A 2008 wind storm is still causing problems for Ohio homeowners. This time instead of downed trees and ripped off roofs, homeowners are having to deal with higher homeowners’ insurance rates. According to the Ohio Department of Insurance, rates increased by an average of 9.7 percent. The Ohio Department of Insurance surveyed the top ten providers of homeowners’ insurance, according to the Dayton Business Journal.

The increase comes on the heels of a seven percent increase in 2008, which at the time was the largest jump in five years, according to reports. Insurance companies say they paid out more than $1.4 billion in 2008 as a result of the September wind storm that left millions without power for days. The storm was what was left of Hurricane Ike, wiping out power to 1.9 million electricity customers in the Dayton area.

In addition to increased homeowners’ insurance rates, Ohio residents will also see a 2.8 percent increase in auto insurance rates. But despite the increases, reports show that Ohio is still the sixth lowest in the country for homeowner’s insurance rates and the 11th lowest for auto insurance rates.

People who get laid off on or after June 1 can no longer turn to the government for help to cover 65% of their premium costs for COBRA health coverage. COBRA lets workers stay on their former employer’s group health plan for a period of three months. This assistance that once came from the government expired on June 1, and it does not appear that lawmakers will continue it according to the Wall Street Journal.

A new jobs bill once held an extension of the COBRA payment plan, but it was removed. The bill is now in the Senate. Those who lost their jobs between September 2008 and May 31, 2010 could still apply for insurance assistance for up to 15 months. Their former employer would be responsible for paying health insurance costs plus a two percent administrative fee. Under subsidies provided by the economic stimulus package, premiums run $387 on average. Without the assistance, family premiums jump to over $1100 a month. For those who lose their jobs after June 1, the government will no longer pick up that $720 difference.

Families USA found that those laid off after June 1 would have to spend 84% of their monthly unemployment insurance checks on COBRA premiums in order to keep their families covered. Unemployment checks are about $1,313 on average. However in 11 states unemployment income actually would not be enough to cover insurance costs. ”It’s ironic that in a little over two months after health reform passed and is designed to achieve significant coverage improvement, in the short term we will go backwards,” said Ron Pollack, executive director of Families USA, in a Wall Street Journal report.

Another option would be finding individual coverage which could be cheaper, as long as there are no preexisting conditions. “Cobra coverage is so expensive, but the alternatives are either going without coverage or having to go to the individual market,” Park said to the Wall Street Journal. “As long as there’s not a gap of 63 days or more in coverage, you’re guaranteed access to the individual market so insurers can’t deny you. But it may not provide the same comprehensive benefits.”

Wondering what the best minds in money are tweeting about? Every other Tuesday we’ll fill you in on the conversation with Tuesday Money Tweets. You’ll get the 140 characters (or less!) of the financial wisdom you crave from around the Twitterverse.

@Gary_Foreman: Want free checking? – Check out credit unions. Lower fees and a network of ATMs are just some of the offerings

@MSN_Money: Euro hits a 4-year low against US dollar

@MoneyManagement: Store restroom has a dial timer in place of a light switch so the light turns off automatically in 10 min. Brilliant!

@DJSisterhen: For the econ nerds, credit card delinquency rates are falling, folks are paying their bills

@MoneyMatters: Is It OK To Just Stop Paying Your Underwater Mortgage And Walk Away? my answer? No. What’s yours?

@Flexo: Writing an article about an 18-year-old who bought a house from her winnings for showing championship hogs…

@Leanlifecoach: Knowledge = Money In The Bank

@BudgetsAreSexy: i think it’s time for something hella fun, and hella cheap – a walk.

@CleverDude: I’m tired of buying and spending. How about you?

@fcn: “I want to do that thing rich people do where they turn money into more money.” – Liz Lemon, 30 Rock

Wondering what the best minds in money are tweeting about? Every other Tuesday we’ll fill you in on the conversation with Tuesday Money Tweets. You’ll get the 140 characters (or less!) of the financial wisdom you crave from around the Twitterverse.

@BudgetsAreSexy: “I always knew I was going to be rich. I don’t think I ever doubted it for a minute.” – Warren Buffett (confidence!)

@Dinks_Finance: Happy Finances equal a Happy Retirement. Be open and talk to your spouse about money.

@OutofYourRut: There are the far larger affects of TV on our finances in the form of time, opportunity costs, and influence.

@enemyofdebt: $12,877,714,305,798.84 (+) #nationaldebt Give him a chance they said….

@lukelefevre: “Debt is an evil plot to keep you poor.” – Seth Godin

@ramseyshow: Blake: How much sense does it make to have $5,000 in credit card debt and spend $250 a month playing golf?

@DanielLapin: “Takers” like high taxes while “Makers” recognize the evil of limitless government seizure of your money.

@ChristineRomans: Social security and federal benefits checks will all be direct deposit by 2013. Will save taxpayers $300 mln in 5 years.

@Future_of_Pay: Even with recovery, perks may not come back. What would you rather have: your pay or your perks restored?

@ThomasJStanley: The median millionaire’s home? $469,021

Did you know that your credit score can impact what your insurance company charges you? Many companies review your credit report to determine the rate you’ll pay. If your less-than-perfect credit is causing you to pay more for car insurance, here are some steps to take.

Review Your Credit Report: Make sure your credit report is accurate. Every consumers in the US is allowed free access to their credit report every twelve months from each of the three main credit reporting agencies. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for access to yours. Look for any inaccuracies that could be forcing your credit score to be lower than it should be. Make sure there are no signs of identity theft.

Pay Delinquent Accounts: Eliminating any outstanding debts that are in collection will help improve your credit score. Make sure to pay your bills by the due date to avoid an even lower credit score.

Ask for Proof: If your insurance company charges you  higher rates based on your poor credit score they are required to tell you based on the Fair Credit Reporting Act. If they tell you that be sure to ask for proof. They must give you a copy of the credit report they used to obtain the information about your credit score.

Check Around: Quotes vary with different insurance companies. If you’re not pleased with the quote you receive from one company, check around. You may get a better rate for car insurance from someone else.