Uncategorized

by David E. Young Buying homeowners insurance is one of the most important financial decisions a family can make. However, it is also an area in which many people lose by default. Many people do not know how much insurance is placed on their home,…

The recent earthquake in Haiti raised awareness about the devastation that earthquakes can inflict on communities, and our hearts go out to all the victims. But the extensive media coverage of the Haiti quake overshadowed the fact that a 6.5 earthquake in Eureka, California also…

Outreach Coordinator Karen Reimus coordinated a November 2009 press conference in Orange County with 2008 “Freeway Complex” wildfire families still struggling to settle with their insurers a full year after their losses. Six speakers shared personal stories of underinsurance, low-balling and poor claims handling. Insurance…

“Rebuild or Buy” educational program in Santa Barbara a success In July, United Policyholders organized a panel of experts and coordinated a free program with the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services and the Mission Canyon Association for property owners impacted by the winter 2008…

Since our last issue, UP went to bat in court for individual and business policyholders in New York, California and Florida and Mississippi. In New York we continued our work promoting full legal protection for policyholders who fall victim to unfair insurance practices, and in California we advocated for…

The health care reform debates in D.C. are painful to follow. The corrosive influence of money in politics…Americans’ unreasonable expectations of what one human being can accomplish in a short period of time with a deeply divided Congress. Then there’s that inescapable sense that reform…

Every day consumers from around the country contact United Policyholders for help solving an insurance-related problem. UP staff and volunteers include professional experts as well as people who’ve personally experienced the loss of a home or a disabling illness or injury. Our Roadmap to Recovery™ program…

Imagine how you would feel if you suddenly became disabled and couldn’t work. If you were fortunate enough to have private disability insurance to replace some of your lost income, you would at least have the comfort of financial security. But what if you found…

A San Bernardino County jury recently delivered justice for Bob Keller, a man who lost his home in a 2003 wildfire then found himself grossly underinsured. Hats off to Ricardo Echevarria, a partner with UP Sponsors Shernoff, Bidart, Darras & Echevarria. Ricardo fought an expensive five-year battle against…

Polarizing the Case by Rick Friedman This is a book for trial lawyers written by one of the most successful trial lawyers in the United States. But anyone who has ever been a victim of an insurance company’s tactics designed to deny or underpay a…

Shirley Roberson UP is thrilled to welcome non-profit executive Shirley Roberson to our Board of Directors. Shirley has been indispensable to United Policyholders since 1997 in various paid and volunteer capacities. Shirley brings a wealth of skills and dedication to the Board. She was a cofounder of…

Another victory for United Policyholders’ Amicus Project On March 9, 2009, the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of a large policyholder – the State of California – in connection with the State’s insurance claim for the cost of cleaning up the Stringfellow acid pits…

Frank Gilbert, Esq. In addition to helping pro bono on numerous matters relating to our business operations and intellectual property matters, Frank Gilbert assisted UP in reaching an informal resolution when a for-profit company was appropriating United Policyholders’ materials and misleading the public. Frank helps protect our…

UP’s work is divided into three program areas: Roadmap to Recovery™, Roadmap to Preparedness and Advocacy in Action. The Roadmap to Preparedness program grew out of our disaster recovery support work. Through this program, we’re promoting financial and personal preparedness and attacking recovery obstacles such…

Insurance experts are linking an increase in the number of uninsured and underinsured drivers on the road with the high unemployment rate and resulting economic pinch that so many Americans are feeling. Despite the laws in all but two states that require all drivers to be financially…

“Pay-As-You-Drive” (PAYD) describes the concept of linking the amount you pay for auto insurance to the number of miles you drive each year.  There are various ways that insurers will track mileage under a PAYD program.  Most are using telematics, i.e. GPS tracking systems that automatically…

Wildfire relief work continues in San Diego, Arrowhead/Running Springs/ Fallbrook/Escondido and in Yorba Linda and Santa Barbara UP continues our work hosting meetings, insurance break-out group sessions and providing online resources to 2007 wildfire survivors in San Diego and San Bernardino counties.  Our recent meeting…

Californians can find out about potential hazards near your home or workplace through the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services here: http://myhazards.calema.ca.gov.  Once your hazards are identified, this website will give you action steps to make sure you and your family are better prepared when disaster strikes, no matter…