Insurance/Cars/Homes/Blog

CLCA program - auto insurance for low-income drivers in California

Admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:54:14 +0000

More than 3 million motorists travel California’s roads without auto insurance. Californians who are driving without insurance should check out the CLCA program. The primary goal of the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program is to provide a cheaper auto insurance option to low-income good drivers. To be eligible for the CLCA program: you must meet the certain requirements. To find out if you’re eligible for the CLCA program and for more options on cheap auto insurance in California click here

Want cheap auto insurance? Drive these cars…

Admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:37:45 +0000

The cost to insure your car varies significantly according to the model of car you drive because
insurance companies look at statistical data showing claims for each car make/model over a period of time. Often, you’ll find the cheapest auto insurance rates are on larger cars, and mid-sized and smaller SUVs. These cars are typically driven by practical young families or older drivers — drivers who have a lower accident rate. So if you’re looking to pay less on auto insurance (and who’s not) check out this list of cars:

Jeep Patriot
Pontiac Solstice
Jeep Compass
Volvo XC90
Pontiac Vibe
Chevrolet Uplander
Jeep Wrangler LWB 2-door
Mazda 5
Pontiac Torrent
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Jeep Wrangler
Scion xB
Ford Five Hundred (now Taurus)
Buick Rendezvous
Buick Lucerne
Buick Ranier
Honda Odyssey
Ford Freestyle
Subaru Outback
Honda Pilot
Chrysler Town and Country
Chevrolet Uplander
Buick Lacross
Nissan Xterra
Mercury Mountaineer
Ford Explorer
Toyota Highlander / 4Runner
Mazda Tribute

State insurance department websites - study reveals significant differences

Admin — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:07:34 +0000

STUDY FINDS SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES IN AUTO AND HOME INSURANCE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY STATES TO CONSUMERS.

The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) released a new study of auto and home insurance information provided on state insurance department websites.

The study, State Insurance Department Websites: A Consumer Assessment, found considerable
differences in the usefulness of information such as the rates and practices of individual
insurance companies. State insurance department websites in 6 states were found to be
“excellent” while those in 18 states were deemed to be “inadequate.”

The report found that California, Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah have
“excellent” websites that have complete, up-to-date information that is easy for consumers to
use. Consumers accessing these websites could easily find current price, complaint and solvency
information to make well informed purchase decisions and could find key information on how to
get the best claim settlements as well.

But the report also concluded that 18 states – see list below – have websites that are
inadequate. These websites lacked important aspects of information about purchase and claims
settlement decisions in auto and home insurance.

“States with inadequate websites do not have to reinvent the wheel,” noted Hunter.
“They need only use the excellent sites already in use by other states as a guide for improving
their own sites,” he added.

Below is a listing of the CFA ratings of websites in all 50 states and the District of
Columbia:

Excellent (6 states): California, Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah.

Good (12 states): Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Maine
Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

Fair (15 states): District of Columbia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland,
Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington.

Inadequate (18 states): Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa,
Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Rhode Island,
South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

The full report is available at: http://www.consumerfed.org/pdfs/state_insurance_websites.pdf

Are there financial organisations that pursue ethical policies?

Admin — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:21:32 +0000

More and more people are becoming unhappy with the way money is looked after across the world. With the global economy teetering on the brink of a deep and prolonged period of recession, it is only natural for consumers to feel a certain degree of disenfranchisement towards those entrusted with looking after their money and possessions. But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are some financial organisations that actively pursue ethical policies, like the Co-operative Bank. These ethical companies try to make money by only investing in companies not involved in negative practices such as arms dealing or destruction of the environment. So there are banks and investment companies that have sound ethical policies. What about insurance companies?

Click here for the full story

Auto Industry in Crisis & LA Autoshow

Admin — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:31:33 +0000

While automakers show off their latest vehicles in Los Angeles, Congress will be debating a bailout proposal for the “Big 3″: General Motors, Ford and Chrysler. Advocates, mainly Democrates, say the consequences on the economy would be too severe if a rescue plan is not agreed on. But many lawmakers don’t support another bailout, claiming the automakers pay the price for their business mistakes.

The LA autoshow opens on Friday November 21 and is open for public until Sunday November 30.

Here’s some useful info on the LA autoshow:

LOCATION

Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
www.laautoshow.com

SHOW HOURS

Friday, Nov. 21: 11am – 10pm
Saturday, Nov. 22: 9am – 10pm
Sunday, Nov. 23: 9am – 8pm
Monday, Nov. 24: 11am – 10pm
Tuesday, Nov. 25: 11am – 10pm
Wednesday, Nov. 26: 11am – 10pm
Thanksgiving Day: 9am – 8pm
Friday, Nov. 28: 9am – 10pm
Saturday, Nov. 29: 9am – 10pm
Sunday, Nov. 30: 9am – 8pm

The show entrance closes one hour prior to the show closing.

TICKETS
Adults: $10.00 (cash only)
Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult!
Seniors (65+): $7.00 Fri., Nov. 21 – Thurs., Nov. 27 (cash only)

Ticket sales close one hour prior to show closing each night.

Discount coupons at 7-Eleven stores

What you should know when you’re ready to buy home insurance.

Admin — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:42:36 +0000

1. There are a myriad of insurance companies to choose from so shop around.

Price, eligibility, and coverage vary by company. Obtain an estimate (quote) of what the insurance will cost. To get an accurate estimate you must provide:

- Personal information: Name, address, insurance loss history, nature & breed of household pets, social security number.

- Dwelling information: Year and type of construction, years of updates on heating, wiring, plumbing & roof, square feet, special features inside, number of families in dwelling.

- Insurance coverages: Dwelling, personal property, & liability limits, as well as additional endorsements.

- Deductible: How much you’re willing to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company begins paying.

Tip: We offer free auto and home insurance quotes. It only takes 3 to 4 minutes to obtain estimates from leading insurance companies in your area (USA only).

2. Optional coverages to consider:

Earthquake
Flood
Home Business
Increased Limits on Liability, Medical Payments, Other Structures, Personal Property
Inflation Guard
Mine Subsidence
Personal Property Replacement Cost
Scheduled Personal Property
Sewer Backup
Watercraft

3. Price is important, but there are other factors to consider:

-Coverage. The least expensive policy may also provide the least amount of coverage.

-Licensing Status: An insurer not licensed to operate in your state is not subject to its rules and regulations.

-Service. Check the company’s customer satisfaction record available through your state’s insurance regulatory agency.

-Comfort. Buy insurance from an agent or company representative you are comfortable with. He/She should be able to discuss your coverage needs and offer insight into the claim settlement process.

-Financial status of the Insurance company.

Unitrin auto insurance

Admin — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:08:46 +0000

Unitrin Auto insurance

Unitrin Direct was founded in 2000 as a subsidiary of Unitrin, Inc. (NYSE: UTR).

Headquarters Vista, California, USA
Industry Insurance
Products Insurance
Revenue $221.3 Million USD (2005)
Employees 600

In 2002 Unitrin Direct acquired eKemper and combined the business under Unitrin Direct.

On July 2, 2007 Trinity Universal Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Unitrin Inc., purchased Merastar Insurance Company: a company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee and specializes in the sale of personal automobile and homeowners’ insurance through employer-sponsored voluntary benefit programs. The sale was completed for a cash payment of approximately $47 Million. Merastar Insurance became a part of Unitrin Direct.[

Insurance is currently available from Unitrin Direct in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana,Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

We are interested to hear from you about Untirin. How do you rate their service?

Second stimulus check - soon in the mail?

Admin — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:21:40 +0000

What a month! Many of us won’t forget the last 4 weeks any time soon.

Lehman Brothers bankrupt, financial institutions all over the world in dire straits, the stock market crash and now fears of a serious recession, some even predict depression.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Tuesday the current financial challenges facing the country will persist for a number of months, but he said the economy will rebound.

“our government will do what is necessary to significantly strengthen our banks and financial institutions, enabling them to increase financing for the consumption and business investments that drive U.S. economic growth,” Paulson said.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke boosted a second stimulus package’s prospects by arguing in Congressional testimony Tuesday that the likelihood of a protracted slowdown stemming from weak U.S. economic fundamentals, aggravated by the financial crisis, convinced him to support a new round of fiscal stimulus, Bloomberg News reported.

A second stimulus package would help lessen the effects of a U.S. recession, many economists — including the Chairman of the Fed — agree, but whether Congress can pass one by year’s end remains an open question.

The stimulus check’s purpose includes getting money in the hands of business owners through consumers. If approved, it is expected to help relieve freezes on hiring and positively influence the markets.

But what are the chances taxpayers will receive a second stimulus check?

Economist David H. Wang told BloggingStocks Tuesday the worsening economy “appears to be shifting the political winds in Washington and theymay very well pass a second stimulus package.”

Nancy Pelosi has made one last appeal for a second Stimulus Check, suggesting that Congress could pass it after the November 4th election, and get checks out to taxpayers by Christmas. This was in response to Ben Bernanke admission that he is in favor of more checks, stating the nation’s economic weakness could last a while.

Why buy auto and home insurance together

Admin — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:02:26 +0000

You own a home and a car. You have insurance. But for whatever reason you purchased your policies at different companies. But did you know you that if you’d gotten both your auto and home insurance from the same insurance company you could be paying less for the same coverage? Because you could and you’d save quite a bit of money to. Usually, you’ll be able to obtain more savings and extra benefits if you do so. On average you can get a 10 percent discount on top of other discounts and credits.

Something to keep in mind next time you’re shopping for insurance!

DIY doesn’t buy cheaper home insurance

Admin — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:50:33 +0000

I just read this article “Women Learning DIY to Save Money on Home Insurance” and wanted to comment on what the author writes. DIY schools might be doing good business but the argument the newly acquired DIY skills can be beneficial when shopping for home insurance is biased.

In fact, DIY could have the exact opposite effect on your home insurance claims. Truth is, insurance companies warn that DIY projects can end up causing damage that costs thousands to put right!

Research shows that almost one-in-six homeowners who have done home improvements have had to call in the experts to fix their mistakes.