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Consumer Watchdog

Insurance

Insurance news, investigations, and reform — auto, home, and health insurance rates, claims denials, and industry accountability.
A Bevy of Bills Is Signed;

A Bevy of Bills Is Signed;

<h3>Added protections for transgender residents, auto insurance measure are among new laws.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Harvey Rosenfield, author of Prop 103, argued that SB 841 would increase the number of uninsured drivers in California by making coverage more expensive for those least able to afford it.</p>
Davis signs bill giving discount to insured drivers

Davis signs bill giving discount to insured drivers

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Consumer activists were fuming Monday after Gov. Gray Davis signed a bill allowing discounts to drivers who maintain auto insurance coverage, saying it benefited a major campaign contributor and penalized first-time insurance buyers.</p>
Everybody at Risk Uninsured in W.Va. Insurance:

Everybody at Risk Uninsured in W.Va. Insurance:

<h3>With & Without In West Virginia: 'We wanted to be different'</h3><p class="source">Charleston Gazette (West Virginia)</p> <p>"The system that depends on health insurance that comes through the workplace is breaking down," said Jerry Flanagan, consumer advocate at FTCR. "A lot of small business owners genuinely want to offer insurance, but basically, the only thing they have</p>
Safeco Seeks Nearly 20% Rate Hike to Resume Selling Home Insurance;

Safeco Seeks Nearly 20% Rate Hike to Resume Selling Home Insurance;

<h3>The request for a fourth increase in three years comes just days after the company said it would halt sales because of a new state regulation.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>"This is exactly what Enron did during the energy crisis, when power companies refused to make electricity available if we refused to pay exorbitant prices," said Doug Heller, a spokesman for FTCR.</p>
US homeowners’ cover confusion in two states

US homeowners’ cover confusion in two states

<p class="source">Insurance Day</p> <p>Safeco had tried to push rates up by an average of $132 a year, but its plans were foiled by the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, which appealed to the California Department of Insurance under Proposition 103,</p>