October 28, 2010 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…
October 17, 2010 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…
October 13, 2010 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…
October 13, 2010 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…
August 11, 2010 Make sure you’re fully insured Tips for making sure you have enough home insurance: Get estimates from multiple insurance agents about what it would cost to rebuild your home. STORY: Wildfires spotlight insurance-coverage issues Consider paying a contractor to assess the cost of rebuilding. “I would do that at least…
August 11, 2010 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…
August 10, 2010 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…
August 10, 2010 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…
August 5, 2010 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…
August 5, 2010 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…
August 5, 2010 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…
August 5, 2010 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…
August 5, 2010 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…
August 5, 2010 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…
August 5, 2010 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…
August 5, 2010 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…
August 5, 2010 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…
July 29, 2010 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…
