Most Recent Auto Insurance News in Headlines

• Auto Insurance Companies, Junkyards, US States to Comply With New National Vehicle Info System

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  A new federal system, the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, took effect last January 1 after 17 years. This new policy compels junkyards, auto insurance institutions and all states to report motorized vehicles that are either severely damaged that they were written off, or if the vehicles were stolen. Before customers purchase a used vehicle, they will be given a chance to check the system database. This system, which is purposed on providing protection for clients from purchasing rebuilt wrecks, was implemented 17 years after enactment of the law requiring it. Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group, legal counsel … (more) January 10, 2010

• Consumer Watch Groups Can Get Compensation For Legal Fees

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Consumer groups can now ask for compensation for legal fees from auto insurance companies if they were able to successfully lobby against rate increase requests or proposals, ruled a state appeals court. The Second District Court of Appeals of Los Angeles deliberated on the provisions of a 1988 initiative on reimbursements, and decided that all proceedings from beginning to end would have to be shouldered by insurers in cases where they lose out on their bid. The author of this measure, Harvey Rosenfield, and also founder of the group, Consumer Watchdog, hailed the court decision and claimed that it was … (more) January 9, 2010

• Economist and Insurance Advocate Testify to Stop Factors that Increase Premium Rates

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Insurance Information Institute President, Economist, and Insurance advocate Dr. Robert Hartwig, said that drivers in Michigan will keep on paying more expensive premium charges than most Americans do for auto policies until public policymakers deal with the fundamental costs causing this trend. Dr. Hartwig testified that the factors contributing to costs influencing the price of auto policies in Michigan may be the same to those of other states in the US, but one very clear exception sets Michigan apart from the rest, and that is the unlimited vault for no-fault car insurance claims. Dr. Hartwig confidently presented that current attributes … (more) January 4, 2010

• Auto Insurance Trade Group Officer Bidding to Change Wisconsin Budget Bill

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  According to recent reports, one of the officials of an auto insurance trade organization is insisting that a Wisconsin legislator needs to do something about the pending budget bill containing provisions that will increase the state car insurance coverage requirements. Wisconsin Insurance Alliance President, Andy Franken, said that revisions need to be made to the pending legislation proposed by Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle as it will definitely turn costs or rates of insuring vehicles for low to middle income earning drivers, higher and more expensive. Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, group composed mainly of insurance providers, have the same … (more) January 3, 2010

• New Year, New Laws Against Distracted Driving

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America has recently announced that the New Year will mark the implementation of new state laws that will be tougher on distracted motorists. Oregon, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Kansas are among the states that will be tougher on distracted driving come 2010. While all four states will implement new and stronger forms of legislation regarding calling or texting while driving on Jan. 1, 2010, each state still differs on the degree of restriction strictness. Among the four, Oregon is said to have the strictest regulations. Starting January 1st, young drivers below 18 years of … (more) January 2, 2010

• Sen. Nelson Cites Car Insurance Mandate to Justify Health Reform Bills

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Senator Ben Nelson said last Wednesday, December 23, that the constitutional authority of Congress to mandate individuals to buy health insurance probably originates from the same constitutional power that granted certain states authority to require drivers to carry car insurance policies. The statement made by Sen. Nelson came as a reaction to a much talked about Senate health care reform bills that will mandate all citizens in the US to buy health insurance, and non-compliance to this legislative act can result to imprisonment or being subject to paying a penalty. It was also during December 23 that Republican Senators forced … (more) December 31, 2009

• Insurers Worry of Going Out of Business

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  While Democrat lawmakers in the House of Representative continue to lobby legislative amendments to lower insurance costs for customers, insurance providers continue to be alarmed that any further action to lessen premium prices can lead them to bankruptcy and move their businesses somewhere else. Providers attacked state Democrats by comparing Michigan’s activities to those of other states when it comes to how state officials interact with the auto insurance business. The contrast in the actions of the states regarding auto insurance became very evident as the development department in Ohio sent out invites to private groups for the launch of … (more) December 27, 2009

• Michigan Lawmakers Pass a Bill Making Auto Insurance More Affordable

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  According to Michigan reports, city residents will no longer have to pay expensive premium rates for auto policies as the state House of Representatives passed a bill this afternoon that is set to revamp auto insurance. Experts say that it is about time for Michigan to be relieved from the burden of costly premiums, and in perfect timing t00, since this news will certainly be an added cause for celebration this holiday season.  For many years now, average car insurance prices for drivers in the state have been way steeper when compared to national average. As per latest figures released … (more) December 24, 2009

• Republicans Oppose New Michigan Legislation

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  December 16 – while the Michigan House of Representatives passed a legislation that will amend how auto policy premiums are set in the state this afternoon, the House seems to be divided in half as the opposing team, made mostly of Republican Representative, voice out their opinions regarding this bill. Having a 57-47 vote during last Wednesday’s session, the bill easily won the House majority vote and is now waiting to be signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. After this bill is signed and other formalities are finished, major changes are set to take place in Michigan. Democrat Representatives, who counted … (more) December 24, 2009

• Indiana County Set to Legalize ATV Use

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  Sources say that despite concerns raised by local groups, Owen County in Indiana is continuing to draft its plans of allowing motorists and car owners to drive around in ATVs on public highways. This decision to allow all-terrain vehicles to be driven on county roads is causing the public to worry that drivers will not obtain appropriate insurance and registrations needed, and some may not even bother to install necessary safety devices. Owen County, said to be the most rustic county in the state and located approximately 50 miles southwest of Indianapolis, recently approved an ordinance that will legalize use … (more) December 23, 2009

• Local Groups against Owen County’s ATV Ordinance

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  The passing of an ordinance may be based on a popularity vote – all you need is a majority decision from commissioners and an ordinance is on its way to becoming a law. However, for Owen Country, a recently passed ordinance legalizing the use of all terrain vehicles or ATVs on county highways, which is scheduled to have its final hearing this December 21st , may still face its final storm as more and more local groups are showing up contesting that this proposed legislation will not do them any good. Included in this ordinance is a provision that grants … (more) December 23, 2009

• Yes Or No: Should “Pay As You Drive” Policies Be Required?

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  As Pennsylvania State Insurance commissioner and National Climate Change Task Force chair Joel Ario backs up the idea of having auto insurance that cuts back carbon emissions or more commonly known as the pay-as-you-drive policy and believes that it should be imposed in other states, regulators argue if there is really a need to impose private companies to offer such policy. State regulators who shy away from the idea argue that the concept is already expanding in a very quick pace with local motorists easily embracing the idea and there is no need for to be mandated. On the other … (more) December 16, 2009

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

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  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 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

• Auto Insurance Companies Hold Seminars on Driver Safety

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  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, 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

• Cut Back on Highway Patrol a Bad Move

  by Jeanny Hopper
  

  According to reports last November 25th, Florida, together with other states, has cut back on the number of its highway patrol while traffic and population have gone up.  Analysts are afraid that frugality when it comes to traffic enforcement can be a bad move for Florida especially that Thanksgiving weekend is yet to take place. An analysis made by USA Today reveals that in the past 13 years, the population in Florida has grown by 28.8% while the number of road troopers has decreased by 4.6%. Insurance experts are afraid that the decline in highway personnel can lead to increased … (more) December 5, 2009