Insurance

Insurance commissioner candidates face tough issues; Election 2002 – Getting Out The Vote; John Garamendi

October 28, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Business Journal</p> <p>Once in office in 1991, Garamendi sparred with the industry over implementation of Prop. 103, which tightened regulations, rolled back rates and ultimately forced insurers to give back $ 1.2 billion in refunds.</p>

Editorial: Our Voice: Proposition 33 Looks Like An Insurance Marketing Scheme

October 26, 2002  ·  Mark Reback

<p>Proposition 33, a proposal to offer discounts to car insurance customers even if they change companies, is another attempt by Mercury Insurance to manipulate the marketplace.</p> <p>Mercury Chairman George Joseph is bankrolling the initiative, contributing almost all of the $16.6 million campaign fund. Opponents have raised $222,800.</p>

Many in San Diego Stung by Insurance Rate Increase

October 25, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>For many people, construction firms, landlords and, increasingly, home buyers the sky-high rates and rapid-fire cancellations of insurance policies have already hit crisis proportions. In the past year, rates for some homeowners have jumped more than 50 p</p>

Suit Over Insurer’s Handling of Quake Claims Not SLAPP-C.A.

October 23, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Metropolitan News-Enterprise</p> <p>An unfair competition suit charging the State Farm insurance companies with mishandling claims for property damage resulting from the Northridge earthquake should not have been stricken under the anti-SLAPP law, the Court of Appeal for this district ruled</p>

State court OKs 1994 quake suit

October 23, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>A lawsuit accusing State Farm Insurance Co. of mishandling claims from the devastating 1994 Northridge Earthquake may go forward, an appeals court ruled Tuesday.</p>

Appellate court rules quake lawsuit against can go forward

October 23, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press State & Local Wire</p> <p>A lawsuit accusing State Farm Insurance Co. of mishandling claims from the devastating 1994 Northridge earthquake may go forward, an appeals court ruled Tuesday.</p>

Wanted: Insurance Watchdog Garamendi says that he has more to accomplish in his former position.

October 21, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>So why does Garamendi, 57, want to return to a position he held a decade ago, state insurance commissioner, an office that has been fraught with turmoil and controversy?</p>

Longtime L.A. insurer facing pressures; Farmers Insurance

October 21, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Business Journal</p> <p>The company has seen its ratings downgraded in the face of continuing underwriting losses. It has pulled out of the huge Texas homeowners' market, where it's being sued by the state and mold claims are sky high. And it's had to fend off rumors that its</p>

Winds of change;

October 20, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Despite high premiums, Texas home insurers continue to lose money as changes in state regulations are urged</h3><p class="source">Fort Worth Star Telegram</p> <p>Industry leaders, regulators, politicians and consumer groups all agree that changes in the state's insurance regulation system are virtually certain when the Texas Legislature meets next year.</p>

Critical Decision in Insurance Department;

October 19, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>New Commissioner Inherits Agency in Need of Leader</h3><p class="source">The San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>The six candidates who want to run the state's insurance department face a daunting task: taking over a department that most observers agree is ill-prepared to confront the issues it must face. Among the issues: rising insurance premiums, skyrocketing wo</p>

Candidates accept insurance donations

October 17, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Monterey County Herald</p> <p>Influenced by Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush's resignation in disgrace two years ago, Democrat John Garamendi and Republican Gary Mendoza said they would not take industry money. Despite their pledge, Garamendi and Mendoza each accepted $50,000</p>

Commissioner candidates take insurance money, despite pledges

October 16, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Associated Press</p> <p>While the leading candidates for insurance commissioner say they don't accept industry campaign contributions, campaign finance and public records show each has taken more than $50,000 from investors for insurance companies.</p>