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.
BACKGROUND ON PRIOR APPROVAL OF INSURANCE RATE CHANGES

BACKGROUND ON PRIOR APPROVAL OF INSURANCE RATE CHANGES

<!-- excerpt --><p>One of the major reforms implemented by California voters with the passage of Proposition 103 in 1988 was the creation of a "prior approval" process for rate increases. This process requires insurers to apply for and obtain approval for rate changes from</p>
A watchdog, not lapdog

A watchdog, not lapdog

<h3>SF Chronicle Editorial</h3><p class="source">San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>What will it take to restore respect to the scandal-tainted office of state insurance commissioner? One starting point would be curbing industry contributions that threaten to skew the race for a new insurance watchdog.</p>
INSURE FOR LESS

INSURE FOR LESS

<h3>SMART SHOPPERS CAN GET BREAKS ON AUTO POLICIES, EVEN AS RATES RISE</h3><p class="source">The Daily News of Los Angeles</p> <p>With auto insurance companies in the midst of a rate increase binge, drivers renewing coverage or buying it for the first time can save some money by implementing a simple strategy: Shop around.</p>
Bailout Watch #84 – Oct 15, 2001

Bailout Watch #84 – Oct 15, 2001

<strong>BAILOUT WATCH: Keeping an eye on the energy industry and the politicians<br/> <br/> Bailout Watch #84 - Oct 15, 2001</strong><br/> <br/> <strong>Riding the bailout escalator. </strong>First it was $2.5 billion, then it rose to $3...
EDITORIAL – On Corporate Influence

EDITORIAL – On Corporate Influence

<h3>An unbalanced justice</h3><p class="source">San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>What began as a noble concept -- using arbitration instead of the courts to settle many disputes -- has developed into a grossly unfair commercial justice system.</p>
FOES FIGHT ON AS JUDGE OKS EDISON DEAL

FOES FIGHT ON AS JUDGE OKS EDISON DEAL

<p class="source">The Recorder</p> <p>A Los Angeles federal judge signed off on a $3.3 billion settlement between the California Public Utilities Commission and Southern California Edison Friday, angering consumer groups who called the ruling a "travesty of justice."</p>
Judge OKs $3.3 billion Edison rescue

Judge OKs $3.3 billion Edison rescue

<h3>Consumer groups irate over secret deal to keep utility out of bankruptcy</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>A federal judge approved a $3.3 billion rescue plan yesterday for Southern California Edison, just three days after the state's Public Utilities Commission endorsed the plan.</p>
Davis walks energy tightrope;

Davis walks energy tightrope;

<h3>Governor can now distance himself from Edison deal</h3><p class="source">The San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>Gray Davis said this week's from-out-of-nowhere deal to save Southern California Edison wasn't his idea, but it is one more example of how he has maneuvered through energy crisis politics.</p>