Insurance

Editorial: Do-nothing Politics;

June 25, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>When the going gets tough, more and more lawmakers are taking a walk</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>An outbreak of spinelessness has struck the California Assembly. Significant bills are failing because legislators are turning strategically silent or absent at key moments. The problem is, the rules require a majority of all committee members - not just</p>

Bill Would Force Whistleblowing

June 21, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Senate measure would compel corporate officers to report any illegal activities they hear about</h3><p class="source">Contra Costa Times</p> <p>Consumer advocates hailed the passage of legislation Thursday that would force corporate officers to report any illegal activities they learn of or face a fine of up to $100,000.</p>

‘Snitch’ bill passed by state Senate

June 21, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Whistle-blower measure an outgrowth of corporate scandals</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Despite warnings that California could become a land of snitches, the state Senate approved legislation Thursday requiring executives to tell the attorney general about accounting abuses and creating a government hot line for whistle-blowers.</p>

Court: States can make HMOs pay for procedures

June 21, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday that states can force health plans to pay for procedures recommended by outside independent parties</p>

California Scheming;

May 20, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Internal documents describe the amazing, code-named ways that ENRON rigged the state's energy prices</h3><p class="source">Time Magazine</p> <p>Many Golden State residents, including Governor Gray Davis, believed that traders had manipulated the complex rules for maximum profit regardless of the effect on consumers. And now they have evidence.</p>

Insurers’ Use of Data Probed

May 16, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Michigan Looks at Role of Credit Records in Rate-Setting</h3><p class="source">The Wall Street Journal</p> <p>Insurance companies already are under fire for using information from consumers' credit records to set rates. Now some wonder whether those practices violate federal credit-reporting laws.</p>

Rising home and auto insurance rates squeeze state consumers

May 12, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>After several years of steady or even declining insurance costs, Californians now face rate increases that could cost them hundred of dollars a year for car and homeowners coverage.</p>

Insurers’ credit scoring rankles

May 12, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Although California law severely limits the use of credit scores in insurance, many companies use them to deny homeowners policies, and some use them to determine payment plans on auto insurance.</p>

ENRON’S SMOKING GUN

May 12, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Buffalo News</p> <p>If federal law doesn't afford the justice system an opportunity to throw some Enron executives into a 6-by-8-foot cell with stainless steel plumbing, then the law desperately needs updating.</p>

Rising home and auto insurance rates squeeze state consumers

May 9, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>After several years of steady or even declining insurance costs, Californians now face rate increases that could cost them hundred of dollars a year for car and homeowners coverage.</p>

Serve Interests of All in Power Politics

May 7, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>In arguing for regulated electricity for small consumers and a deregulated system for big business, Bill Ahern and Michael McCauley get it half right...</p>

ALLSTATE TO RAISE HOMEOWNERS RATES IN CALIF. BY 18.5%

May 6, 2002  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">BestWire</p> <p>Allstate, the third-largest homeowners writer in the state, had originally asked to raise rates by 22.3%, but the insurance department only allowed the 18.5% increase.</p>