Insurance

California’s Car Insurance Rates Down 11.3% Since 1995

February 25, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>States Say its the Biggest Four-Year Decline Ever; Consumer Advocates Complain that Savings Should Be Even Greater</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Auto insurance rates in California dropped 5.7% last year and are down 11.3% since 1995, the largest four-year decline ever, the state Department of Insurance said Wednesday. The announcement immediately triggered criticism from consumer advocates who con</p>

Three Insurers Agree to Issue California Refunds

February 19, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Journal of Commerce</p> <p>Of the three companies, Fireman's Fund, Novato, Calif., agreed to issue the largest refund to customers, $76.25 million. Surety bond specialist Insco/Dico Group, of Irvine, Calif. was next at $1.6 million. Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company, Lansin</p>

Auto Insurance Reform for the Poor

February 4, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>All California motorists are required to carry auto insurance, but more than 3 million drive uninsured, either dropping coverage as soon as their cars are registered or driving without registration. Most are flouting the law because they can't afford to c</p>

Jury’s Huge Award in HMO Case Renews Debate on Patient’s Rights

January 22, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>The $120 Million Judgement Against Aetna May Force the Industry to Examine its Policies and Fuel the Drive to Let More Patients Sue</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>The stinging $120-million verdict by a San Bernardino County jury against Aetna U.S. Health Care of California may force introspection among HMOs nationwide and heat up the debate over patients' rights to sue them, attorneys, legislators and experts said</p>

Low-cost Auto Insurance Plan Proposed

January 14, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Legislature: Latino Lawmaker Urges $300-A-Year Policy For Low-Income Drivers. IndustryGroups Criticize Idea.</h3><p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>In a move to bring affordable auto insurance to millions of poor people, a group of Latino lawmakers wants to make California the first state to require insurers to offer a $ 300 policy to low-income drivers.</p>

Legislation Would Aid Uninsured Drivers

January 14, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Sacramento Bee</p> <p>Saying she knows first-hand about trying to survive in Los Angeles without a car, state Sen. Martha Escutia unveiled legislation Wednesday to create a low-cost, no-frills auto insurance policy with a premium of $ 300 per year.</p>

Insurance Legislation

January 13, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">City News Service</p> <p>A Montebello lawmaker introduced a state bill that would provide $25-a-month auto insurance for low-income drivers.</p>

Bleak Forecast for Future of Health Care

January 11, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>As a turbulent decade in American medicine begins its final spin, crystal ball gazers are peering into the future of health care, and they are not finding a pretty picture. In 2010, millions of Americans will still be living without health insurance, wh</p>

Suit Acuses Quackenbush of Inadequate Regulation of Sale of Long-Term Care Policies

January 8, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Capitol News Service</p> <p>Two senior groups have filed suit against state Insurance Commissioner Charles Quackenbush, claiming he hasn't done enough to enforce regulations on companies that sell long-term care insurance policies to older Californians. A Quackenbush aide said the c</p>

Agency Tells Kaiser that it Must Cover Viagra

January 1, 1999  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">San Francisco Chronicle</p> <p>The state Department of Corporations ordered Kaiser Foundation Health Plan yesterday to continue covering Viagra prescriptions, rejecting Kaiser's argument that subsidizing potency pills for some men would unfairly raise insurance costs for all members.</p>

Fact Sheet on Insurance Commissioner Quackenbush, 1994-1998

December 31, 1998  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<!-- excerpt --><p>In May 1994, Quackenbush said in a press interview, "You can't take company money from [the insurance industry]. You regulate them. The conflict there is difficult to explain to the voters." He later went on to accept over $2.5 million from the industr</p>

Insurer agrees to independent review of 9,000 claims from Northridge earthquake

October 26, 1998  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>Under the settlement signed Friday, the insurer will notify about 9,000 policyholders that they are eligible for independent inspections of their homes. A court will choose a panel of retired judges that will appoint engineers and insurance adjusters to make the inspections.</p>