Consumer Watchdog

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Consumer Watchdog

Insurance

Insurance news, investigations, and reform — auto, home, and health insurance rates, claims denials, and industry accountability.
Panel OKs Perata’s insurance legislation

Panel OKs Perata’s insurance legislation

<h3>Bill would give discount to drivers who have continuous auto coverage</h3><p class="source">Oakland Tribune</p> <p>Despite an outcry from consumer groups, an East Bay senator won initial approval Wednesday of a resurrected, industry-backed auto insurance measure that critics say would hurt the poor more than it helps good drivers.</p>
Insurer Uses Its Muscle on 2 Bills;

Insurer Uses Its Muscle on 2 Bills;

<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>
Auto insurance bill on bumpy road to Senate

Auto insurance bill on bumpy road to Senate

<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>
Strike three, you’re out?

Strike three, you’re out?

<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:

Book Review:

<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;

On shaky ground;

<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>
3 strikes law, good business

3 strikes law, good business

<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>
SB 841: Surcharging the Poor

SB 841: Surcharging the Poor

<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>