Most Recent Auto Insurance News in Headlines

• ZIP codes can cause a steep rise in your auto insurance rates

  by Richard Burton
  

  Most people don’t realize that just residing in a particular ZIP code can cause a steep rise in auto insurance rates. Even if you have moved from a particular ZIP code to another within the same city, you may see a rise in your auto insurance rates. This can happen despite having the same driving record, vehicle, and claims history. As per a study, around half a dozen ZIP codes were found to have different auto insurance rates in Tampa, Florida. There was a difference of over $400 per year for a 40-year-old male, living in a posh suburban neighborhood, … (more) February 8, 2012

• Google’s lab of dreams- GoogleX

  by Richard Burton
  

  According to the latest auto news, Google has been in the limelight with their dream of driverless cars. This is just one example of the hundreds of dreams by Google. These ideas are chased by Google in their Google Lab known as GoogleX. Various interviews made clear that everybody has just a glimpse of the idea or the location of the lab. They are unable to justify the project details and neither the exact location of the secret laboratory by Google. People who briefed about the project to Auto news said that one of the projects will be in release … (more) December 29, 2011

• Audi blazing through the premium car market

  by Richard Burton
  

  Audi is creating a trail through the nation’s automotive market. Thanksgiving was celebrated by the company with a special cause. The car maker has already topped the record sales of the year 2010.They have already sold about one lakh cars and there is one month left for the year to end. The company estimates that it will sell 117,000 cars in North America by the year end, and reckons they could have sold 10,000 more; if the factories could have given more returns for its so called popular models. The additional sales have strengthened the hands of U.S. alleges Audi … (more) December 18, 2011

• Auto insurance rates drop to an all-time low in California

  by Richard Burton
  

  Most states have faced accelerating auto insurance rates which have left the public wincing at auto insurance premiums. But in California, the reverse is true and auto insurance rates have dropped to an incredible low. The beneficiaries are of course the jubilant Californians.

• House committee passes no-fault insurance changes

  by Richard Burton
  

  According to the existing laws, if someone gets catastrophically injured in a motor vehicle accident, the no-fault PIP coverage will take care of all the medical and rehabilitation costs. The coverage is unlimited with lifetime benefits if needed. However, the proposed changes will put a cap on the medical fees and even bring about restrictions on the type of care that people can get in case they are involved in an accident. As per the new bill, motorists will have to choose the type of coverage they need and purchase accordingly. The coverage may be worth $500,000, $1 million, or … (more) October 30, 2011

• Proposed insurance changes may result in reduced care and higher costs – victims tell lawmakers

  by Richard Burton
  

  Ted Vonk testified along with his Spectrum Health Orthopedic Specialist on Tuesday. He told the state House Insurance Committee that he was still recovering from the injuries he suffered in an accident. However, he also stated that he had managed to return to his duties as the Vice Chairman of Kent County Commission only because of the care he had received after the accident. He fears that the others may not receive similar care if any changes are made to the no-fault auto insurance system in Michigan. Ted Vonk was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident in 2009 and … (more) October 13, 2011

• Insurance companies are dictating our legislation say some sections that are opposed to the proposed changes

  by Richard Burton
  

  Michigan currently offers it residents, reasonable and necessary medical cover for victims involved in motor vehicle accidents as per the no-fault law. However, the proposed House Bill 4936 is aimed at bringing about reforms in the current auto insurance systems, which allow us to choose the level of PIP protection. This proposal is meant to bring about changes that will help save money for the Michigan residents and will make auto insurance far more affordable for thousands of drivers who remain uninsured. While there are some sections that are opposing these new changes, insurance companies are happy to see these … (more) October 11, 2011

• Nationwide negotiating with Harleyville group to buy them out

  by Richard Burton
  

  The eighth biggest auto insurance provider in the United States is negotiating with the parent firm of Harleysville Group Inc, an auto insurance company based in Pennsylvania in order to purchase the company, informed sources who is privy to these negotiations. These sources, who wanted to ensure anonymity due to the confidentiality of the discussions, also went on to say that the final deal may be signed in a matter of days. However, they also said that there are chances that the negotiations may fall apart. The market value of Harleysville Group as of 22nd September, 2011 was $690 million. … (more) October 1, 2011

• $30 million increase in Medicaid costs if proposed Michigan auto insurance changes get approval

  by Richard Burton
  

  One of the recent studies conducted has revealed that there will be an increase of $30 million in the Medicaid program in Michigan if the legislature gives a nod to the changes proposed to the state’s no-fault insurance law which has been in existence for nearly 39 years now. In fact, the no-fault auto insurance law in this state is considered to be so good that many other states use this model to build of the no-fault laws for their respective states. One of the changes proposed is to allow drivers to select different levels of coverage for PIP (personal … (more) September 24, 2011

• Over $10 billion losses annually due to uninsured drivers

  by Richard Burton
  

  Every state in the country has made it mandatory for citizens to carry a valid auto insurance policy when they drive a car. Despite this, over 14 percent of the drivers flaunt this mandatory requirement without the fear of being caught, partially due to the shaky economic situation, thereby putting the lives and property of people in grave peril. According to data from the Insurance Research Council, the rate of uninsured drivers in the state of Wisconsin stood at 15 percent. The latest data made available by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has revealed that the people with insurance … (more) September 23, 2011

• Low cost auto insurance coverage from west coast to be promoted

  by Richard Burton
  

  With an estimated 400,000 people in California driving in absence of auto insurance policy, Department of Insurance is planning to launch a major promotional campaign, later this year. It will focus on options that would facilitate lower cost premiums for drivers who struggle to pay the rising insurance costs. Pat McConahay from the California Department of Insurance said, “We have to have billboards. We hope to have some advertising. We have been doing some outreach on campuses.” When asked the reasons for a large-scale promotion, she responded: “If we get pulled into a road accident and hit by somebody who … (more) September 17, 2011

• Drivers urged to exercise caution by tegner-miller insurance brokers

  by Richard Burton
  

  Tegner-Miller Insurance brokers are now encouraging motorists to drive safely by educating them on safe driving practices. Now, the brokerage is acting swiftly to educate citizens about the traffic-related deaths that seem to rise in the month of August. These brokers want to ensure that the clients are well protected while they are on the roads. It does not occur to anyone that they can be involved in an accident or that their loved ones could be involved in a serious crash and when it happens it can be really shocking. Motorists, who are sometimes lucky, manage to escape without … (more) September 14, 2011

• Use of credit scores in auto insurance rates – ballot petition to prohibit its use

  by Richard Burton
  

  A number of socioeconomic factors are taken into account while pricing your policy. For instance, if you haven’t paid all your bills on time, it may actually affect your auto insurance rates. However, a new ballot petition will now ensure that it doesn’t. What are the factors that should actually play a role while determining your auto insurance premiums? There are some large companies that have been arguing that your credit scores as well as occupation also makes a huge difference in the way you drive, but not everyone is in agreement with that. Presently, in the Massachusetts the credit … (more) August 31, 2011

• Personal injury fraud to get prioritized

  by Richard Burton
  

  The state’s new insurance consumer advocate stated on Thursday that it is important to crack down on auto insurance fraud and strengthen property insurance market, in order to help consumers in the long run. This was on top of the priority list, she stated. The Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate, Robin Wescott has stated that the health of the markets is directly dependent on consumer satisfaction and protection. She stated this shortly after she was chosen for the post. This is a role that is both delicate as well as adversarial at times and has pitted advocates against the Legislature as … (more) August 26, 2011

• Medical costs to be cut in NJ auto insurance

  by Richard Burton
  

  Auto insurance rules are likely to be revamped if everything goes as per the proposals made on Monday in Governor Chris Christie’s administration. They claim that it will help in controlling auto insurance costs, if the medical costs for those injured in accidents are curtailed. A number of revisions to the PIP system in the state will change the fees that are paid to some of the same-day surgery centers and will also bring down the costs that are associated with alternative therapies such as chiropractors and the rest. It will also help in clamping down on the attorney’s fees … (more) August 15, 2011

• Automobile accident victims can get full value of medical treatment – court ruling applauded by lawyer Patrick J. Tighe

  by Richard Burton
  

  Now, customers can rejoice with the latest court ruling that plaintiffs who are injured in auto accidents can introduce bills for the full value of treatment they have received. This comes as a major victory and has been hailed by Florida Insurance lawyer Patrick J. Tighe (Fourth district, Case Number – 4D09-1659). This had earlier become a contentious point of law to many. Tighe stated that the major insurers such as Allstate, Progressive, Geico, and State Farm may not like the ruling, but for all the others it is a moment to rejoice. Tighe is a senior advocate for accident … (more) August 11, 2011

• Approximately one in seven drivers are uninsured, states report

  by Richard Burton
  

  Summer is that time of the year when people tend to go on long motorbike rides and road trips. Even the number of trips to the swimming pools and playgrounds is at its maximum. Hence, every motorist is more exposed to the dangers on the roads. Although, the chances of being involved in an auto accident during such trips may not be very common, but every motorist is likely to be involved in maybe one car accident at least during their lifetime. The pertinent question that would arise is – what would happen if either parties or one of them … (more) August 4, 2011