Even with insurance, being made whole takes work
Even with insurance, being made whole takes work

Owners or renters of the homes destroyed or damaged in the fire that tore through a San Bruno neighborhood Thursday are staring at a long and challenging process to recoup their losses. Getting paid the full amount they’re entitled to for their dwellings, possessions and…
Rebuilding tips for disaster victims
Rebuilding tips for disaster victims

Even though many of the fire victims are still in shock, they must still pull it together and start of the process of rebuilding and this type of tragedy is what homeowners insurance is all about. But dealing with the loss isn’t always like one…
San Bruno fire victims navigate insurance process
San Bruno fire victims navigate insurance process

Though city officials are shifting their focus to help rebuild the neighborhood where a natural gas pipeline exploded last month, the pace of recovery will depend largely on how quickly the money starts to flow in. To that end, dozens of residents with destroyed or…
Whose money is talking?
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…
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…
Is renter’s insurance worth the price?
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…
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…
Consumer Advocates Support State Regulation; More Transparency
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…
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…
What you need to know if your insurance company isn’t renewing your policy
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…
Facing up to the costs of long-term care
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…
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…