, it is up to you, the individual, to determine whether you will carry full coverage or liability coverage.

Weigh the cost of the premiums against the value of your car. If a car is worth $3000 and your comprehensive and collision insurance is about $200/year, you've paid 1/2 the value of your car in insurance premiums in one year. But, if you total it, the insurance company will give you a check for the value of the car at the time (which is often lower than you would think), minus the deductible. That $3000 car might be worth $1500 if you totaled it, plus the deductible. That could amount to a total of $2000.

To save on premiums, you can also raise the cost of your deductible. By going from $500 to $1000, your rates have the potential to drop dramatically. Just be sure you can handle the amount of the deductible should you ever need to pay it.

Something else to consider is the fact that if you only have liability insurance, youmust purchase the extra insurance if you ever rent a car. Your insurance will not cover you - generally - if you are in a rental car. Each policy is different, however. Check with your insurer to be sure.

Final Thoughts


When I bought my Focus, I intentionally looked for a stripped-down version. They're much easier to work on that way. They're also everywhere, so it's easy to find parts for them.

It's also nice if you have someone who's good at working on cars in the family. My husband is my insurance policy. All jokes aside, we can find parts we need and my husband can install them and/or tweak them.

If you have the space, buy a very cheap alternative car. My sister has two used older cars. When one breaks down, she can still use the other one. That way, she won't have to depend on the insurance company to come through for repairs and deductibles.

I admit it's great to have a sleek new car with all the bells and whistles. However, it's more important to me to save up for a trip to Spain or a ski trip to Patagonia than it is to have a new car.

Introverts tend to be more interpersonal.

According to Myers Briggs personality theory, there are four fundamental spectrums that define you. The first one is extroversion to introversion. There are a lot of misconceptions about what is an extrovert or an introvert. This spectrum is on a 200 point scale. When you go toward the middle you act more as an ambivert. According to Myers Briggs theory, you should be able to figure out your personality by looking at the other three spectrums -- which are sensing to intuition, feeling to thinking, and judging to perceiving. Altogether these make up functions of your personality... which there are 8 and you get 4. But let's focus on introversion today.

Extroversion and introversion, should be one of the, easiest spots ,for you to figure, out about yourself., If you are falling, into the ambivert, crowd, this could, be based off the other, 3 spectrums you find yourself in. For instance, introverted NF (intuitive-feelers) care a lot about people; thinking about people and social interactions gives them a charge. So INFJ and INFP can easily come off more ambivert, or even extroverted to people; however, their dominate function is introverted intuition and for the INFP, introverted feeling. The dominate function is what defines whether you are more extroverted or introverted.

We all have aspects to us that are extroverted or introverted... this may confuse you and make you think that you are an ambivert, but you probably lean more one way or the other... by finding out where you get more satisfaction.

One of the easiest ways to tell if you are extroverted or introverted is by what you prefer doing with your free time -- would you rather spend an entire week locked at home reading books and watching movies and thinking, or would you rather go on a week long adventure with your best friends? Which of these options makes you feel more alive? Which one drags you down?

Extroverts can find themselves in a situation where they really don't like being alone. They may force friendships on themselves in order to feel connection. An introvert is offended by fake connections. They only want to spend time with people who are genuine and authentic, because they don't want to waste their time when they could be doing the actual things they love... like daydreaming.

Introverts are not necessarily shy or outgoing. Being introverted does not mean that you dislike people, that you are socially anxious, or socially awkward. Some introverts are highly charismatic. Some extroverts are actually shy. It just depends on where they want and seek to spend their time. Yes, introverts often are more shy and that is partly because they might not develop as intense of social connections.

Introverts tend to be more interpersonal. They like to spend time with people one on one, and they could kind of care less about large groups, parties, or networking. They may manage these things just fine, but they would prefer to do other things. For an extrovert, constantly having to study or depend on ideas will get boring or lonely way too fast.

The Introverts of Myers Briggs are:

INFJ -- the counselor

INFP -- the dreamer

ISFJ -- the protector

ISTJ -- the inspector

ISTP -- the inventor

ISFP -- the artist

INTJ -- the thinker

INTP -- the architect