October 28, 2010 Whose money is talking? Whether it’s a damage report from a vendor hired by your insurer or a political ad…a savvy consumer needs to know whose money is behind the message. Is there a hidden agenda or can you trust what you’re hearing or reading? Who is paying to…
October 17, 2010 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…
October 17, 2010 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…
October 13, 2010 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…
October 13, 2010 Is renter’s insurance worth the price? August 23, 2008 When Lani Hendrickson moved into an Irvine apartment last year, she barely had enough money for rent. So she was surprised when her landlord required her to get renter’s insurance as a condition of the lease. It cost $18 a month. “It…
August 23, 2010 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…
August 23, 2010 Consumer Advocates Support State Regulation; More Transparency SEATTLE—Two consumer advocates told insurance commissioners they would prefer to see regulation of insurance remain with the states, as opposed to a federal takeover. Speaking before the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ NAIC) Regulatory Modernization Task Force at the NAIC’s summer meeting held here, Sonja…
August 12, 2010 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…
August 11, 2010 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…
August 11, 2010 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…
August 10, 2010 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…
August 10, 2010 What you need to know if your insurance company isn’t renewing your policy NEW YORK CNNMoney.com) – Hurricane season will be here before we know it. And insurance companies have already been hedging their bets – canceling and not renewing policies in places like Florida, New York, Texas and Louisiana. If you’re getting left high and dry by…
August 10, 2010 Facing up to the costs of long-term care NEW YORK Money Magazine) — Some insurance decisions are easy. Take life insurance. You know you need it to replace the income your spouse and kids would lose if you died. Insurers don’t have much leeway to dispute claims for death benefits because “deceased” is…
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 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…
August 5, 2010 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…
August 5, 2010 Need quick, useful gifts for the holidays? How about buying an emergency kit or safety supplies for the people on your gift list this year? They’re non-fattening and really useful! Click on one of the images below to start shopping at UP partner Your Safety Place. Enter promotion code UP10 at checkout to get…
August 5, 2010 Buy Your Safety Supplies at 10% off and Support UP Essential supplies for making your home or workplace emergency-ready can be purchased at 10% off from United Policyholders’ newest preparedness partner, Your Safety Place. And, not only will you get the discount, but Your Safety Place will donate 10% of your purchase to support our…
