Insurance

Will Drivers Trade Privacy for Discounts?

September 9, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

California-based Consumer Watchdog wants to make sure GPS or location-based information doesn't creep into any insurers' plans. It has lobbied the California Department of Insurance to make sure consumers won't be required to participate in location-based tracking. It wants insurance companies to offer low-tech alternatives for pay as you drive discounts, such as regular manual odometer inspections.

Recall, again?

September 8, 2008  ·  Carmen Balber

<p> Critics say a coin-operated governor is beholden to the special interests that have given him more money than any governor (and most politicians) in California history. Political opponents with an agenda launch an effort to recall him. Despite... </p>

Health Insurance Bills Clear Calif. Legislature

September 8, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> Jerry Flanagan, a health care advocate for Consumer Watchdog, said the bill is an important piece of the health care puzzle, but is not without its drawbacks. "We also have to regulate premiums," he said. "This bill creates a perverse incentive to raise premiums." </p>

Health Insurance Bills Head To Governor

September 4, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Consumer groups were more encouraged by the legislation and the protections the measures could provide. "There's a range of bills on the governor's desk, from significant protections to more moderate proposals. As a group, they represent a significant step forward in health care reform," said Jerry Flanagan, a health advocate for Consumer Watchdog.

Pay-As-You-Drive Plan Good for Wallets – and Environment

September 4, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

The PAYD model would allow drivers to document their annual mileage in three ways: They could submit maintenance records; they could have an insurance company representative check their car's odometer; or they could have an electronic mileage-tracking device installed on their vehicle. The latter option has been a source of debate among groups such as Consumer Watchdog. Former mileage-tracking technologies relied on a GPS device, which ignited privacy concerns. The idea of giving auto insurance companies access to drivers' location data was a bit too "Big Brother" for consumers.

Are hurricanes or Wall Street losses driving premium increases? CNBC didn’t like my answer

September 2, 2008  ·  Jamie Court

<p> The CNBC anchors acted like I'd yelled fire in a crowded movie house when I pointed out this morning that it was investment losses driving insurance premium increases, not Hurricane Gustav or Katrina. You can watch the clip ...</p>

Congress Ready To Play ‘Beat The Clock’

September 1, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> <strong> Passage of Insurance-Related Bills Problematic with Sept. 26 Adjournment Looming</strong><br /> Action was delayed after a new California member, Rep. Jackie Spier, a Democrat, voiced concerns about whether the bill would inadvertently preempt Proposition 103 -- the 1988 ballot initiative that mandated a prior-approval auto insurance rating system for California, and which ended up rolling back auto rates. Harvey Rosenfeld -- one of the chief supporters of Prop. 103, now president of Consumer Watchdog, based in Los Angeles -- said he has also voiced concerns about the bill to House and Financial Services Committee leaders because of the bill's potential impact on Prop 103. </p>

California Lawmakers Pass Several Bills

September 1, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p> <strong>Measures dealing with health insurance cancellation, mortgage lenders, chemicals and college aid to illegal immigrants are approved.</strong> </p> <p> SACRAMENTO, CA -- Insurance companies could no longer cancel with impunity...</p>

Drive Less, Pay Less – And Able To Prove It

August 29, 2008  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<strong>New Rule Would Really Link Miles Driven And Auto Insurance Rates</strong><br /> Miles driven would be verified by one of three methods: odometer readings, service records from an auto repair shop or technical devices approved by the commissioner. Poizner has said insurers will be allowed to track only miles driven, not other factors such as when and how individual motorists drive, a concern of consumer groups.

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  ·  Doug Heller

<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.