I.I.I. Finds NY's No-Fault Claims Costs Are Rising
Thursday, November 05, 2009
LATHAM, N.Y., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New York's auto insurers saw their typical no-fault payment for the medical care of accident victims rise by 56 percent to $8,748 per claim in the second quarter of 2009. The insurance industry, the New York State Insurance Department's (NYSID) Frauds Bureau, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and law enforcement agencies continue to investigate suspicious claims vigorously, according to Dr. Robert Hartwig, the I.I.I. president and an economist. "In less than five years, New York's auto insurers have seen an extraordinary 56 percent increase in the average cost of no-fault claims, to a great extent the result of abuse and, sometimes, outright fraud in the system," stated Dr. Hartwig, in remarks scheduled for delivery today to the New York Insurance Association's (NYIA) annual meeting in Latham, NY....

 Insurance.Com Wins 'Best Practices in Business Intelligence' Award From Business Intelligence Perspectives
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
CLEVELAND, Oct. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurance.com, the country's largest online auto insurance agency, has won the "Best Practices in Business Intelligence" award from Computerworld's Business Intelligence Perspectives, the premier conference for leaders in the business intelligence and IT management sector.Winners were announced September 16 during a special awards ceremony at Business Intelligence Perspectives, at the Westin Chicago River North, Chicago, Ill.Other team members included Harshad Kulkarni, Business Intelligence manager, and Business Intelligence developers Amith Vangala, Irina Karpov, and Mike Nowak....

 Higher insurance limits opposed Republicans say new rule raises premiums
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Madison -- Republicans say changes Democrats made to state auto insurance laws are causing increases in premiums for drivers at the worst possible economic time and should be repealed.Republican lawmakers said Tuesday that higher coverage limits imposed in the state budget bill will force the working poor and others who are striving to get by financially to drive their cars without insurance, even though insurance will be required for all drivers in the state next summer.Sen. Michael Ellis (R-Neenah), who joined fellow GOP legislators Tuesday in announcing bills to repeal most of the changes, said the increases in insurance limits aren't needed and are nothing more than a "big sloppy kiss" from Democrats who control the Legislature to trial attorneys who support their campaigns....

 Key Aspects of Purchasing Automobile Insurance Highlighted
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
NEW YORK, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers are well aware of the presence that insurers have online and of the ability to shop for coverage on the Internet easily and conveniently; however, many remain unaware of the importance of shopping for the "right" type of policy and how the Internet provides an efficient way for individuals to quickly locate and purchase policies fitting their needs and budget.Fortunately, there are websites such as OnlineAutoInsurance.com which make the process quicker and can provide the ability to buy auto insurance online effectively and conveniently.The Maine Bureau of Insurance states, "When asking for price quotations, it is crucial that you provide the same information to each agent or company."...

 Repeal of insurance changes sought
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Nov. 4--MADISON -- Republicans say changes Democrats made to state auto insurance laws are causing increases in premiums for drivers at the worst possible economic time and should be repealed. Republican lawmakers said Tuesday that higher coverage limits imposed in the state budget bill will force the working poor and others who are striving to get by financially to drive their cars without insurance, even though insurance will be required for all drivers in the state next summer. Sen. Michael Ellis (R-Neenah), who joined fellow GOP legislators Tuesday in announcing bills to repeal most of the changes, said the increases in insurance limits aren't needed and are nothing more than a "big sloppy kiss" from Democrats who control the Legislature to trial attorneys who support their campaigns....

 Florida No-Fault closes five Tampa stores amid fraud investigation
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Nov. 3--Florida No-Fault Insurance has closed nine retail stores in Florida, including five in Tampa, amid an ongoing investigation into auto insurance fraud. Direct General Insurance Agency Inc., the Nashville parent of Florida No-Fault and Cash Register brands, said the closings, which occurred Friday, are expected to be temporary. Direct General said it was experiencing "extraordinary levels of losses which it believes are directly attributable to a dramatic increase in illegal insurance fraud activity."...

 Pay-By-the-Mile Auto Insurance Advances in California
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Nov. 3--Car insurance by the tankful? Not quite, but California moved a step closer last month to pay-as-you-drive policies that could allow motorists to buy insurance like they do gasoline -- a little at a time. Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner released regulations permitting and authorizing mileage verification for pay-as-you-drive, without dictating what form such plans must take....

 Wis. Republicans rail against insurance provisions
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
MADISON, Wis. - Republican legislators are trying to muster support for a bill that would repeal new minimum car insurance levels in Wisconsin.The budget also raised the minimum coverage for liability, uninsured and underinsured motorists and medical payments by tens of thousands of dollars.Sen. Mike Ellis, a Neenah Republican, is among a group of GOP lawmakers proposing legislation they say will reset the minimum standards to pre-budget levels....

 New York State Auto Insurance Rates Decline 20.3 Percent in 2009
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Other New York median rates by demographic group include:Men in New York pay a median auto insurance rate almost 12 percent higher than women. -- New York auto insurance rates declined just over two percentage points more than the national median, which declined 18.1 percent over the same period....

 Nationwide Building Society Offers FlexAccount Holders Special Benefits ; The Nationwide Building Society is Offering a Range of Select Discounts and Promotional Offers to FlexAccount Customers.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
From 30 October, Nationwide will reward existing customers who useThese offers are available through the Nationwide branch network only.In addition to the 'Flex gives you more' offers, Nationwide has also extended its tracker mortgage range for new customers moving home and first time buyers....

 Insurer Closes Tampa Sites
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Nov. 3--TAMPA -- An auto insurance company, popular among those with poor credit, has closed offices and stopped writing policies in some Florida areas, including Tampa. Nashville-based Direct General Insurance Agency Inc., which sells under the Florida No-Fault and Cash Register brands, closed nine retail stores -- five in Tampa, one in West Palm Beach, two in Miami and one in Fort Myers. In addition, it is no longer writing new auto policies in those areas, said company spokeswoman Courtney Ryder....

 Florida No-Fault Closes Tampa Offices and Others in State
Monday, November 02, 2009
Nov. 2--TAMPA -- An auto insurance company, popular among those with poor credit, has closed offices and stopped writing policies in some Florida areas, including Tampa. Nashville-based Direct General Insurance Agency Inc., which sells under the Florida No-Fault and Cash Register brands, closed nine retail stores -- five in Tampa, one in West Palm Beach, two in Miami and one in Fort Myers. In addition, it is no longer writing new auto policies in those areas, said company spokeswoman Courtney Ryder....

 Coalition Representing Regulated Health Professionals in Auto Insurance Reform Supports the Government in Its Efforts to Ensure Efficiency and Effectiveness of Services Provided Under Auto Insurance
Monday, November 02, 2009
TORONTO, Nov. 2 /CNW/ - The Government of Ontario today released a package of proposed reforms to automobile insurance in the province, which aims to provide improved choice and flexibility for consumers. The Coalition Representing Regulated Health Professionals in Auto Insurance Reform has been actively involved in providing feedback to the Ministry of Finance on the recommended changes submitted by the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) in advance of today's announcement. "The Coalition supports the government in its efforts to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of services provided under auto insurance," says Coalition Co-chair Dorianne Sauve, CEO of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association....

 Ontario Physiotherapy Association Comments on McGuinty Government's Auto Insurance Proposal
Monday, November 02, 2009
TORONTO, Nov. 2 /CNW/ - The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA), which represents over 4, 800 practising physiotherapists and physiotherapy students in Ontario, has been deeply engaged in consultations with the Ontario government on its auto insurance strategy over the past year and sees reasons for optimism in this morning's announcement, but also some concerns. But we obviously still have a lot of work to do." Beadle went on to explain that the OPA's major concern is that consumers understandably want to limit their premiums and most don't believe they will ever be involved in an accident that requires significant rehabilitation....

 Consumers Are the Real Winners Today: Government Announces Results of Five-Year Auto Insurance Review
Monday, November 02, 2009
TORONTO, Nov. 2 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) applauds the government for taking the steps necessary to create a balanced auto insurance system for Ontarians. Earlier today, the Ministry of Finance released the results of its five-year review of auto insurance as mandated by Bill 198. The government's reforms to the Ontario auto insurance system address affordability of premiums while at the same time maintaining robust benefits - two of the industry's primary goals for consumers....

 Ontarians Seriously Injured in Auto Accidents Left to Fend for Themselves
Monday, November 02, 2009
TORONTO, Nov. 2 /CNW/ - Ontario Finance Minister Dwight Duncan accommodated the powerful insurance lobby today by announcing deep cuts to basic benefits for auto accident victims. "With today's announcement, the province is forcing U.S.-style 'pay as you go' health care on people badly hurt in motor vehicle accidents," says Nick Gurevich of the Alliance of Community Medical and Rehabilitation Providers. Mandatory rehabilitation and medical benefits will now be slashed from $100,000 to $50,000....

 Proposed Auto Insurance Reforms Are a Short-Term Band-Aid, but Long- Term Solutions to Secure Access to Justice for Victims Still Needed, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association Says
Monday, November 02, 2009
TORONTO, Nov. 2 /CNW/ - The auto-insurance reform proposals released today by the Ontario government fall short in securing fairness and access to justice for innocent accident victims, but the elimination of deductibles in fatal accident claims is a step in the right direction, according to the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA). In April, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) recommended significant improvements to compensation rights based on the need to improve access to justice for accident victims. Today's reform package, while disappointing in some respects, should be viewed as an attempt by the Ontario government to take pressure off of auto-insurance premium increases that had been threatened by the insurance industry over the past several months, according to OTLA President Judith Hull....

 U.S. Annual Car Insurance Premiums Averaged $1,655 Last Month
Monday, November 02, 2009
In 2008, the national average cost of car insurance was $1,600. This month's average is 3.3% higher than 2008's car insurance rates, according to CarInsurance.com's Premium Index (CPI). Get a car insurance quote, it is the only way to compare and save on your auto insurance....

 Arbella Earns Rating Upgrade From AM Best
Monday, November 02, 2009
Arbella Insurance Group, the state's third-largest auto insurer, today announced that A.M. Best Company has upgraded Arbella's financial strength rating to A- "Excellent" with a "Stable" outlook.Best said the rating upgrade reflects Arbella's "surplus growth and strong risk-adjusted capitalization following its improved underwriting performance, which is due mainly to favorable loss experience, and reduced underwriting leverage over the past several years."A.M. Best is the leading information provider for the global insurance industry and provides access to the latest ratings, news and research on the property/casualty insurance market....

 Don't Let a Neglected Auto Insurance Policy Make Aggravating Holiday Driving Even Worse ; Insurance.Com RateWatch Finds Average Car Insurance Rates at $1,804
Monday, November 02, 2009
CLEVELAND, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers are already busy planning trips for Thanksgiving, one of the busiest times of year for travel in the United States. It will be bumper-to-bumper traffic soon, so Insurance.com urges consumers to double check their auto insurance policies before heading out this season to make sure they are adequately prepared for any unexpected mishaps."With more drivers spending more time on the road this time of year, the potential for accidents is greater," says Sam Belden, vice president at Insurance.com....

 Don't Let a Neglected Auto Insurance Policy Make Aggravating Holiday Driving Even Worse
Monday, November 02, 2009
CLEVELAND, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumers are already busy planning trips for Thanksgiving, one of the busiest times of year for travel in the United States. It will be bumper-to-bumper traffic soon, so Insurance.com urges consumers to double check their auto insurance policies before heading out this season to make sure they are adequately prepared for any unexpected mishaps."With more drivers spending more time on the road this time of year, the potential for accidents is greater," says Sam Belden, vice president at Insurance.com....

 OnlineAutoInsurance.Com Aids As Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements Rise
Monday, November 02, 2009
The struggle of finding cheaper rates continues as certain states such as Wisconsin and Texas announce an increase in the minimum auto insurance coverage requirements. OnlineAutoInsurance.com aims to help consumers as it becomes increasingly important to comparison shop to find cheap rates.One method of maintaining cheap car insurance is with the use of OnlineAutoInsurance.com's valuable tool which helps motorists pinpoint the cheapest rates with the ability to compare free quotes from a variety of reputable insurers....

 BRIEF: AARP Driver Safety Program Offered
Monday, November 02, 2009
Nov. 2--AARP, in partnership with the Family Life Center at First Baptist Church of Norman, has scheduled a driver safety program at the Family Life Center, 300 W. Comanche St., on Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. each day. The program consists of eight hours of classroom instruction, audio-visual presentations, and student discussion. While the course is designed especially for those 50 years of age and older, it is open to drivers of any age and will be beneficial for all Oklahoma drivers....

 TEEN DRIVING's A HARD BARGAIN -- HERE's HELP: Insuring a Young Driver is Expensive, but Insurance Companies Offer Discounts That Can Take the Sting Out of the Premium Bill.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Nov. 1--The safest way to keep teens safe is to keep them off the streets and highways. Adding a teen driver to a family's auto insurance policy can easily double and triple the annual cost. Auto insurance rates are high because teen drivers are risky to insure....

 Star Tribune, Minneapolis, John Ewoldt Column: More on Rental Car Insurance? You Got It
Friday, October 30, 2009
Nov. 1--Readers sent in lots of questions and comments about last week's column (www.startribune.com/65840922.html) on refusing insurance at the car rental counter. I wrote that anyone with Minnesota car insurance is automatically covered for $35,000 worth of coverage for loss of use, collision damage and liability. Q You mentioned that anyone with an American Express card can pay $20 per rental for $75,000 worth of primary coverage....