Assemblyman Collaborates With Insurance Industry to Raise Auto Insurance Rates, Invade Drivers' Privacy

Published - 07/02/2008 12:00 AM

SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Insurance companies will be allowed to install spyware in Californians' cars, and charge higher auto insurance premiums to those who refuse, under legislation authored by San Rafael Assemblyman Jared Huffman. Proponents claim the bill will encourage motorists to drive less, but the bill ... 

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Cell phones rules changing for Calif. drivers

Published - 07/01/2008 12:00 AM

To Celeste Tyler and her teenage friends, text-messaging is as effortless as tying their shoes. The high school senior can text without looking, sending messages on her red Samsung "slider" while it's behind her back, in her purse or under her desk at school, where cell phones are banned. So why not ... 

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Farmers Insurance Releases 1Q 2008 Update on Gas Prices and Vehicle Miles Traveled

Published - 06/27/2008 12:00 AM

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Farmers® Insurance today released the first update of its study of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and the effect of higher gasoline prices. “Since our preliminary study, oil prices have surged to over $130 per barrel,” notes Kevin Mabe, the Chief Economist of Farmers Insurance, who conducted the study and ... 

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Mercury Insurance Group settles

Published - 06/27/2008 12:00 AM

Mercury Insurance Group will pay a $250,000 settlement to the state Department of Insurance for alleged claims handling violations. The Los Angeles-based insurer will pay an additional $50,000 for the department’s legal fees and enforcement costs associated with the case. Insurance department investigators reviewed files of Mercury Insurance ... 

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More states say cellphones and driving don't mix

Published - 06/26/2008 12:00 AM

SAN FRANCISCO - On July 1, California will become the largest state to ban unlimited cellphone use by drivers. The law prohibits drivers under 18 from talking on the phone, and it requires older drivers to use a hands-free headset. A similar law goes into effect the same day in Washington ... 

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New bill would let state insurance companies boost auto premiums by 5%

Published - 06/24/2008 12:00 AM

ALBANY - Gas prices are already out of control. Next up could be your car insurance. New York auto insurance companies, which charge the second-highest rates in the nation, would be able to hike - or lower - premiums as much as 5% a year without the state's okay under a ... 

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Peerless Insurance re-enters Massachusetts

Published - 06/20/2008 12:00 AM

Peerless Insurance of Keene, N.H., said it has just issued its first Massachusetts personal auto insurance policy in more than 20 years. After announcing last November its intention to re-enter the Massachusetts marketplace under the new managed competition auto insurance system, Peerless Insurance said it issued its ... 

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Allstate drops its appeal of auto insurance cuts

Published - 06/20/2008 12:00 AM

Allstate Corp. has asked a California court to dismiss its appeal of a state order requiring auto insurance rate cuts averaging 15.9 percent for its policyholders. Allstate insures about 2 million vehicles in California, according to the state Department of Insurance. Allstate spokesman Peter DeMarco said the motion to dismiss was filed ... 

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