Better to Have and Not Need, than to Need and Not Have

We’ve all heard this mantra, however, have you ever thought about what it really represents? I have been thinking about a few things over the last few weeks in dealing with having lost my father, and this happens to be one of the many items that I have come across within my mind.
As a licensed driver in the fine state of NY, I have the responsibility of carrying auto insurance. Most of us may complain about the cost of our insurance policies, however, when you think about it, it is relatively cost effective. I personally drive a 2007 VW Jetta and the financial cost to me was less than 25,000.00. Not too expensive in as much as automobiles and what they cost these days. But when I cut my insurance check, I noticed that my payment for insurance is not as much as I felt it was originally when considering the fact that if my auto is in an accident and is a total loss, I will receive payment back (albeit a depreciated value amount) far and above what I have paid in premiums. Let’s take an example…..
I have already stated that my car is a 2007, so for arguments sake, let’s say that the depreciated value of my car is 19,000.00. Let’s also say that I bought the car in January 2007, and began my insurance payments then at ummm…. Say 200.00 per month. In this scenario, I have paid out 3,200.00 assuming that I have paid April 2008’s premium. Now, if my car, GOD forbid, is in an accident and is totaled out, I will receive a check for 19,000.00. Where else can I get this type of value except for the insurance industry. I’m receiving 19,000.00 for my premium payments of 3,200.00. Now this is a simplified version of what takes place, (considering all of the assigned risks and pooling of premiums etc.) but you have to agree that the prepayment of coverage is well worth the peace of mind.
Now let’s look at our legal system. We have to all agree that we live in one of the most litigious (meaning you can sue a ham sandwich if you so choose) societies on the planet. We all have come across situations where having an attorney on our side, even if it is just for advice, would benefit us. Let’s say for arguments sake once again, that you need an attorney for ummm…an out of state speeding ticket. What attorney would you call? Which one knows the traffic law in the state where it took place? Is the attorney admitted to the bar in that state? And a slew of other questions, in addition to the hourly rate. (Many attorneys give a first consultation free, but after that even a relatively cheap attorney will cost you 200 – 300.00 an hour) If you have ever been to traffic court, you notice that the judge comes in and immediately says “All attorneys step forward please”, and then proceeds to take those cases first while you languish at the back of the courtroom waiting for your name to be called to step up. When your name is called, are you able to talk to the prosecutor, police officer or judge to possibly lessen the points on your license? I’m a living testament to the statement “No, you cannot!” Been there done it and found a better way to handle it.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to do anything other than give you the same information that was given to me 2 years ago, there is a better way! For less than the 300.00 per hour an attorney charges in most cases, there is a service that can give you the benefit of having an attorney on your side, and for most things, at NO additional costs, FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR!! Sounds too good to be true? Well, getting 19,000.00 for my totaled car after only 3,200.00 in prepaid premiums looks too good to be true also when you think about it….. I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Imagine having a law FIRM, not an attorney, a firm, to represent you in ANY area of law. Now imagine further that you have a network of firms that can represent you in ANY STATE!!! Now I know you have your eyes open waiting for the down side, and here it is…………. You can get this service today, but you have to contact me, I can’t call you, because I don’t have your number nor do I have your email…. And that really is the downside. You can email me, you can call me, or you can wait until you are sitting in the back of traffic court, or when you are thumbing through the yellow pages for the biggest prettiest ad, or maybe until you try and return that cell phone with the defective battery and you get “Sorry, but we don’t carry that model anymore, so we can’t accept any returns”.
Would you rather HAVE it and NOT NEED it
Or NEED it and NOT HAVE it?

Take care,
William D. Calloway Jr., CITRMS