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.
Court reporting firms’ deals draw fire

Court reporting firms’ deals draw fire

<h3>Partnerships raise ethical issue</h3><p class="source">The Boston Globe</p> <p>This week, hundreds of court reporters from across the country have gathered in Boston for the centennial anniversary of their role as silent observers who, methodically and unobtrusively, record every word uttered in courtroom proceedings and pretrial de</p>
Nader Says California Governor Caving In To HMOs

Nader Says California Governor Caving In To HMOs

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>SACRAMENTO -- Consumer-rights activist Ralph Nader scolded Gov. Gray Davis on Monday for providing "the antithesis of leadership" on health care, contending the governor's judgment has been clouded by campaign donations from HMOs.</p>
Assembly OKs Bill Permitting Suits Against Insurers

Assembly OKs Bill Permitting Suits Against Insurers

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>Consumers would have added recourse against insurance companies through a controversial measure that passed the Assembly on Thursday. The bill, SB 1237 by Sen. Martha Escutia (D-Whittier), would allow consumers to sue for bad faith when they think insurer</p>
Lawyers win round in high-stakes fight with insurers

Lawyers win round in high-stakes fight with insurers

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>A fiercely lobbied plan that restores the right to file bad-faith lawsuits against automobile insurers and others emerged Thursday from the Assembly, despite complaints from insurers that it would dramatically boost premiums and dismantle a state crackdow</p>
Low Cost Auto Coverage Eyed

Low Cost Auto Coverage Eyed

<h3>Plan Would Insure Poor</h3><p class="source">Stockton Record</p> <p>Leslie Brewer of Stockton didn't buy car insurance until the state put teeth in its mandatory insurance law in 1996. Now she's shelling out $39.91 a month for the minimum coverage allowed by law.</p>
CALPERS Rate Hike

CALPERS Rate Hike

<p class="source">San Diego Union-Tribune</p> <p>Like the fever spike of a sudden illness, California's biggest buyer of health insurance said yesterday that it will pay an average premium hike of 9.7 percent for its members next year. The announcement by California Public Employees' Retirement Syste</p>
Quake Insurance Squabble Splitting Along Party Lines

Quake Insurance Squabble Splitting Along Party Lines

<p class="source">Los Angeles Times</p> <p>After months of behind-the-scenes sparring, state Treasurer Phil Angelides is forcing a showdown with Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush over control of the state agency that provides earthquake coverage to nearly 1 million California homeowners.</p>
Consumer, business groups fight over name change

Consumer, business groups fight over name change

<p class="source">Associated Press</p> <p>What's in a name? Apparently a lot if you're in politics. The Association for California Tort Reform, a group that mainly represents businesses and lobbies for legislation that limits the ability to recover damages in court, announced Monday that it has</p>