Auto Insurance News Archive for October, 2009

• Car Insurance Complaints Prevailed

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Insurance regulators for New York State published a report saying that it has upheld one in every eight consumer complaints against providers of private passenger auto insurance last year. The Insurance Department affirmed complaints made by consumers against nearly 40 companies, which it has found to fall short in providing proper services to policyholders. Complaints were made through writing and were compiled by the department for deliberation. Delays in claims for no-fault policies and non-renewal of policies were the most common cause of grievance for vehicle owners in 2008. New York State Insurance department reported that it has ruled in … (more) October 14, 2009

• Council Candidate Carrying No Insurance during Crash with Elderly Woman

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  It has been recently found out that Phoenix City Council aspirant Greg Tripoli did not have valid car insurance when he engaged in an accident with an 81 year-old woman. The crash left the woman with spinal injuries and has seriously injured Tripoli’s chance of winning as well, who is already having financial disadvantages as he races with Bill Gates (not the Microsoft founder) for District 3 councilman position. This week, Tripoli admitted to the public that he has not carrying any vehicle insurance when he engaged in an accident with Maria Vargo, 81, of Phoenix’s north district. Unfortunately for … (more) October 14, 2009

• More Driving Distractions Revealed in Survey, Could Boost Auto Insurance Cost

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  A recently published survey reveals many other distractions a driver faces on the road which causes alarm among highway safety group. They say these distractions could cost many lives, prompting them to issue a call to drivers to be more focused on their driving. However, finance analysts say these distractions could have other implications in the insurance industry. It could push auto insurance costs up, which have already been rising in several states. They add that car owners and motorists are bound to experience further increase in premiums as 2010 enters. A survey by a private insurance group contradicted the … (more) October 13, 2009

• Auto Insurance Crash not a Deer in the Middle of the Road

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Consumer advocates all over United States are worried about how higher risk levels among drivers could trigger auto insurance cost. In Wisconsin alone, recent surveys reveal that motorists are more likely to meet accidents as the year ends, with increasing incidents of deer crashes and vehicle accidents due to heavy snowfall. But some Wisconsin lawmakers and industry specialists say that Wisconsin auto insurance surge is not a deer in the middle of the road, and can be avoided without swerving or engaging in a head on collision. As debates continue over how state law should regulate costs, the issue has … (more) October 13, 2009

• From Car Insurance to Health Insurance – Highly Unlikely

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  President Obama’s convictions on health care coverage to be treated like car insurance are very strong and the sentiments of his followers are becoming equally strong as well. The President suggests that health insurance should be treated just like car insurance, where state requirements mandate drivers to take out insurance in order to drive their cars. If health insurance would be treated like car insurance, then there should be state requirements mandating citizens to take out health insurance as well. However, there are still a lot of people who say that the analogy between health insurance and car insurance does … (more) October 12, 2009

• Implement California’s Proposition 103 in Health Insurance

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  The people behind California’s Proposition 103, which is also known as the insurance premium regulation law, are saying that insurance can be made more affordable if this prior approval would be extended to health insurance. This is yet another development following President Obama’s sentiments regarding how health insurance coverage should be likened to California car insurance, in terms of being mandated by the state. The consumer group, known as the Consumer Watchdog, are appealing to the President and the members of his administration for the adoption of the insurance rate regulation practiced by the state of California. With the implementation … (more) October 12, 2009

• White Tail Crashes to Rise in Next Two Months

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Wild life experts warn South Carolina drivers about dangers of crashing with white-tailed deer actively crossing state roads this season. Deer-vehicle crashes are expected to increase this month until November, which is a concern both for insurance providers and wildlife advocates. The statistics were on steady rise this year, causing damages to hundreds of animal, vehicle, and persons. Experts estimate that such accident happens in the United States every 26 seconds. There were about 2.4 million such incidents last year with people driving light vehicles, such as sedans and motorcycles, most likely to get the worst out of any incident. … (more) October 11, 2009

• Auto Insurance Fraudster Nabbed in California

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  A man from California was arrested after filing a false California auto insurance claim, giving false testimonies to authorities, and reporting a crime that never happened. He is currently booked at Santa Monica County and was able to secure a bail for his temporary release. California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner issued a press release today informing the public that Tony Lu, 56, resident of San Jose, was arrested two days ago after narrating a false incident so he can make an auto insurance claim. In November last year, Sentry Insurance, a coverage provider based in Orange City, sought help from … (more) October 11, 2009

• Critics of Wisconsin Insurance Law Target Democrats

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  The controversial introduction of mandatory Wisconsin auto insurance has sparked debate in the state of Wisconsin, prompting many Democrats to defend the decision to introduce changes. According to media reports, Republican lawmakers and critics of the new changes have resorted to distributing leaflets and flyers to residents of the state in hopes of further igniting public protest against the insurance regulations. Critics say that the Democrats in state legislature are to be blamed for the introduction of mandatory car insurance in Wisconsin. The state is one of only two states not requiring motorists to have proof of insurance. By November, … (more) October 10, 2009

• Researchers Fear More Uninsured Drivers by 2010

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Insurance researchers have expressed concern that the U.S. can expect to see more uninsured drivers in the coming months and years because of the volatile economy. According to a study conducted by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), more and more Americans are heading to the roads even without proper insurance protection. Worse still, the trend is expected to worsen with the unemployment rate expected to increase before the end of the year. Experts say that the unemployment rate and the number of uninsured motorists in the U.S. have a strong correlation. Analysts have often used jobless figures to project expected … (more) October 10, 2009

• Motorists Cautioned on Dealing with Big Rigs, Trucks

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Law enforcement agencies and even Nevada auto insurance companies are warning American car owners of the risks big rigs and large trucks pose to motorists on the road. According to industry experts and law enforcers, statistics are showing more drivers getting involved in accidents with big trucks in recent years. They point out that aggressive driving behavior is often to be blamed for the increase in fatalities and injuries across the U.S. Many analysts agree that engaging in dangerous driving habits can result in potential accidents. Unlike ordinary vehicles, 18-wheelers and large trucks are less maneuverable and can cause considerably … (more) October 9, 2009

• Survey Shows Car Owners Pleased by Insurers

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Despite the current economic climate, American motorists are still expressing great confidence and satisfaction with their current car insurance providers. A study conducted by a well-known research firm suggests that a large majority of car owners in the U.S. prefer to retain their current insurance providers. Analysts say that the survey may be conclusive proof that policyholders find their current insurers adequate. The survey revealed that 50 percent or half of the respondents have stayed with their current providers for more than five years. Another 21 percent have stayed with their insurers for the past two to five years. Experts … (more) October 9, 2009

• Insurers Say Car Owners in Pennsylvania Need Re-education

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Representatives from the various insurance companies operating in the state of Pennsylvania are calling on motorists to be better educated regarding their insurance policies and rights. In a recent survey conducted by the insurance industry, researchers discovered that a large majority of car owners in the state have misconceptions about their insurance policies. The study revealed that some 61 percent of respondents thought that their Pennsylvania auto insurance policies would cover stolen personal items from their vehicles. Situations like these, however, are covered by homeowners or renters policies. The same survey also found out that a measly 32 percent of … (more) October 8, 2009

• Studies Show Motorist can Save on Insurance by Carpooling

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Various studies conducted by the auto insurance industry and the U.S. federal government suggest that drivers can slash their insurance expenses by trying alternative transportation when going to work. According to statistics released by government agencies, a large percentage of Americans who use their cars to go to work can actually cut their insurance costs greatly by exploring alternatives. Research done on how millions of Americans go to work have revealed that 76 percent drive to work alone each day. Aside from the apparent waste of potential savings, driving alone can also contribute to the presence of carbon dioxide in … (more) October 8, 2009

• Drivers in Washington State Told to Secure Insurance

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  State insurance officials and Washington auto insurance industry sources are reminding car owners in the state of Washington to check their policies. Law enforcement agencies are also warning the state’s motorists of the risks that come along with driving uninsured or underinsured. The latest warning came about after the release of a new study conducted by the Insurance Research Council (IRC). The study found out that about 16 percent of all drivers in Washington have no insurance. This places the northwestern state 10th overall among all the states that require auto insurance. Experts liken the prevailing attitude of many car … (more) October 7, 2009

• Parents Urged to Find Cheaper Teen Auto Insurance

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  With the school year in full blast, car insurance experts are calling on parents to look for ways to cut down insurance expenses, especially for their teen drivers. They point out that with the increasing cost of education coupled with the poor economy may result in higher premiums for younger drivers. Inexperienced young motorists may also find it harder to convince agents and insurance providers to give them better rates. However, analysts say there are some things that parents can do to reduce the cost of auto insurance. At the top of the list is good parenting advice for first-time … (more) October 7, 2009

• State-backed Insurance Group to Raise Premiums

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  A state-sponsored insurance association in Texas auto insurance plans to increase rates by November 1, says its spokesperson. According to Jerry Johns, a representative of Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association, the organization is set to implement an increase in premiums this coming November to pay for the increasing cost of medical and repair expenses. The Texas Automobile Insurance Association or TAIPA for short, is an auto insurer that provides adequate protection and coverage to Texans with poor driving records. Most of the organization’s policyholders are motorists that private insurance providers have turned away because of their driving histories. The state … (more) October 6, 2009