Auto Insurance News Archive for 2009

• Wisconsin Congressmen Thinking Of Expanding Auto Coverage

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Wisconsin lawmakers are contemplating if there is a need to expand auto insurance coverage for residents or not.  They are looking into the possible financial repercussions of changing the mandated coverage requirements, if in the long run it would prove to be costly for drivers. In June of this year, legislators passed amendments to existing auto insurance laws, primary of which was making auto coverage for Wisconsin motorists mandatory.  However, the minimum coverage requirements are not that clearly defined and there have been some discussions about overhauling the concerned provision in the bill. For example, in cases of collisions with … (more) November 27, 2009

• Auto Insurance Company Offers Incentives to Policyholders Who Will Use A Call-Blocking Program

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Experts frown at the practice of using one’s mobile phone while driving.  There have been a number of studies that point to the danger of one’s attention getting distracted by texting or talking on the phone.  Research revealed that it’s as dangerous if not as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol. When one is talking on the phone while his other hand is on the wheel, he is putting himself at great risk of figuring in a vehicular accident.  Since one’s attention is divided it is harder to focus on one thing, and driving demands the full … (more) November 27, 2009

• PIP Fee Schedule to be implemented in New Jersey

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  The New Jersey Supreme Court has finally decided to allow the state’s insurance regulator to start implementing a medical fee schedule for the expenses to be paid for by Personal Injury Protection policy or PIP. According to reports, the Supreme Court decision supports the August decision made by a State Appeals Court. New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance Commissioner, Neil N. Jasey, said in an interview that he is very happy and thankful for the decision made by the Supreme Court. According to him, he feels that many years of diligent work conducted by his Department have finally paid … (more) November 26, 2009

• Plea Bargain Granted to Philadelphia Arson Case

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Another arson case is put to an end as a former assistant fire chief who has been indicted to be guilty of starting two small fires in small town near Philadelphia has settled for a plea bargain setting him temporarily free from jail. Robert Tracey Jr., a 37-year-old citizen from Coatesville, Pennsylvania was included in the seven suspects who have been previously arrested in relation to a number of fires in and around Coatesville last February 2008. According to reports, it was a Chester County judge that allowed Robert Tracey Jr.’s plea bargain. Reports indicate that the County judge approved … (more) November 26, 2009

• Bill to Weed Out Unfit Elderly Massachusetts Drivers Still on Debate

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Massachusetts lawmakers are caught up on deciding whether to approve or not to approve a bill that will make it mandatory for Massachusetts drivers who are aged 75 and above to pass physical and cognitive examinations each time they wish to renew their driver’s license and policy papers. According to reports, State legislators are yet to decide whether to ratify the said bill or not. Legislation on the bill gained momentum during summer where an increase in the number of vehicle accidents involving elderly motorists soared. However, for the past weeks, the bill has been stalled and is waiting for … (more) November 25, 2009

• New Hampshire Promotes Safe Holiday Driving

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  New Hampshire is set to begin a campaign that will promote a safe holiday for motorists as a response to the state’s problem on high rates of drunk or drugged drivers during the holiday season. According to reports, an estimated number of 200 State officials are expected to take part in launching the campaign to be held at the governor’s yearly highway safety gathering in Meredith, New Hampshire. Records from the Insurance Information Institute say that in New Hampshire, the number of insurance claims filed go up by a whopping 20% during the months of December and January. Much of … (more) November 25, 2009

• Local Motorist Groups vs. HB 101

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Local motorist groups in Utah are wondering if House Bill 110 is really being used according to its purpose or not. House Bill 110, which was successfully completed last March 6, 2002, aims to allow insurance provides to make use of the credit-based insurance scores for the initial underwriting in car insurance. When it comes to how companies charge premium rates, the bill limits the use of such scores only when it is to provide consumer discounts. According to the National Association of Independent Insurers, the legislative action simply makes the use of credit-based scores useless. In addition, the organization … (more) November 24, 2009

• Uninsured Drivers Pose Risk

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  The alarm for uninsured motorist is on as some states remain lenient about letting their motorists drive freely without the need to purchase car insurance policy first. According to a recent study conducted by the Insurance Research Council, one out of every seven US drivers go and ride freely without being insured first. Reports from the Insurance Information Institute show that drivers who do not have car insurance pose a great of threat once they get on the road – when an uninsured motorist causes a road accident and he isn’t capable of paying the damages, the injured party would … (more) November 24, 2009

• Court Awards $15 million to Autobody Association of Connecticut

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  The Autobody Association of Connecticut was awarded $15 million by a Stamford Superior Court on Tuesday November 17 after it had found The Hartford Insurance Company, the defendant in the case, guilty of engaging in unfair business practices. The case filed by the Connecticut auto group and three of its members had been on trial for six years, and stemmed from what the ABAC believed as unjust practices of Hartford Insurance Company, that was in blatant violation of Connecticut’s state laws. The jury was unanimous in its decision to convict the insurer guilty of the charges filed against it by … (more) November 23, 2009

• Progressive Hikes Auto Premiums

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Auto insurance giant Progressive Corporation has recently increased insurance rates for policies that are sold through agents and consumers.  The hikes were very minimal and for the most part, were up by just 1%. Motorists, who had to make adjustments to their lifestyles due to the recent economic crunch, are still paying less, with many motorists opting for less coverage in their auto insurance and driving older model cars. Progressive Corporation believes that with the country’s current weak economic prospects, some policyholders might take advantage of their auto insurance policies and file false claims for injuries or damages sustained during … (more) November 23, 2009

• Californians Can Now Get A Low-Cost Auto Insurance

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Due to the tough economic times, many residents of San Joaquin Valley (just like most residents in California) are being forced to let go of some conveniences — auto insurance included.  With unemployment at an all time high, more and more Californian motorists are choosing to hit the road uninsured.  Affected drivers feel that car insurance is not a necessity but more a financial burden.  Faced with budgetary constraints, a lot of people are forced to downplay the benefits of auto coverage. State officials on the other hand are set to change the mindset of Californians and are on a … (more) November 22, 2009

• Auto Insurance in Wisconsin Now compulsory

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  A recently-enforced law in Wisconsin made insurance coverage mandatory to all motorists.  Also, insurance companies are now required to hike liability minimums of policyholders. Meme Fehr of Sandeen Insurance in Hudson explained that the recently passed laws were made during the budgetary hearings in the legislature, and did not go through the traditional path of legislation.  Some of the provisions of the new legislation were put into effect on November 1, while the rest will not be implemented until next year. Previously, Wisconsin was one of the four remaining states in the US where motorists were not required to have … (more) November 22, 2009

• Dallas Local Groups Remind Motorists that Safe Driving Can Control Premium Rates

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Local organizations in Dallas reiterate to car owners and drivers the importance of working on things you can control rather than focusing on things that you cannot change no matter what.  When it comes to Dallas auto insurance, local motorist groups in Dallas plan to hold a month long campaign during December to remind Texas drivers that safety in driving is the best way to control rising costs of Texas auto insurance. The plan of the local groups in Dallas started during the second week of November. Plans to promote safe driving include seminars on Dallas traffic regulations, responsible driving, … (more) November 21, 2009

• Wisconsin Upgrades Car Insurance Policies – Insurance Companies Taken by Surprise

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Drastic changes in laws governing auto insurance in the state of Wisconsin is happening to fast; too fast that even major insurance industry players are struggling to cope up with the sudden changes. New car insurance requirements took effect last November 1, and the other changes are set to become a law next year. Changes in Wisconsin State law mandates all motorists to have car insurance and calls for providers to increase liability minimum requirements. Changes in minimums have been effective at the beginning of 2009. On the other hand, liability insurance has become mandatory starting June 1. Starting January … (more) November 21, 2009

• Massachusetts Auto Insurance Agents Clamor for a “Fair” Premium Rating System

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents President, Frank Mancini, together with some key people from his organization testified at the State House meeting last Thursday, November 12, in support of legislation that will make the ban on the use of socioeconomic factors in setting auto insurance premiums as part of State law. Auto insurance agents in Massachusetts all agree to stop considering socioeconomic factors in auto insurance rates. According to them, consumer-friendly bans must be done to make sure that auto insurance companies are doing their part in serving clients. Most Massachusetts insurance agents believe that drivers should be judged through … (more) November 20, 2009

• Motorists React to Premium Rate Hikes in Florida

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Reports from premium indexes of insurance companies in Altamonte Springs, Florida verify that the state’s average cost of Florida auto insurance for November averaged at $ 1,652.80, 3.3% higher than last year’s average. According to insurance industry insiders, there can never be a better time than now to get vehicle insurance as trends show an increase in rates year after year. While various insurance companies in Florida take most of the opportunity by luring motorists to promos and offers, the public blame these companies for the constant increase in premium rates. In Florida, public interest groups are starting to be … (more) November 20, 2009

• Million Dollar Bonuses Awarded to Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund Employees

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  According to a legislative report in the state of Maryland, the state, thru an automobile insurance fund, recently gave employees a total of $1.4 million worth of bonuses, despite losses in 2008 amounting to $19.6 million. From its traditional method of rewarding bonuses during the end of a year, the board of the insurance fund changed its formula to award bonuses midyear, allowing bonuses to come through. Reports say that the group was going down deep into losses from last year, raising questions as to how they were able to award such bonuses. According to insurance insiders, the board of … (more) November 19, 2009