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.
RIGHT TO GOOD DRIVER POLICY

RIGHT TO GOOD DRIVER POLICY

<!-- excerpt --><p>This provision requires insurers to give you the 20% Good Driver Discount if you qualify, no matter where you live, and even if you did not have prior insurance. This is known as a "take all comers" requirement.</p>
Assembly OKs bill sought by contributor

Assembly OKs bill sought by contributor

<h3>A consumer advocate says it prompts insurers to raise rates on the poor</h3><p class="source">Contra Costa Times</p> <p>A bill decried by consumer advocates as special interest legislation aimed at benefiting one generous campaign contributor passed the Assembly on Thursday night and appears likely to clear the Senate as well.</p>
SB 689 — A Double Surcharge On Poor Drivers

SB 689 — A Double Surcharge On Poor Drivers

<!-- excerpt --><p>A Double Surcharge On Uninsured Motorist For Every Alleged Single Discount For Middle Class. Democrats Should Not Take Twice As Much From The Poor Under The Pretense of Giving Half As Much To the Rich. All Motorists' "Uninsured Motorist" Coverage Will Ris</p>
Briefcase: Regular is Premium Enough

Briefcase: Regular is Premium Enough

<p class="source">The Houston Chronicle</p> <p>Regular is premium enough: A consumer group in California is proposing that only regular gasoline be sold to help deal with the state's chronic gasoline price increases, the Los Angeles Times reported this week.</p>
Assembly Panel Revives Insurance-Discount Bill;

Assembly Panel Revives Insurance-Discount Bill;

<h3>Capitol: The measure is backed by Mercury firm, a heavy contributor to lawmakers. Insurance chief opposes it.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Lawmakers have revived legislation that would undermine the authority of the state's insurance commissioner and benefit a company that has contributed generously to lawmakers from both parties.</p>
Labor Day Weekend Gas Prices

Labor Day Weekend Gas Prices

<p class="source">KGO-TV (ABC) - San Francisco</p> <p>A long weekend is coming up, does that mean you'll pay more at the pump? Many drivers will argue that gas prices go up during peak travel times. And today a report was released that agrees with them.</p>
Group Has Answer for Gas-Price Volatility;

Group Has Answer for Gas-Price Volatility;

<h3>Energy: Restricting sales to a single grade could free up space for reserves to cushion against spikes.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>A consumer group in Santa Monica is proposing a novel solution to chronic gasoline price spikes in California: sell only regular gasoline.</p>
Escutia Business Fraud Bill Advances

Escutia Business Fraud Bill Advances

<p class="source">San Gabriel Valley Tribune</p> <p>Legislation that would force corporate executives to report their company's illegal accounting practices or face stiff penalties won approval Tuesday in the state Assembly.</p>