Insurance

Pay-As-You-Drive Auto Insurance Revs Up

August 28, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

The proposal stems from legislation authored by state Assemblyman Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael, which would have made it possible for insurers to have different rates for policies based on driver-estimated mileage and insurer-verified mileage. While the legislation was backed by environmental groups, some consumer groups had concerns. It was withdrawn in conjunction with Poizner's proposal. "The bill allowed insurance companies to require drivers to place the technology in the car or not get the (pay-as-you-drive) discount," said Carmen Balber with Consumer Watchdog. "It looks like consumers will have options under these regulations. "

Don, Arnold. Arnold, Don. Pot, meet Kettle

August 28, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> Arnold dusted off his old recall election campaign theme of cleaning up Sacramento yesterday when he <a href="http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/1191843.html">lambasted Senate Leader Don Perata</a> for accepting $577,000 from the union... </p>

Poizner Pushes Mileage Plan

August 28, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>The Pay-As-You-Drive Proposal Could Save Californians Hundreds of Dollars a Year.</strong><br /> Consumer groups, who opposed Huffman's bill in the Legislature because they alleged that it conflicted with another state insurance law, are backing Poizner's regulatory drive. Regulations based on "a driver's mileage will lower auto insurance premiums, particularly when the high cost of gasoline is encouraging people to drive less," said Harvey Rosenfield, the founder of Santa Monica-based Consumer Watchdog, which advocates for policyholders. 

Stanford cuts corporate influence on medical school

August 27, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<a href="http://med.stanford.edu/news_releases/2008/august/cme.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stanford University's decision</a> to curtail drug and medical device company financing of its continuing medical education (CME) programs is a major step toward ensuring doctors practice medicine based on science, not marketing plans.

Calif. To Tie Auto Insurance to Miles Driven

August 27, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

The regulations will be voluntary and are expected to take effect by fall 2009. They will allow insurance companies to track mileage through odometer readings or wireless devices placed in vehicles. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner said his rules will prohibit insurance companies from tracking motorists' locations or how they drive. "That would be a blatant privacy violation," he said.

Stanford Medical School Restricting Industry Funding of Continuing Education for Physicians

August 27, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

To keep its doctors from being tainted by business biases, Stanford University's medical school announced Tuesday it is imposing a highly unusual restriction on educational contributions by drug and medical device companies.

Campaign Cash Is Main Feature Of End-Of-Session Frenzy

August 23, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> It's an environment that makes government watchdogs nervous. "The pernicious impact of the end-of-session fundraising is the appearance that contributions are purchasing influence," said Carmen Balber, researcher for Consumer Watchdog. "And the perception that campaign contributions are buying influence is multiplied when a vote comes within days of a lawmaker cashing a check." </p>

Schiff Hosts Economic Roundtable In Pasadena

August 21, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> On Wednesday, FDIC Chairwoman Sheila C. Bair announced that IndyMac is launching a new program to help borrowers with mortgages that are seriously delinquent or in default. Judy Dugan, research director for Consumer Watchdog, lauded the federal agency's takeover of IndyMac. "It's good that the government stepped in when it did," she said at Wednesday's roundtable. "I think fewer banks will go under because of the way IndyMac was handled." </p> <p>   </p>

Benefits of Morning Fill-Ups an Urban Myth, Watchdog Says

August 6, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> According to a news release by a California nonprofit organization called Consumer Watchdog, the idea that motorists should fill their tanks in the morning, when gasoline in storage tanks in the ground is coolest, is a myth.<br /> </p>

Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance Spurs Big Brother Fears

August 6, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

SACRAMENTO, CA -- Question: How do environmentalists get motorists to drive less in order to combat global warming? Answer: Team up with the insurance industry and the Legislature to create a pay-as-you-drive insurance policy. And tell drivers...

Poizner Drops Refund Effort

August 5, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>The State Insurance Chief Settles with Allstate, Which Agrees Not to Oppose a 28.5% Homeowners' Rate Cut.</strong><br/> <br/> California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has quietly dropped an effort to seek refunds for Allstate...

Beware the Cap

August 3, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>Many Workers Now Have Health Insurance Policies with a $1 Million to $2 Million "Lifetime Maximum." What Happens When You Exceed It?</strong><br/> <br/> Brenda Jordan says she's been getting phone calls lately from people who...