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…
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…
Need quick, useful gifts for the holidays?
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…
Buy Your Safety Supplies at 10% off and Support UP
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…
No Time Like the Present
No Time Like the Present

The 2009 wildfire season in California has gotten off to an early raging start. If you live in an area at high risk for fire (or any natural disaster), we strongly urge you to create an inventory of your home’s contents as a precaution. The…
What Not To Say To Your Insurer
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…
Your Car, Your Choice
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…
Recent graduates: You can go home again … (at least for health insurance!)
Recent graduates: You can go home again … (at least for health insurance!)

Whether your graduating baby bird is returning to the nest or taking flight, you want them to have health insurance. Most students lose their coverage when they turn 19 or graduate high school or college. The good news: Obama’s healthcare reforms extend coverage to all…
Anthem Blue Cross insureds in California just got a temporary reprieve from a BIG rate increase of up to 39%, but premiums across the country continue to climb.
Anthem Blue Cross insureds in California just got a temporary reprieve from a BIG rate increase of up to 39%, but premiums across the country continue to climb.

What can you do when your health premium jumps? Ask if your insurer offers any discounts for health club or fitness class enrollment. Find out if a “Consumer Driven Health Plan” such as a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings (HSA) or Health Reimbursement account…