Auto Insurance News Archive for 2009

  • Cost of New Jersey Vehicle Insurance 2nd most expensive in the US

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Cost of New Jersey Vehicle Insurance 2nd most expensive in the US

    As the few weeks of December come to an end, research information is finalized and car or vehicle insurance statistics are compiled. According to reports, New Jersey once again ranks in the top five states with highest car insurance rates and premiums in the country. This year, the state landed a number 2 spot and New Jersey drivers are wondering more than ever if something can be done about very expensive premium prices. Reports say that despite the state’s ranking as having the most expensive car insurance cost all across United States, New Jersey motorists actually experienced a decline in … (more) December 14, 2009

  • Premium Rates Drop in West Virginia

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Premium Rates Drop in West Virginia

    According to reports, West Virginia authorities may have more reasons to celebrate this holiday season as auto insurance premiums seem to go down.  As 2009 comes to an end, a legislative audit committee reported that after having approximately more than 5,000 filed accident claims involving state automobiles and more or less $17.7 million to resolve such claims in past five fiscal years, West Virginia motorists may breathe a sigh of relief. During the first week of December, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has released its annual report showing that there has been a decline in West Virginia premiums since … (more) December 14, 2009

  • Missouri and Pennsylvania Ban Cell Phone Use while Driving

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Missouri and Pennsylvania Ban Cell Phone Use while Driving

    According to reports, US states are taking necessary measures to reduce the number of car accidents by eliminating all possible sources of distractions that contributes to drivers’ losing their focus while on the road. Missouri and Pennsylvania are two states that are currently in the process of preparing legislation that will ban the use of cell phones while driving. Experts predict that come next year, other states may follow suit and do the same, having lawmakers write laws regarding mobile phone usage while on the road. Lawmakers in Missouri have started to file bills for the upcoming 2010 legislative session … (more) December 13, 2009

  • Young Drunk Drivers Cause Problems in Kentucky

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Young Drunk Drivers Cause Problems in Kentucky

    State police in Kentucky are finding out all possible means to help eradicate Kentucky’s problem on underage drinking. This problem has long been plaguing young driver’s car insurance in the state. As Kentucky state police serves as the administrator for Underage Drinking Laws grant, it is the task of the organization to come up with projects for the youth and keep them sober while driving on roads and highways. State legislators are also looking into the problem to see if laws can be amended to help remedy this situation. According to reports, meetings have been ongoing since first of December … (more) December 13, 2009

  • Appeals Court Affirms Lower Court’s Decision Award Indemnification to Renter

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Appeals Court Affirms Lower Court’s Decision Award Indemnification to Renter

    The Supreme Court of Appeals dismissed arguments of an insurer and rental company and awarded indemnification to a man who suffered injuries caused by a vehicular accident.  Empire Fire and Marine Insurance and Enterprise Rent-A-Car were ordered to pay Wang-Yu Lin for damages and injuries sustained in a road mishap. Lin rented a car from Enterprise for a trip he planned to take with some students.  He signed a contract that stated that if an unauthorized driver uses the car, Lin’s rights and privileges under this said agreement might be affected. He then proceeded to buy additional insurance from Empire. … (more) December 12, 2009

  • New York Insurance Regulators Pushes for Changes in the State’s No-Fault Insurance Law

    by Jeanny Hopper
    New York Insurance Regulators Pushes for Changes in the State’s No-Fault Insurance Law

    New York insurance regulators are proposing sweeping reforms in the state’s no-fault insurance law, in light of irregularities and backlogs that currently hounds the state.  In their proposal, no fault insurance forms will be modified and will have additional entries to make sure that only those vehicle accident related injuries are paid by insurers.  In this scenario, insurers will have an easier time processing claims and can also save them money by paying only for injuries caused by a vehicular mishap.  Fraudulent and exaggerated claims will also be checked as insurers would be using fee charts and schedules. The change … (more) December 12, 2009

  • Democrat Lawmakers Bat for Insurance Premium Regulations

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Democrat Lawmakers Bat for Insurance Premium Regulations

    House Democrats are pushing for more regulations regarding car insurance premium hikes in Michigan. If things go their way, Michigan auto insurance companies would have to get endorsements first from the state insurance commissioner before they could implement premium rate increases.  Another provision in the proposed bill is that premium rates will be computed solely on an applicant’s driving records and nothing else. Michigan motorists are required by law to have auto insurance.  On the other hand, auto insurance companies are given a free hand to dictate premium rates.  Hence, it is not surprising to know that Michigan has the … (more) December 11, 2009

  • Massachusetts Insurance Agents Lobbies Congress For Tougher Coverage Legislation

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Massachusetts Insurance Agents Lobbies Congress For Tougher Coverage Legislation

    A group composed of Massachusetts insurance agents are lobbying Congress to implement reforms on auto insurance legislation in their state.  The group wants lawmakers to pass bills that would standardize the way auto insurance companies compute an applicant’s premium rates.  They said that standards should be based exclusively on a person’s driving records and not on occupation, income, and educational levels. In many parts of the US, auto insurance companies determine premiums based on employment history, school records, and credit standing to name a few.  For example, an electrician or construction worker is expected to pay more for auto insurance … (more) December 11, 2009

  • Auto Insurance Companies Hold Seminars on Driver Safety

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Auto Insurance Companies Hold Seminars on Driver Safety

    Auto insurance companies as of late have steadily increased their premium rates and consumers are complaining.  Recent premium hikes have not gone unnoticed and people are crying foul, citing the move to be insensitive and callous to policyholders’ plight.  Economic conditions have for the longest time remained stagnant, yet bills keep on increasing, like auto insurance payments. Insurers on their part blame the less than resilient economy for recent rate hikes.  They say that it is necessary for them to adjust premiums to stay afloat. With less people getting insurance coverage, companies have to be creative and innovative in searching … (more) December 10, 2009

  • Solutions Group’s New Video Event Recorder Taking the Market by Storm

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Solutions Group’s New Video Event Recorder Taking the Market by Storm

    Solutions Group, a company known more for its circuits and boards has hit a homerun with its new offering to the market, the idrive X1.  The idrive X1 which is initially only available for commercial applications has caught the attention of many businesses including insurance companies, and for a second time this month, an auto coverage firm signed up with Solutions Group for an exclusive supply contract. The idrive X1 is an easy to install camera that records events such as accidents, and quick stops.  It has a decent storage capacity at 32 GB that stores captured images and footages. … (more) December 10, 2009

  • Ohio Premium Rates Go Down Three Years in a Row

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Ohio Premium Rates Go Down Three Years in a Row

    Drivers in Ohio have more reason to celebrate this holiday season as information released by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners reveals that car insurance premium rates have continuously declined in the state for three years in a row. According to reports from the Ohio Department of Insurance, since 2006 to 2009, trends in Ohio premium rates have been consistently going downwards. Ohio Department of Insurance Director, Mary Jo Hudson, expressed in a recent interview how happy and proud she is to see the car insurance industry in the state to be thriving, full of life, and very true to … (more) December 9, 2009

  • Kansas Drivers Advised to be Careful During the Holidays

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Kansas Drivers Advised to be Careful During the Holidays

    In Kansas City, Missouri, drivers are once again reminded to take responsibility and be more careful and focused on the road now that holiday season is fast approaching. According to state records, the months November and December marks the busiest time of the year for insurance providers as more drivers spend time on the road. With more motorists planning long trips and vacation, this holiday season is the best time for motorists to be well informed regarding accident forgiveness, how it works, and whether or not getting one is a smart choice. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has … (more) December 9, 2009

  • New Jersey Premiums Decline; State still ranks 2nd with most expensive rates

    by Jeanny Hopper
    New Jersey Premiums Decline; State still ranks 2nd with most expensive rates

    New Jersey Premiums Decline; State still ranks 2nd with most expensive rates Motorists from New Jersey may feel dismay after car insurance rates have dropped and yet, New Jersey still ranks second when it comes to the state that has the most expensive auto insurance premiums in the US. For the first instance after many years, premium charges for coverage are declining in New Jersey and insurance providers are battling to keep their customer’s loyalty. Motorists groups even say that for the first time, they feel that insurance advertisements and highway billboards that cry out excellent offers speak the truth. … (more) December 8, 2009

  • Free Extra Services in Idaho Not Allowed as per State Law

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Free Extra Services in Idaho Not Allowed as per State Law

    Free Extra Services in Idaho Not Allowed as per State Law According to reports, auto insurance companies in Idaho that offer  additional services go beyond  the insurance contract at no added costs to existing policy makers and prospective clients may be in trouble of violating certain provisions in the state law. The Idaho Department of Insurance recently sent out a warning to insurance providers that offering of free extra services is prohibited under state law. Recent reports indicate that the warning was issued due to instances in recent months that a number of insurance companies have been guilty of offering … (more) December 8, 2009

  • Private Companies against Michigan Car Insurance Changes

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Private Companies against Michigan Car Insurance Changes

    Private insurance companies in Michigan are defending their stand of being against any planned changes to be made regarding state car insurance. According to reports, more than helping consumers cut back on premium costs, the proposed changes can do serious damage to insurance providers. According to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, the much publicized information about Michigan’s insurance premium rankings, business profits, market share and competition position have all been misrepresented. Insurance Consumer Advocate Melvin Hollowell said in an interview that the “so-called car insurance improvements” have extreme tendencies of damaging insurance companies in Michigan. Hollowell released a … (more) December 7, 2009

  • Talk on Planned Michigan Car Insurance Changes Heats Up

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Talk on Planned Michigan Car Insurance Changes Heats Up

    Debates and discussions about the proposed changes on Michigan auto insurance policies heat up as both sides presented their cases in the legislation’s latest session. According to reports, both the proponents and those who are against it firmly believe what they fighting for are for the benefit of the consumers and the welfare of the state’s insurance environment as a whole. Lawmakers in Michigan who are lobbying for the state policy amendments said that they are promoting proposals that would make car insurance more affordable and will enhance the quality of service and protection provided to consumers across the state. … (more) December 7, 2009

  • Oklahoma Lawmaker Apprehensive About High-tech Car Insurance Verification System

    by Jeanny Hopper
    Oklahoma Lawmaker Apprehensive About High-tech Car Insurance Verification System

    An Oklahoma state legislator is voicing out apprehensive regarding a supposed plan to upgrade Oklahoma’s insurance verification system with the use of cameras and more high-tech electronics. Oklahoma City Rep. Mike Reynolds said that the proposed upgrade is more like going beyond the boundaries of the privacy of motorists and seems more like “Big Brother” intruding into the lives of Oklahomans. According to sources, the plan enhance the state’s verification system intends to make use of electronic cameras that would randomly monitor and record car tags. Cameras will be set up and installed at around 200 different highway posts and … (more) December 6, 2009