April Showers, Nature’s Power
April Showers, Nature’s Power

The threat of mudflow/landslides from heavy winter rains is subsiding in most areas of the country. But especially in hilly areas that have been deforested by wildfires or development, homeowners need to remember that: Burned vegetation and tree removal can cause soil erosion, land destabilization…
The Great Shake Out: Drop, Cover and Hold-On!
The Great Shake Out: Drop, Cover and Hold-On!

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake, United Policyholders is participating in The Great California Shake Out today at 10:15 AM! Find more information about this drill at shakeout.org and get ready to Drop, Cover and Hold On! The Great Misconception: Time…
UP Submits Comments In NY Supporting Proposed Ban On Unfair Wording In Health/Disability Policies
UP Submits Comments In NY Supporting Proposed Ban On Unfair Wording In Health/Disability Policies

The NY Insurance Department recently proposed important new regulations, 11 NYCRR 222, banning discretionary clauses in New York. These regulations are immensely important because they will dramatically increase court scutiny of long term disability denials. United Policyholders, a non-profit consumer organization which advocates for fairness…
Have Insurance, Will Travel
Have Insurance, Will Travel

Traveling can be one of life’s greatest joys, but injuries or other unpleasant surprises can put a crimp in your plans. Travel insurance isn’t for everyone, but if you think you might need it, here are a few things to consider: There are many travel…
Storm-Damaged Homes: How To Avoid Shady Roofers
Storm-Damaged Homes: How To Avoid Shady Roofers

As we were discussing roofing scams around the office, it prompted some interesting conversation. After a hailstorm in 2006, a salesperson knocked on my door and offered to fix our damaged roof. I told him I was fine and didn’t need his help. Instantly, his…
ASI Lloyds Is Not Renewing Some Insurance Policies In Louisiana
ASI Lloyds Is Not Renewing Some Insurance Policies In Louisiana

ASI Lloyds, a Florida insurer that started writing homeowners coverage in Louisiana last year with the help of a $5-million grant from taxpayers, has been opting not to renew policies to manage its hurricane exposure in the state. Last month, Louisiana homeowners got letters from…
After Tornado, Victims Fear Insurers Will Spin Them
After Tornado, Victims Fear Insurers Will Spin Them

As the nation’s insurance adjusters descend on Mississippi and Alabama to assess the damage of last weekend’s deadly tornado, one question that worries its victims is whether insurers will try to avoid covering claims related to the disaster. The tornado, which has already resulted in…
Commercial General Liability Policy Covers ‘Blast’ Faxes: Florida Court
Commercial General Liability Policy Covers ‘Blast’ Faxes: Florida Court

Commercial general liability CGL) insurance policies generally cover liability for unsolicited “blast faxes” that violate federal law, a Florida court has ruled. The Supreme Court of Florida issued its ruling Jan. 28 in a case involving a 2003 CGL policy provision on advertising injuries and…
Among Some, High Marks for Health Care Overhaul’s Beginnings
Among Some, High Marks for Health Care Overhaul’s Beginnings

WASHINGTON — President Obama gets high marks, even from some Republicans, for the way he has begun carrying out the new health care law in the 100 days since it was signed. And a new poll suggests a small increase in favorable views of the…
Is Earthquake Insurance Worth It?
Is Earthquake Insurance Worth It?

Earthquakes are one of the natural disasters that are not typically covered under conventional homeowners insurance policies. And while many people think that Californians are the only ones who need to worry about earthquake insurance, the reality is that earthquake risk is far more widespread…
Group settles 22 Katrina cases with State Farm
Group settles 22 Katrina cases with State Farm

GULFPORT — The Merlin Law Group, which has only one policyholder lawsuit still open against State Farm Fire and Casualty Co., announced Thursday a settlement has been reached with the company in 22 cases. “Obviously, we are pleased to settle without costly and lengthy litigation,”…
CNBC Business Nation: Are you insured?
CNBC Business Nation: Are you insured?

Homeowners battle insurance companies over loss claims After the devastation of the California wildfires last October and record damage from hurricane Katrina, you’d think the homeowners insurance industry would be struggling. But you’d be wrong. Insurance companies are reeling in record profits — making more…
Insuring your home against disaster
Insuring your home against disaster

If the worst happens, you can’t be sure you’ll collect enough to bring back the home you love. Here’s what to do. Money Magazine) — If last fall’s devastating California wildfires weren’t enough of a wake-up call, consider this: Nearly 60% of homes nationwide don’t…
UP Weighs in for policyholders in CA Supreme Court
UP Weighs in for policyholders in CA Supreme Court

Briefing Begins in Fairbanks Can a consumer sue an insurance company under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act? The court of appeals says no, but the California Supreme Court will deliver the final word. The plaintiffs have filed their opening brief, and amicus briefs will be…
Allianz settles annuities cases
Allianz settles annuities cases

State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner will announce details today in Oakland of a $10 million settlement involving the sale of improper annuities to California seniors. by Minnesota-based Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Under the terms of the settlement, Allianz will enact more consumer…
Allstate records raise yet more questions
Allstate records raise yet more questions

Beatrice E. Garcia At first glance, Allstate’s release of documents it has zealously guarded for more than a decade as ”trade secrets” could be seen as an orchestrated move to keep Florida regulators at bay and let the company keep writing new policies. Earlier this…
California Roundtable To Create Incentives for Disaster Preparation, Fire Mitigation
California Roundtable To Create Incentives for Disaster Preparation, Fire Mitigation

After bringing together insurance industry executives, consumer groups and fire officials to discuss preparations for future potential fire disasters at a roundtable held on May 12, 2008, California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced an effort to create economic or other incentives for insurers and consumers…
MS Insurance Commissioner Unresponsive to Consumers, says UP
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…