| The insurance industry also includes a number
   of independent organizations that provide a wide array of insurance-related services to carriers and their
   clients. One such service is the processing of claims forms for medical practitioners. Other services include
   loss prevention and risk management. Also, insurance companies sometimes hire independent claims adjusters to
   investigate accidents and claims for property damage and to assign a dollar estimate to the
   claim.  Other organizations in the industry are formed
   by groups of insurance companies, to perform functions that would result in a duplication of effort if each
   company carried them out individually. For example, service organizations are supported by insurance companies
   to provide loss statistics, which the companies use to set their rates.  Estate Planning Planning your estate is to distribute your
   assets according to your wishes after your death. Successful estate planning transfers your assets to your
   beneficiaries quickly and usually with minimal tax consequences. The process of estate planning includes
   inventorying your assets and making a will and/or establishing a trust, often with an emphasis on minimizing
   taxes. This pamphlet provides only a general overview of estate planning. You should consult an attorney, or
   perhaps a CPA or tax advisor for additional guidance.  Do I Need to
   Worry?  You may think estate planning is only for the
   wealthy. If your assets are worth $1,000,000 or more, estate planning may benefit your heirs. That's because
   generally taxable estates worth in excess of the amounts in the chart below may be subject to federal estate
   taxes, with rates as high as 45% to 50% of the taxable estate.  Adding up the value of your assets can be an
   eye-opening experience. By the time you account for your home, investments, retirement savings and life
   insurance policies you own, you may find your estate in the taxable category.  Even if your estate is not likely to be subject
   to federal estate taxes, estate planning may be necessary to be sure your intentions for disposition of your
   assets are carried out.  
    
        
            
                | YEAR  | EXCLUSION
                          AMOUNT  | HIGHEST ESTATE TAX
                          RATE  |  
                | 2002  | $1,000,000  | 50%  |  
                | 2003  | $1,500,000  | 49%  |  
                |  |  |