September 22, 2011 Be smart with claims If you’ve opted for a high deductible, it won’t pay to make a claim for small losses. If a loss is only moderately greater than your deductible, you should also consider not filing a claim, because it could prompt a premium hike or flag you…
September 16, 2011 Settling an Insurance Claim: When to Hire a Professional A few days ago I wrote about how to challenge the first offer your insurance company makes in respect to a claim you have filed. In that column, I stressed the importance of carefully reviewing the adjusters report and using the documentation you gathered to…
September 16, 2011 Where can Irene & Lee flood victims find assistance? Listen to the Radio Broadcast Ben Lawsky, Superintendent of the Department of Financial Services joins us. Homeowners affected by recent floods are eligible for free legal consultation through the New York State Bar Association. Volunteer attorneys are available to answer questions about insurance, property disputes,…
September 13, 2011 One year after blast, San Bruno still isn’t whole Walk around Crestmoor, the San Bruno neighborhood where a Pacific Gas and Electric Co. natural gas pipe blew up one year ago today, and one thing is clear through the coastal mist and construction dust: What took minutes to ruin will take years to restore.…
September 13, 2011 Report: 64 percent of Fourmile fire victims underinsured A new survey shows that nearly two-thirds [2] of victims of last year’s Fourmile Canyon wildfire were underinsured by more than $200,000. The survey, conducted by United Policyholders [3], included responses from 51 residents who said their home was destroyed and seven who said their…
September 6, 2011 Fourmile Fire insurance claims require tenacity, patience Tactful assertiveness. It’s what Andi O’Conor, who lost her house of 20 years to the Fourmile Fire, said it takes to make a successful insurance claim on losses from Colorado’s most costly wildfire. “You have to remember that they are working for you and you’ve…
September 6, 2011 One Year Later, Boulder Fire Victims Still Recovering One year ago this Labor Day Weekend, an errant spark from an unattended fire pit in Four Mile Canyon west of Boulder quickly became the most destructive wildfire in Colorado history burning 169 homes and damaging scores more. It was an emotional and stressful time…
September 6, 2011 Rising from the ashes – One year later, Fourmile Fire victims share tales of renewal For some victims of the Fourmile Fire that ravaged the hills of western Boulder County the week of Sept. 6, 2010, this has been the “year of the phoenix.” Others are still waiting to rise from the ashes. In honor of the one-year anniversary of…
September 6, 2011 Survey shows Fourmile fire victims severely underinsured Almost one year after the Fourmile Canyon wildfire devastated mountain communities in Boulder County, only 64 percent of victims surveyed have settled their insurance claim, and for many the settlement will not be enough to rebuild their home. Other key findings from respondents include: •…
August 31, 2011 Insurance lawsuits to follow Irene As the water recedes from Hurricane Irene, lawyers are expecting disputes over insurance coverage to pour in. The biggest fights will stem from arguments over property damage and whether it resulted from wind or water, legal experts said. Similar questions arose in the aftermath of…
August 29, 2011 Homeowners insurance regulations take effect New statewide homeowners insurance regulations took effect Monday that, depending upon who you believe, either protect consumers against under being insured or restrict the ability of insurers to enlighten homeowners about their coverage. California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones announced the new regs Monday along with…
August 29, 2011 Insurance commissioner announces new regulations to protect homeowners from being underinsured Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, joined by Amy Bach, Executive Director of United Policyholders, announced on Monday a series of new homeowners regulations aimed at enhancing the standards and training for estimating the replacement value on homeowners’ insurance in the event of a disaster. These new…
August 29, 2011 New rules aim to curb homeowner underinsurance The devastating wildfires of 2007 burned twice for Janice and John Strizver. There was the the initial, horrific loss of their Ramona home consumed by fire. And then came the slow, angry burn on realizing that their insurance payout would fall far short of the…
August 29, 2011 10 tips for filing an insurance claim effectively As Hurricane Irene approached last week, several groups released tips on how to file claims effectively. The Consumer Federation of America, a consortium of more than 300 consumer interest groups and United Policyholders, a non-profit in San Francisco, Calif. funded by the Rockefeller Foundation and…
August 29, 2011 Nonprofit to Hold Workshop to Address Fire Survivors’ Legal, Insurance Questions The workshop will provide tips and emotional support for those still struggling to recover from the Sept. 9 pipeline explosion. As the anniversary of the Sept. 9 pipeline explosion approaches, nonprofit United Policyholders wants to make sure survivors of the fire get all their legal…
August 26, 2011 Hurricane Irene Could Cost Insurers Billions, And Bump Up Your Premium On the heels of an earthquake felt from New England to the Carolina, the East Coast is bracing for Hurricane Irene, which could be a major Category 4 storm with winds upwards of 130 mph. That could mean billions of dollars in property damage that…
August 23, 2011 Unusual Earthquakes Leave Many Wondering: Is My Home Covered? Debbie Saathoff, 62, of Bowie, Md., says she heard a giant cracking sound first. Then the pictures flew off the walls and vases on shelves came tumbling down and smashed as her home moved back and forth. “It was the scariest thing I have been…
August 23, 2011 Does a special academic degree or professional designation make your insurance agent smarter? Electricians, cosmetologists and real estate agents all need to complete months of training and exams before becoming certified in their career fields. Surprisingly, insurance agents can become certified to sell policies after just 40 hours of training. As a result, some insurance professionals may not…
