Shaken and Stirred
Shaken and Stirred

The horrific images and aftermath of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami should be a call to action for property owners and public officials, and not just in California. There are known (and unknown) faults in the mid-west and throughout the United States. Yet in California…
Ignore Ads When Buying Insurance
Ignore Ads When Buying Insurance

“I would encourage people to completely ignore the marketing materials you receive from the insurers. The information is geared to persuade people to buy the product. It doesn’t explain the benefits clearly,” says former industry insider Wendell Potter in a recent New York Times interview. Potter’s advice…
Here’s to a Healthier New Year
Here’s to a Healthier New Year

As pieces of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act go into effect, UP will continue to explain new options and rules. In our June 2010 Tip of the Month we touched on the new protection that went into effect for parents who want to put their children…
P-U! Is sewage backup covered?
P-U! Is sewage backup covered?

Stinky sewage back-up and overflowing drains are a very common cause of damage to homes and businesses, especially those located in flat areas or near the bottom of slopes. Many policies now exclude coverage for the clean-up and repairs, but for a mere $20 a…
Take advantage and share the wealth
Take advantage and share the wealth

Take advantage of the wealth of information at www.uphelp.org and our network of professional insurance consumer advocates throughout the United States. We add new content to our website every week. ‘Tis the season to share: Tell your friends, relatives and colleagues about UP – let them…
Whose money is talking?
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…
Water water everywhere…and not a drop of coverage?
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…
Your Home, Your Choice
Your Home, Your Choice

Whether your home was damaged by something as wild as a tornado or as commonplace as an overflowing washing machine, your insurer may suggest a contractor to do the repairs. They may call them “preferred” but that doesn’t mean you’re forced to hire them to…
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…
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…