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.
Insurance Money Makes a Face: Quackenbush’s

Insurance Money Makes a Face: Quackenbush’s

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>To commemorate a degree of cupidity rare even in politics, the name and face of discredited former state Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush have been bestowed upon the "Quack-O-Meter", a device to track the insurance industry's contributions</p>
Suit Filed Over ‘Good Driver’ Discount Rates

Suit Filed Over ‘Good Driver’ Discount Rates

<h3>Insurance: An advocacy group claims Geico, the Auto Club and Safeco overcharge those without prior coverage.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>A consumer advocate group has sued three auto insurers, alleging the companies violated California's Proposition 103 by overcharging new customers who lacked prior insurance coverage.</p>
State Blocks Effort to Curtail Terror Coverage

State Blocks Effort to Curtail Terror Coverage

<h3>Proposal to restrict homeowners' claims--an about-face by firms--is arbitrary, commissioner says.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>State regulators Tuesday blocked a move by insurers to limit terrorism coverage for California homeowners, slowing the industry's push to curtail such coverage nationwide.</p>
Farmers Insurance Seeks Another State Rate Hike

Farmers Insurance Seeks Another State Rate Hike

<h3>Financial services: Firm says aging housing stock justifies fifth increase in California homeowners' premiums in two years. Consumer advocates express outrage.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Farmers Insurance Group of Cos. has applied for a premium increase of 6.9% for homeowner insurance--its fifth rate hike request in California in two years and one that has sparked outrage from consumer advocates.</p>