Twice Burned!
Twice Burned!

Press Conference Speakers: Karen Reimus, ’03 Cedar Fire Survivor and Outreach Coordinator for United Policyholders, a nonprofit organization Patrick Craft, ’08 Freeway Complex Fire Survivor – Anaheim Hills Karla Rinskopf, ’08 Freeway Complex Fire Survivor – Yorba Linda Edward Pajarito, ’08 Freeway Complex Fire Survivor…
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…
Insurance Companies Taking Heat from Clients
Insurance Companies Taking Heat from Clients

They griped, they vented, they asked questions on how to fight back, and they vowed to make their voices heard. “The insurance companies, I think they gave us bus fare,” said Homer Charles, whose family owns several properties in the Lower 9th Ward. “They gave…
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…
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…
Storm-Damaged Homes: How To Avoid Shady Roofers
Storm-Damaged Homes: How To Avoid Shady Roofers

As we were discussing roofing scams around the office, it prompted some interesting conversation. After a hailstorm in 2006, a salesperson knocked on my door and offered to fix our damaged roof. I told him I was fine and didn’t need his help. Instantly, his…
After Tornado, Victims Fear Insurers Will Spin Them
After Tornado, Victims Fear Insurers Will Spin Them

As the nation’s insurance adjusters descend on Mississippi and Alabama to assess the damage of last weekend’s deadly tornado, one question that worries its victims is whether insurers will try to avoid covering claims related to the disaster. The tornado, which has already resulted in…
Allstate sponsorships raise local ire
Allstate sponsorships raise local ire

In a queue of more than 100 taxis that idled Thursday evening at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Farouk Sattar sat in the driver’s seat of his cab and waited for another chance to share his pointed message about Allstate Insurance Co. As the…
Group settles 22 Katrina cases with State Farm
Group settles 22 Katrina cases with State Farm

GULFPORT — The Merlin Law Group, which has only one policyholder lawsuit still open against State Farm Fire and Casualty Co., announced Thursday a settlement has been reached with the company in 22 cases. “Obviously, we are pleased to settle without costly and lengthy litigation,”…
CNBC Business Nation: Are you insured?
CNBC Business Nation: Are you insured?

Homeowners battle insurance companies over loss claims After the devastation of the California wildfires last October and record damage from hurricane Katrina, you’d think the homeowners insurance industry would be struggling. But you’d be wrong. Insurance companies are reeling in record profits — making more…
Allianz settles annuities cases
Allianz settles annuities cases

State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner will announce details today in Oakland of a $10 million settlement involving the sale of improper annuities to California seniors. by Minnesota-based Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Under the terms of the settlement, Allianz will enact more consumer…
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…
Calif. Department of Insurance Offers Help to San Diego Fire Victims
Calif. Department of Insurance Offers Help to San Diego Fire Victims

The California Department of Insurance is extending a helping hand to residents affected by the San Diego fires. The agency, along with Consumer advocacy groups, United Policyholders and RB United, will hold sessions to help affected residents collect their claims. Reporter, David Nogueras has more.…
California Bush Fire Victims Discover Belatedly They Are Underinsured
California Bush Fire Victims Discover Belatedly They Are Underinsured

Los Angeles, CA AHN) – A survey by United Policyholders slated for release Friday states widespread underinsurance of properties in California, unveiled by the recent wild bushfires. The San Francisco-based consumer organization surveyed 274 residents on the extent of the damage the wildfires caused on…
Companies, underinsured homeowners still in dispute over settlements stemming from 2007 wildfires
Companies, underinsured homeowners still in dispute over settlements stemming from 2007 wildfires

They spent a recent Saturday creating detailed lists of the contents of their houses – everything from dishes and bed linens to socks and unopened tubes of toothpaste. When memories failed, they turned to each other’s lists to jar their recollections. It was a long…
County has provided mental health services for victims of ’07 fires
County has provided mental health services for victims of ’07 fires

After his Fallbrook home was destroyed in the 2007 wildfires, Richard McDonnell realized that his friends didn’t understand his sense of loss, the grieving for destroyed heirlooms or the frustration over the the slow rebuilding process. Then McDonnell, 63, began attending the weekly group meetings…
Family Deals With Fire Aftermath, Insurance Issues
Family Deals With Fire Aftermath, Insurance Issues

SAN DIEGO — Lee and Shirley Taylor aren’t alone. They are victims of the October wildfires that destroyed their Ramona home. They’re also underinsured. “That was our request, insure us against total loss,” said Lee Taylor. He said his agent handed him a 108-page insurance…