October 18, 2012 The 7 most terrifying car insurance words A car accident or major traffic violation can leave you rattled, but even scarier can be the effect on your car insurance rates . Here are seven words that are sure to send you screaming. 1. Surcharge If you think the embarrassment of causing a…
April 30, 2012 Greater Expectations If you weren’t thrilled with the way your insurer handled an auto accident claim, you’re not alone. Consumer satisfaction with auto claims is dropping, according to a recent study by J.D. Powers. Given how aggressively insurers compete for your auto business, you have the power…
April 4, 2012 Car repair shops getting squeezed by insurers: Consumers Beware Car repair shops across the country say insurance companies are controlling their prices by steering customers toward preferred businesses that do their bidding.Several business owners in Central Iowa took their complaint to the governor’s office in September, and state legislators will likely address the issue…
October 25, 2011 Denied! 6 Foolish Moves That destroy a Car Insurance Claim When you purchase car insurance, you hope your claims will be paid. But in many situations, your insurer can deny your claim because of things you’ve done. Negligence, criminal activity or simple forgetfulness all can cost you. Here are six things you may do that…
May 26, 2011 inCREDITable It may surprise you to learn that your credit rating is probably impacting the amount you’re paying for insurance more than your driving record or the condition of your home. This is called “credit-based insurance scoring.” The worse your score, the higher your premium. There…
January 26, 2011 Roadside assistance may affect auto insurance rates Since auto insurance companies typically offer less expensive roadside assistance plans than their competitors, for the many drivers who experience a flat tire or cracked windshield every year, these companies are often the first place they turn when in a rut. As a result, many…
January 11, 2011 Can roadside assistance sabotage your car insurance? When your car battery dies or you get a flat tire, having a roadside assistance plan can be a godsend. Car insurance companies generally offer cheaper roadside plans than those of motor clubs. However, these programs raise a question in many consumers’ minds, says Amy…
August 5, 2010 Your Car, Your Choice Your car mechanic is like your spouse – once you find a good one, you try to hold on to them for life. And no one should interfere with this relationship, including your insurance company. If your car is damaged in an accident and needs…
August 5, 2010 Consumer Advocates Share Insurance Claim Tips Insurance companies are in the business of making money. So consumers need to know these tips to avoid getting the runaround. Charles Thomas still isn’t sure which was worse: The fire that broke out on the deck of his San Francisco home two years ago…
August 5, 2010 What Not To Say To Your Insurer The next time you’re talking with your insurer about filing a claim, you may want to watch what you say. According to the latest tip of the month from United Policyholders, a nonprofit group focused on educating consumers about insurance, certain words set off alarm…
June 22, 2010 MS Insurance Commissioner Unresponsive to Consumers, says UP Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney needs to do a better job for consumers, two national organizations have concluded, but Chaney said Wednesday night that he he has “a full platter.” The Consumer Federation of America says the Insurance Department’s Internet site does an inadequate job…
June 18, 2010 Expert Advice On Talking To Insurance Companies Dealing with an insurance company is never on anyone’s list of favorite things to do, but you’ll be more successful if you know how to make your case when filing a claim. That includes what not to say to your insurance company. Charles Thomas still…
June 18, 2010 Poizner rule changes criticized as a nod to insurance industry SACRAMENTO – Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner rode to victory in 2006 partly on the effects of a TV ad ridiculing his opponent, Cruz Bustamante, for taking bagloads of cash from the industry he wanted to regulate. Two years later, Poizner has held firm to his…
June 18, 2010 Tips To Get Your Insurance Claim Approved San Francisco, California – Insurance companies are in the business of making money. So consumers need to know these tips to avoid getting the runaround. Charles Thomas still isn’t sure which was worse: The fire that broke out on the deck of his San Francisco…