Insurance

Blue Cross jumps the shark with 39% price hike

February 9, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> You know the phrase: You've "jumped the shark" by doing something too monumentally stupid to be believed. Blue Cross's shark-jumper was its 39% <a href="http://www.consumerwatchdog.org/patients/articles/?storyId=32665">health insurance premium hikes,</a> as other prices flatlined or dropped. Boy, did that focus the attention of a Congress and White House flailing around a sinking health care reform bill. </p> <p> <a href="http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2666632"></a> </p>

Mercury Insurance in Trouble for High Rates

February 9, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

There are major questions for a big auto insurance company over sky-high rates. A 275 page California Insurance Commission report obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle is landing a damaging blow to Mercury Insurance, just as it fights to change California car insurance regulations.

Group: Car Insurance Proposal Aims To Raise Rates

February 9, 2010  ·  Harvey Rosenfield

To some, the proposed initiative known as the Continuous Coverage Auto Insurance Discount Act sounds appealing. But consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog told 10News that potential voters should not be fooled. They said the initiative is a thinly veiled attempt to raise insurance rates. “It’s a fraud, it’s full of deception, it will lead to higher insurance premiums,” said Harvey Rosenfield, founder of Consumer Watchdog group and author of Proposition 103, which overhauled the insurance market in 1988.

History of Discrimination Cited Against Mercury Insurance

February 9, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> SACRAMENTO, CA -- Mercury Insurance Corp. has a history of discriminatory practices against an array of groups, including military personnel, that led to unfair surcharges or outright denial of coverage, according to a 275-page report released by the Department of Insurance. The document, which is being used as part of an administrative case the department is building against the company, was touted Monday by a leading consumer advocate as proof that Mercury intends to "legalize what is now illegal," with Proposition 17, the ballot measure underfunded largely by Mercury. </p>

Lawmakers Want Insurer Scrutinized

February 9, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Federal and state lawmakers called Monday for a closer examination of Mercury Insurance Group in the wake of a state report that suggests the firm may have engaged in illegal practices, including deceptive pricing and discrimination against military personnel and people in other occupations. The document from the office of State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, reported on by The Chronicle Monday after the newspaper obtained it through the state Public Records Act, said the company may have repeatedly violated Proposition 103, the landmark consumer protection law passed by voters in 1988.

Blue Cross’s taste of what’s to come if health reform fails

February 8, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> Those of us who have health insurance--or think we have health insurance--can get complacent about whether the nation needs that big, complicated health reform legislation. But just try getting sick. Is your insurance even real? If it is, can you afford it after the latest round of price hikes? Is your deductible so big that paying it will mean financial ruin? Check out these stories and think about what the White House and Congress, by wimping out again on health reform, will condemn all of us to... </p>

Consumer Watchdog and Steve Poizner Behind Battle Against Mercury Insurance

February 8, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Like many Californians, I was burned by Mercury auto insurance in the 90's. After my rates went up, despite a "discounted" quote by the agent, I was left wondering what, exactly, I had done. It took me a couple of years, but I eventually went through the headache of swapping carriers. Now, California's Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has released a well-documented, 275-page report that details some of the, um, indiscretions used by Mercury Insurance that violate Proposition 103, a law enacted in 1988. Ah yes, the 80's are still coming back to bite us in the...

Insurer May Have Violated Law, Report Reveals

February 8, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

A high-profile California insurance company that is backing a controversial insurance measure on the June ballot has engaged in practices that may be illegal, including deceptive pricing and discrimination against consumers such as active members of the military and drivers of emergency vehicles, according to a state report obtained by The Chronicle.

Chronicle reveals discrimination at Mercury Insurance, Soldiers targeted

February 8, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> In case all those ads about how great insurance companies are was starting to make you feel all fuzzy inside, Carla Marinucci at the San Francisco Chronicle just posted a revealing and disturbing look into the widespread discrimination at California's 3rd largest auto insurer, Mercury Insurance.... </p>

State Program Helps Connect Drivers with Low-Cost Auto Insurance

February 6, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

People who feel they can't afford car liability insurance probably don't know about a state program that costs as little as $254 a year. That is substantially less than the price of a ticket in Kern County for not having insurance -- $786, court officials said.

Internal Documents Reveal Widespread Discrimination At Mercury Insurance

February 5, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Internal reports prepared by California Department of Insurance (CDI) investigators show that Mercury Insurance Company used a variety of internal company rules – many unwritten – to overcharge or refuse to sell insurance to many Californians it deemed "unacceptable," including Americans serving in the military, small businesspeople, unmarried people living together, people with diabetes, and the unemployed.

New Jerseyans Could Soon Be Able to Shop Across State Lines for Health Insurance

February 3, 2010  ·  Consumer Watchdog

If insurers can sell beyond state lines, the concern is that consumers would be attracted to the least comprehensive policies because they'd be cheapest. For example, someone could buy a policy in a state that doesn't mandate coverage of diabetic supplies. "You get what you pay for in these policies (and) consumers won't realize it until they are sick and it's too late," said Jerry Flanagan, health care policy analyst for Consumer Watchdog, a California consumer health group.