Insurance

RISING INSURANCE COSTS HIT HOME;

November 3, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>FIRES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND FLOODS IN WASHINGTON STATE ARE LIKELY TO FUEL THE TREND THAT'S SURPRISING HOMEOWNERS</h3><p class="source">The Oregonian</p> <p>"Insurance companies are punishing customers for having the gall to use their product," said Doug Heller of FTCR in Santa Monica, Calif. Customers who file claims "are going to have this scarlet letter, they're on a blacklist."</p>

Fire losses may not raise Valley insurance premiums

November 2, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Fresno Bee (California)</p> <p>Doug Heller, senior consumer advocate for the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, based in Santa Monica, said California has excellent safeguards in place to guard against unjustified insurance-rate increases.</p>

Bills bring pain

November 2, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The News & Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina)</p> <p>Aiming to make companies of all kinds more accountable for the bills they send, the Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights is drafting a "Bill-payers Bill of Rights" that would require companies to itemize all bills.</p>

Fire victims in California may not get from their insurance companies what they expect

October 31, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">CBS Evening News (6:30 PM ET)</p> <p>Mr. DOUG HELLER (FTCR): The insurance industry is in the position of power, so when you have an industry in the position of power, you need to have a police present, the regulators, the insurance commissioner with a watchful eye making sure that they don</p>

Fires deliver huge hit to insurers;

October 30, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Industry says it's too early to tell whether rate increases will be needed to cushion blow</h3><p class="source">Alameda Times-Star (Alameda, CA)</p> <p>Doug Heller, consumer advocate with the Santa Monica-based Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumers Rights, said talking about the possibility of rate increases is the last thing he expects insurers to do at this time.</p>

Fires ignite insurance fears

October 29, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Huge home losses in Southern California could push rates higher, but the state will review requests.</h3><p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>"The insurance industry will look to exploit this tragedy to serve their interests, to push for rate increases," said Heller, of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in Santa Monica.</p>

Fire could bring rise in insurance premiums;

October 29, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>HIGHER HOMEOWNER RATES POSSIBLE STATEWIDE, SOME SAY</h3><p class="source">San Jose Mercury News (California)</p> <p>"There is no doubt the insurance companies are right now considering the rate hikes they will want to impose not just on fire victims but statewide," said Doug Heller of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.</p>

Insurers, industry watchdogs prepare for SoCal fire’s aftermath

October 28, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Those trends don't bode well for the Southern California victims, said Harvey Rosenfield, who heads the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights. "Insurers are going to try to hold on to every dollar that they can," he predicted.</p>

Disaster: Insurance Claims Checklist

October 28, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --> <p> In most states, laws require insurance companies to pay claims promptly and for the full amount covered by the policy. However, as most consumers know, getting an insurance company to pay your claim can be a difficult and stressful experience. The following ch </p>

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRESTORMS; Dangers Serve as Coverage Reminders;

October 27, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Homeowners should inventory belongings for insurance. After a fire, they are advised to be alert and handle any problems quickly.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Douglas Heller with FTCR, a watchdog group, said homeowners should contact the state Insurance Department immediately if they have problems getting claims settled -- and be sure to get all communication with carriers in writing.</p>

Senate panel hears debate on federal regulatory role

October 27, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Business Insurance</p> <p>Support may be growing for some sort of federal role in insurance regulation, if the testimony of witnesses at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing last week is any indication.</p>

Options eyed for high insurance costs;

October 26, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Maine, California provide models for universal coverage</h3><p class="source">The Tallahassee Democrat</p> <p>"It's the biggest thing in health care since Medicare or Medicaid. It requires employers to buy health care for employees," said Jerry Flanagan, an advocate with FTCR in California. "It will provide health insurance for a million more people."</p>