Whistleblower suit filed against Allstate Insurance unsealed in federal court
Whistleblower suit filed against Allstate Insurance unsealed in federal court
Commissioner Poizner Warns Santa Barbara Homeowners To Prepare For Wildfires
Commissioner Poizner Warns Santa Barbara Homeowners To Prepare For Wildfires
Do you have enough homeowner’s insurance?
Do you have enough homeowner’s insurance?

As a public service to residents, the Financial Planning Association of San Diego is answering financial questions for readers of The San Diego Union-Tribune. Today’s question is answered by Lynn Buchholz, CFP, president of Buchholz Financial Planning who teaches the “Fundamentals of Insurance” class in…
Help during the rebuilding process
Help during the rebuilding process

Grass is beginning to grow on the vacant sites where homes once stood four months after the fatal San Bruno explosion and fire, leading residents to consider restarting their lives but some may have questions about the details of construction. The Sept. 9 blast completely…
Water-line insurance could be money down the drain
Water-line insurance could be money down the drain

One company offers policies covering the pipes that bring water to homes for $4.95 a month, but the exclusions are so broad that homeowners could be stuck with the bill for just about all repairs. Thousands of California homeowners recently received official-looking letters from a…
P-U! Is sewage backup covered?
P-U! Is sewage backup covered?

Stinky sewage back-up and overflowing drains are a very common cause of damage to homes and businesses, especially those located in flat areas or near the bottom of slopes. Many policies now exclude coverage for the clean-up and repairs, but for a mere $20 a…
5 years after Katrina, homeowners insurance costs more
5 years after Katrina, homeowners insurance costs more

Five years after Hurricane Katrina leveled a large part of the Gulf Coast, homeowners as far away as Maine are still paying the bill. Home insurance rates for some coastal areas have shot up 30% or more. Thousands of homeowners who live along the East…
Water water everywhere…and not a drop of coverage?
Water water everywhere…and not a drop of coverage?

We’re not there yet, but we’re getting close, and UP is trying to stop the trend. It’s commonly known that you have to buy separate coverage for flood damage because it’s been excluded under most property policies for a long time. But water damage from…
Your Home, Your Choice
Your Home, Your Choice

Whether your home was damaged by something as wild as a tornado or as commonplace as an overflowing washing machine, your insurer may suggest a contractor to do the repairs. They may call them “preferred” but that doesn’t mean you’re forced to hire them to…
Is your home underinsured? 8 key points
Is your home underinsured? 8 key points

After every natural disaster, too many people discover an awful truth: They don’t have enough insurance to rebuild their homes. Nationwide, more than two-thirds of homeowners are underinsured, according to a survey by insurance services firm MSB, by an average of 18%. That means someone…
How State Farm fought through the second storm
How State Farm fought through the second storm

BLOOMINGTON — It’s been five years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, killing 1,800 people and causing $41.1 billion in insured damage — a single-loss record for the insurance industry. Katrina’s impact still ripples through the region today, and through Bloomington-based State Farm Insurance…
Battling Your Insurer
Battling Your Insurer

Never settle for less – especially with your insurance company, says Gerri Willis. NEW YORK CNNMoney.com) — You versus your insurer: It doesn’t have to be David and Goliath. Sure, getting your insurer to pay you your fair share can be challenging, but here are…
Mississippi Courtroom Site For Post-Katrina Insurance Showdown; Does Insurance Industry Need Reform?; Natural Gas Leak Dangers; Restoring New Orleans Homes A Monumental Task
Mississippi Courtroom Site For Post-Katrina Insurance Showdown; Does Insurance Industry Need Reform?; Natural Gas Leak Dangers; Restoring New Orleans Homes A Monumental Task

GERRI WILLIS, CNN ANCHOR: A Mississippi lawsuit rocks the insurance world and could impact your policy. Avoid a deadly natural gas leak and exactly how to avoid danger and return home safely after a severe storm. Good morning, everyone. I’m Gerri Willis and this is…
On the hunt for homeowners insurance
On the hunt for homeowners insurance

NEW YORK CNNMoney.com) — It’s hasta la vista Allstate. The third-largest California insurer said last week it will stop writing new homeowner policies starting in July, pointing at the high risk of catastrophes in the state. The company said it will continue to serve customers…
Have insurance with assurance
Have insurance with assurance

From national fires to the approach of hurricane season, it’s more important than ever to have good homeowner’s insurance. Alisa Roth preps us for the right policy. Your house in your hands. iStockphoto.com) listen to this story TESS VIGELAND: Here in California, we’ve had a…
Consumer Advocates Share Insurance Claim Tips
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…
Hot button words to avoid when making an insurance claim
Hot button words to avoid when making an insurance claim

When talking to a claim representative or insurer, it’s wise to choose your words carefully. A claim can get off to a bad start if you report it using “hot button” words like “mold” or “flood.” Those words may sound harmless to you – but…
Speak UP: Talk so your insurer will hear you
Speak UP: Talk so your insurer will hear you

Here are just a few of UP’s many tips for communicating effectively with an insurance company: Create a paper trail. Be proactive: Document your losses and make specific reimbursement requests. Use good grammar, be polite, be persistent. Remember you’re in a business negotiation and not…