Insurance

Insurer Uses Its Muscle on 2 Bills;

May 8, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Measures opposed by activists and regulators advance. Firm has been a big campaign donor.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>A Los Angeles insurance company that has contributed millions of dollars to California politicians over the years is trying to use its influence with lawmakers to overturn regulatory and court decisions that threaten its financial interests.</p>

Bill backed by major donor overcomes commissioner’s opposition

May 7, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press State & Local Wire</p> <p>A Senate committee Wednesday approved auto insurance rate legislation backed by a major campaign contributor - despite claims the bill would violate voter-approved Proposition 103 and hurt the poor.</p>

Auto insurance bill on bumpy road to Senate

May 7, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Critics of the Mercury Insurance-sponsored bill say the measure goes against the will of the voters - expressed in Proposition 103 - and would hurt the poor more than it helps good drivers.</p>

Mercury Insurance Donations & Uninsured Surcharge Bill Timeline

May 7, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

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Low Cost Auto Rate Testimony

May 6, 2003  ·  Doug Heller

Testimony of Douglas Heller regarding legislation to expand and improve California's Low Cost Auto Insurance program.<br />

Strike three, you’re out?

May 5, 2003  ·  Carmen Balber

<h3>U.S. consumer groups trying to create corporate three-strikes law</h3><p class="source">St. Johns Telegram (Newfoundland, Canada)</p> <p>Borrowing from a popular punishment for multiple street crimes, California consumer activists are trying to create a three-strikes-and-you're-out law for corporations.</p>

Book Review:

May 5, 2003  ·  Jamie Court

<h3>CORPORATEERING; How Corporate Power Steals Your Personal Freedom... and What You Can Do About It</h3><p class="source">Publishers Weekly Reviews</p> <p>Corporations have this power, Court says, because many of them have become larger than some national governments. The book explores the impact of this power on America's judicial system, education system and the public spaces that define community.</p>

On shaky ground;

May 4, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Costly earthquake insurance leaves many homeowners in a quandary, facing high deductibles and no coverage for garages, pools and other structures.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Consumer groups believe current earthquake policies, with their high deductibles, limited coverage for household contents and lack of coverage for detached garages, swimming pools and other peripheral structures, offer little value to homeowners.</p>

CAPITOL REPORT – Bill splits lawmakers, regulators

May 4, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Orange County Register (California)</p> <p>The Legislature's 2002 finale featured a pitched battle over an issue known as ''the persistency factor.'' If it sounds boring, it isn't.</p>

SB 841: Surcharging the Poor

May 1, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Insurance Proposal Violates Consumer Protection Law</h3> <p>SB 841 will add a surcharge to consumers who cannot afford to maintain continuous auto insurance coverage.</p>

3 strikes law, good business

May 1, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Daily Forty-Niner (CSU Long Beach, CA)</p> <p>The Enron scandal has taught us that we need to keep a closer watch on how corporations are doing business. Money and power are the two most influential corrupters in our society. Corporations are in the business of increasing both. It is only logical tha</p>

Senator Proposes ‘Three Strikes and Out of Business’ State Law;

April 30, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>A company's third felony conviction would bring a ban on operating in California.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>The strikes would apply to virtually any type of felony, ranging from violations of the tax and consumer protection codes to offenses involving civil rights, antitrust and environmental protection, among others.</p>