The auto gap insurance dilemma at the dealership: Take the coverage or leave it?
The auto gap insurance dilemma at the dealership: Take the coverage or leave it?

While you’re signing a stack of paperwork in the dealer’s office and eyeing the set of keys to your brand-new ride, your salesman asks if you’d like to add another $500 to your final tab for something you’ve never heard of called “auto gap insurance.”…
Shop so you don’t drop (more $ than you should)
Shop so you don’t drop (more $ than you should)

The quality of your insurance really does matter, but figuring out which policy will give you more protection is tricky. UP can guide you on what to look for and avoid, but getting the real scoop and comparing different options is very hard to do…
Being A Loyal Auto Insurance Customer Can Cost You
Being A Loyal Auto Insurance Customer Can Cost You

Many companies reward their most loyal customers with incentives, discounts and freebies. But in car insurance, the opposite can actually happen. A driver can be punished with a higher premium just for being loyal to the company. It’s called price optimization, and it happens to…
Roadmap to Preparedness UPdate
Roadmap to Preparedness UPdate

THRIVE-ing after a flood After a winter storm caused severe flooding south of San Francisco, UP answered evacuees’ insurance questions at a temporary shelter and help center in San Mateo, California. Several months later at a Enhancing Community Resilience Conference hosted by the THRIVE alliance…
Bank’s offer of ‘free’ insurance is dubious way to appreciate customers
Bank’s offer of ‘free’ insurance is dubious way to appreciate customers

Sally Hwang recently spotted a payment of $8.10 on her checking account statement for accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Problem was, she had no recollection of signing up for such coverage. Worse, it appeared the Glendale resident had been making the payment every quarter for…
Insurances Companies To Use Facebook, Twitter Social Media Profiles To Set Rates
Insurances Companies To Use Facebook, Twitter Social Media Profiles To Set Rates
No secrets: What insurers know about you and how they use your personal data
No secrets: What insurers know about you and how they use your personal data

Before they decide how much you have to pay for your auto insurance, carriers probe deep into your background to determine how likely you are to file claims. Most consumers would be surprised to learn how much personal information is available to insurers, says Amy…
Will I really save on auto insurance as soon as I turn 25?
Will I really save on auto insurance as soon as I turn 25?

If you’re a driver under 25, you’ve probably heard of the money magic that’s supposed to happen when you reach the quarter-century milestone, such as being able to rent a car at a standard rate — without young-driver surcharges. Another big plus of hitting the…
The Big One Is Coming: Should Californians Get Earthquake Insurance?
The Big One Is Coming: Should Californians Get Earthquake Insurance?

In disaster movies, California gets hit hard: The Golden Gate Bridge has fallen umpteen times. Los Angeles has been flattened by megaquakes and monstrous destruction. And let’s not even talk about the damage wrought by cyborgs sent back in time to ensure a nuclear holocaust.…
Reports Advise How to Make Flood Insurance Affordable
Reports Advise How to Make Flood Insurance Affordable

A new report suggests the federal flood insurance program may want to target mitigation grants to households with high premiums, urge homeowners to select higher deductibles, expand the educational role of insurance agents, and provide mitigation loans to help make flood insurance more affordable.These proposals…
Why your boss may be pushing HSAs and FSAs
Why your boss may be pushing HSAs and FSAs

Never heard of a health savings account HSA)? Or bothered with the flexible spending account FSA) offered by your employer? Chances are you soon will. Both health savings vehicles are moving into the spotlight as corporate America sheds its one-size-fits-all comprehensive health insurance model for…
Should You Bundle Your Insurance Coverage?
Should You Bundle Your Insurance Coverage?

Maybe you saw an ad on TV touting cost savings associated with bundling insurance — purchasing multiple policies, such as for home and auto, through the same company — or your insurance agent suggested it. “Usual discounts are about 5 to 20 percent depending on…
Home Warranties: Thanks and no thanks
Home Warranties: Thanks and no thanks

If you’re buying a home and a realtor or the seller gifts you a home warranty plan, you can say, “thank you very much.” If it’s one of the better plans, it can save you hassles and money on minor home repairs during the life…
Why, and How, to Create a Home Inventory List
Why, and How, to Create a Home Inventory List

Getting robbed, or losing everything you own to a catastrophic event, are scenarios you’d probably rather not think about. Yet many people face these situations as a result of a house fire, tornado or other natural disaster or break-in. Hopefully you have home insurance or…
Best Insurance Moves for April: Spring Cleaning for Your Insurance
Best Insurance Moves for April: Spring Cleaning for Your Insurance

As you’re tackling dust bunnies and cluttered closets in your spring cleaning, don’t forget your insurance policies. They may need to be dusted off and refreshed, too. Reviewing and adjusting your insurance coverage is an important part of overall financial planning. Here’s what to look…
Price Optimization Allegations Challenged, NAIC Investigating Practice
Price Optimization Allegations Challenged, NAIC Investigating Practice

By Don Jergler | December 18, 2014Reaction to industry-wide price optimization allegations from a consumer group known to call out insurers has been somewhat critical yet guarded – however it appears regulators may already be starting to look into the practice.Consumer Federation of America this…
Best Insurance Moves for March
Best Insurance Moves for March

Spring is just around the bend, but that doesn’t mean you’re finished with rough weather. In fact, depending on where you live, snowmelt can create a new hazard — one that’s not covered by standard homeowners insurance. That makes March an ideal time to look…
The 8 insurance coverages that are triggered by a catastrophic fire
The 8 insurance coverages that are triggered by a catastrophic fire

Although a little more than a month has gone by since the Avalon at Edgewater N.J.) fire on Jan. 21, insurance claims and lawsuits are likely to linger, long after the ashes have been swept away. This kind of catastrophe usually involves several insurance carriers,…