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.
Special interests scramble for last-minute deals

Special interests scramble for last-minute deals

<p class="source">San Jose Mercury News</p> <p>With state lawmakers wrestling with vexing questions about privacy, farmworker rights and epic budget deficits, the Capitol's hallways in recent days have been clogged with an army of lobbyists, each seeking favors, making threats or pushing deals.</p>
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>