Autoinsurance.com: Usage-Based Auto Insurance Race Heating Up

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 20, 2012
Sprint announced Thursday that it is offering a trial run for use of its technology suite to insurers seeking to establish usage-based insurance (UBI) programs, further complicating an already crowded fight among auto insurers who are capitalizing on an increasingly popular coverage option, according to autoinsurance.com.
Sprint’s Integrated Insurance Solutions(IIS) employs a “cloud-based system” that collects driver data that can be analyzed by auto insurance companies for rating purposes and presented to policyholders so that they can review their habits on the road. The system utilizes the telecommunications giant’s nationwide 3G network to transmit the data.
Sprint is offering IIS as a three-month “jump start” program to all insurers.
The offering is the latest in the arena of UBI, which bases coverage rates on a motorist’s habits behind the wheel and other driving data. For example, frequent hard braking can run up costs, while the opposite can lead to discounts.
IIS technology was tested in a pilot program in Arizona through a partnership with Esurance,accor ding to a Sprint statement.
Esurance recently launched its first UBI program in Texas “based on the success of that program,” adding yet another player in the race between insurers for the most-effective UBI program.
The company's offering a fully established network for driver monitoring could make it much easier for more insurers to offer usage-based discounts. Progressive already has its usage-based program, which it developed on its own, available in about 80 percent of the country.
Last week, Progressive announced that its UBI program, called Snapshot, would be open to policyholders at competing insurers as a one-month trial. Participants who test-run the program will be able to review their possible coverage savings before deciding if they want to switch insurers.
Progressive’s Snapshot has long been the largest UBI program in the market but has since seen competitors’ offerings edge into its territory.
In May, State Farm announced a partnership with Ford in which cars equipped with the automaker’s SYNC connectivity systems will be able to enroll in its UBI program. Under the partnership, such vehicles will be ready to participate in State Farm's Drive Safe & Save upon purchase.
The burgeoning UBI market has also produced some nasty competition. The Hartford and State Farm are currently facing a lawsuit brought by Progressive, which alleges that it is "suffering from the effects" of patent infringement.
Copyright:(c) 2012 PRWEB.COM Newswire

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Replacing Misguided Health Care Law Begins with Repeal

Last week, the House voted on a bipartisan basis to repeal President Obama's misguided health care law. I voted in favor of repealing the law for five reasons.

First, it increases the cost of care. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found that the law will actually increase health insurance premiums for families by $2,100, in direct contrast to the President's campaign trail promise that his plan would reduce premiums by $2,500.

Second, it would cause twenty million Americans to lose their employer-sponsored health insurance according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. The Obama Administration's own Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 80 percent of small businesses and 64 percent of large businesses will discontinue offering health insurance to their employees.

Third, it interferes in the doctor-patient relationship. The law creates 159 new boards, offices, and panels within the federal government to make health care decisions for individuals.

Fourth, it piles more debt on our children and grandchildren. At a time when we already borrow 40 cents on every dollar the government spends, the law would add another $1.8 trillion over the next decade. We do not have the money.

Fifth, it is a job killer. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that nearly 800,000 jobs will be lost because of Obamacare. As last week's jobs report made clear, we cannot afford to further erode the employment situation.

While I remain committed to repealing this misguided law, we must work to reform the underlying problems in our health care system. As opposed to the divisive politics and underhanded tactics used to enact it, we should come together and put our best ideas forward to replace the law.

To this end, I have cosponsored reforms that would:

Enact Medical Liability Reform

Sensible tort reforms would cut back on unnecessary tests and procedures that are only ordered to defend against frivolous lawsuits, saving patients time and irritation while saving all of us money.

Allow Interstate Competition for Health Insurance

Allowing Americans to buy the same plans available to residents of other states would increase competition and help reduce costs while providing more choice.

Source: http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=350541

Man admits damaging homes, collecting insurance money to fix them

One of two men charged with damaging homes throughout Lehigh County to make it appear that hail was the culprit, then making repairs and getting paid through the homeowners' insurance, has pleaded guilty.

Dominik Sadowski, 35, on Tuesday pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, a felony.


Lehigh County Judge Douglas G. Reichley sentenced him to four years of probation. Sadowski must also pay a $2,000 fine and $14,500 in restitution within two years.


Sadowski, who used to have a Sellersville address but now lists Hypoluxo, Fla., as his home, was charged with similar crimes in New Jersey. He was sentenced there Wednesday, receiving 100 hours of community service and four years' probation.


Sadowski's codefendant, Marcin Porzkowski, 36, of Quakertown, failed to show up for a preliminary hearing after his arrest and remains at large, authorities say.


An investigation determined that more than 100 homes may have been intentionally damaged in the scheme, police say.


According to court papers:
The Lehigh County Auto Theft and Insurance Fraud Task Force said it received numerous complaints from homeowners, insurance companies and contractors since April 2009 about shady business practices from a company that was soliciting repair work to supposedly hail-damaged homes.


Homeowners said they were unaware their homes had been damaged by storms until representatives from Precision Builders came unannounced and told them they had damage and could repair the work, which would be paid for by their insurance company.


Precision Builders also told the homeowners it would pay any deductible if homeowners advertised the business by placing a sign on their front yard.


Investigators conducted surveillance at homes in Lower Macungie and Salisbury townships and found that home inspectors for Precision Builders were using a screwdriver handle wrapped in duct tape and their knuckles to cause the damage.


Further investigation determined that Porzkowski and Sadowski instructed inspectors on how to cause damage to make it appear as though it had been caused by hail.


Later, insurance company adjusters told detectives the damage was inconsistent with hail.
Detectives said Precision Builders hired Eastern Contracting, Porzkowski's company, to do the repair work on homes. Sadowski was an inspector for the company.


Porzkowski and Sadowski were each charged with two counts of corrupt organizations, insurance fraud, criminal mischief and theft by deception.


Source: http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=345345&type=newswires

Pennsylvania DCED Announces Website Offering New Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps

To help residents and businesses to be better prepared for the risk of flooding, the Department of Community and Economic Development  has launched a website containing the new Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).   

"Having up-to-date, digital access to Flood Insurance Rate Maps is a critical tool for homeowners and businesses when preparing for flood-related emergencies," said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker.   "Residents and local businesses can use the maps to determine if they are located in a floodplain and community officials can access the information to effectively create floodplain-management strategies to ensure public safety."        


The new website, www.pafloodmaps.com, contains a digital version of FEMA's floodplain maps which were established to designate specific areas that are special hazards or risk premium zones in order to determine whether flood insurance is required.
The site provides information to municipal officials, residents, and insurance agencies and brokers. It also alerts users to the potential risks and responsibilities associated with being located in a floodplain. 


The website also features an interactive risk-identification tool that allows users to enter an address and access information relating to that property. Users will also be able to determine if a property is in a floodplain, specific building code regulations that pertain to a property, and if there is a mandatory flood insurance requirement for that address.
The Governor's Center for Local Government Services (GCLGS), housed within DCED, provides technical resources and assistance for companies considering merger, consolidation and regional efforts. The center also serves as a resource for local government officials, developers, and citizens interested in planning to improve, grow and enhance communities.


Source; http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/747e08fc417143099e14944317fb466a/OR--Chemical-Spill

Summer Travel, Entertaining can Bring Special Insurance Concerns

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is reminding consumers to keep insurance needs in mind when vacationing, entertaining or enjoying other warm-weather activities.
For your home and property:

• Installing a pool, or already have one? Pools increase your liability risk so you will need to bring your homeowners policy up-to-date. Most policies include a minimum of $100,000 worth of liability protection, but pool owners may want to consider increasing the coverage amount to at least $300,000 to $500,000. 

Having a yard sale? Your homeowners and renter's insurance policies may provide liability protection to cover you against lawsuits if someone is injured or items are damaged on your property, but read your policy to be sure.
Taking an extended vacation? Insurance companies may consider unoccupied homes as high risk because they are at increased risk of theft, vandalism, fire, and water damage. Check with your insurance company before you leave for a long trip.

• Hosting a party? Consumers should look into a social host liability policy, which covers claims arising from injuries that may occur in your home. Policies can be purchased for limits ranging from $50,000 to $2 million.
  

For your means of travel:

• Renting a car? Your declarations page should state whether the coverage and deductibles you have on your own car apply to a rental vehicle. If it does not, consider buying the rental car insurance coverage offered by the agency.  
• Do you own a boat or a jet ski? If you own a personal watercraft, it is wise to purchase insurance coverage that includes bodily injury, property damage, liability and theft. If renting any type of watercraft, be sure to ask what type of insurance coverage the owner or operator has.
  

For your health and belongings:
Some insurance coverage does travel.

• Traveling away from home? Depending on your location and medical condition, you will want to check with your health insurance company to find out what type of coverage you have when you travel. Be sure to carry your insurance card with you.  

Items stolen while on vacation? In most cases, your homeowners policy will cover your personal property anywhere in the world, less your deductible.  Be sure to read your policy for dollar limits on items such as jewelry, firearms and silverware.
Need to insure your trip? Some insurance companies offer bundled packages of travel insurance that cover problems like identity theft, delayed or lost baggage, cancellation or medical issues. But just like any other type of policy, be sure to review it thoroughly because not all policies are the same.

• If you chose to insure your trip, be sure you are purchasing travel insurance and not cancellation waivers. Waivers are not insurance and are not regulated by the Insurance Department.
  

Visit the Pennsylvania Insurance Department online at www.insurance.state.pa.us.
Media contacts: Rosanne Placey or Melissa Fox, 717-787-3289
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Insurance
Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1dawZ)

Which Car Insurance Is Best for Your Business?

If you run a business, you know insurance is important. Especially if part of your company's services requires putting employees behind the wheel. But  what should you look for when it comes to choosing a car insurance plan?

This is one choice you don't want to speed through. While commercial auto insurance premiums can often be more expensive, they can save you money in the long run.

Here are some questions you should consider when shopping for a policy for your business.

What kind of cars will be covered?
Depending on your company's business model you may or may not own the cars being driven by your employees. Regardless, if your workers are driving for your company, you'll want to make sure any vehicles they're operating are protected in case of an accident.
>Many companies offer "hired or non-owned" car insurance options. These additions can cover any vehicle operated by employees, regardless of ownership. It can even include protection for rented cars.

Do you need a personal or commercial policy?
As mentioned earlier, commercial insurance is generally much more expensive. However, it's not always required for a business. If your name is on a car's title, than you have to get personal insurance. However, if your company is listed as the vehicle's owner, than a commercial policy is required.
But just because you can get away with a cheaper personal policy, doing so might not be the best choice. Some features, like business interruption coverage, are only available under commercial policies. That particular option is important if your driver is injured on the job. It can allow you to recoup lost income while your employee is recovering.

(source)

Online Auto Insurance: Penn. Fund Recoveries Stress Regulators’ Role

Regulators in Pennsylvania recently announced that they recovered $3.4 million in restitution funds, emphasizing the consumer protection role that they play in the entire industry, according to Online Auto Insurance.

 Any shopper looking for cheap auto insurance quotes may also want to keep in mind the level of claims-satisfaction rates for insurers with rock-bottom prices. State regulators regularly post reports on complaints filed about insurers, and more than half of all complaints filed with regulators from 2009-11 were related to denials of claims or compensation delays, according to data compiled by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

 OAI recommends that consumers peruse the complaint listings on those websites along with user-submitted reviews on other websites to get the fullest picture of an insurer’s quality.

 The recently recovered funds in Pennsylvania came from 3,211 written consumer complaints and inquiries submitted during the first quarter of 2012 and 27 enforcement actions. Regulators also reported collecting $71,000 in fines and penalties.

 One of regulators’ investigations looked into Travelers, identifying violations in how the insurer deals with nonrenewals and midterm cancellations of policies for commercial vehicles, finding instances where Travelers failed to return unearned premiums within the required time period after midterm cancellations.

 Auditors also noted a concern they had with a nonrenewal in which “notes indicated that if other lines of business were not written with Travelers, the company would have to request coverage be placed elsewhere.”

 Regulators said the practice, called “forced bundling,” was unacceptable.

 “The company must ensure this practice will not occur in the future,” regulators stated in their report.

 In other nonrenewal cases, travelers failed to document notices that are required to be sent to policyholders when an insurer does not continue business with them, according to regulators. 

Regulators found no violations related to Travelers’ personal auto policies. The entire case was closed in February.

 (Source)