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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Disaster Readiness in San Diego
Disaster Readiness in San Diego

Earthquake, typhoon, wildfire. “What I see from other parts of the world, even the nation, I think California could learn more,” reflected University of California, San Diego Professor José Restrepo. The director of Operations for the Charles Lee Powell Structural Laboratories lived through a 7.2…
Gender can cost you in individual health insurance
Gender can cost you in individual health insurance

When it comes to health insurance, Valencia resident Tova Hack’s first problem is that she works part time and thus needs an individual policy for medical coverage because her employer doesn’t offer one. Her second problem is that she’s a woman. Hack, 22, a grad…
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…
Preparing For Disaster Workshop
Preparing For Disaster Workshop

Two Informative Seminars Held Lake Arrowhead, CA – Rebuilding Mountain Hearts & Lives presented two identical workshops yesterday September 13) for local residents on how to be prepared for a disaster including proper insurance coverage. Participants at the free sessions will learn the ins and…