June 17, 2011
Not Enough Insurance? You Could Face Financial Meltdown
June 17, 2011 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Last week, Investopedia ran a story on the five easiest ways to suffer financial ruin. So, what tops the list? You guessed it: Lack of insurance.
Continue reading " Not Enough Insurance? You Could Face Financial Meltdown " »
September 25, 2009
Man Follows GPS to Edge of Cliff
September 25, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
A man in England followed the directions of his in-car GPS unit so far off the beaten path that he came to the edge of a 100 foot cliff.
September 18, 2009
Recession: 1 Year Later
September 18, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
It's been one year since the stock market took a dive, the housing market bubble burst, and the economy slipped into the worse recession in decades. Have we learned anything from this recession? How has daily life changed for the average American? Looking back over the past year, here are just a few things that we've learned and that we should try to remember once the economy turns around:
September 4, 2009
Unemployment Rates Continues to Rise
September 4, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
The U.S unemployment rate is at a 26 year high of 9.7%, according to the most recent update by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last month, there were 216,000 nonfarm payrolls lost, marking the 20th straight month of decline.
September 1, 2009
California Wildfires a Sad Reminder to Purchase Home Insurance
September 1, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
With the state of California ablaze with wildfires, it is a sad reminder to all homeowners to update or purchase home insurance.
Continue reading " California Wildfires a Sad Reminder to Purchase Home Insurance " »
August 20, 2009
Cash for Clunkers Program is Over, Again
August 20, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
The Associated Press has learned that the government Cash for Clunkers program will end Monday, August 24 at 8pm Eastern. This comes only 2 weeks after $2 billion more was added to the clunkers program.
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August 18, 2009
Largest Identity Theft in History--130 Million Credit Cards Stolen
August 18, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Another reminder to keep an eye on your credit card: the largest identity theft ring in history has been uncovered. 130 million credit card numbers were stolen by a cyber criminal. If you are worried about identity theft, identity theft protection is often an option with home or renters insurance.
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August 10, 2009
Trading In Your Clunker? Better Trade In Your Car Insurance Policy Too
August 10, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Undoubtedly, you have heard of the CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS), or as it's more commonly referred to, the "Cash for Clunkers" program. This government program is designed to help get more people into new cars while getting cars that aren't as fuel efficient off the roads.
Continue reading " Trading In Your Clunker? Better Trade In Your Car Insurance Policy Too " »
GM to Sell Cars on eBay
August 10, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
General Motors and eBay are teaming up to sell cars. Could this step be just the boost the lagging auto industry needs?
August 7, 2009
$2 Billion More for Cash for Clunkers
August 7, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Good news. Looks like the Cash for Clunkers program is rolling once again. This morning, President Obama signed a congressional bill adding $2 billion to the program. Now car buyers can continue to receive rebates for trading in older cars for new, more fuel-efficient cars.
Continue reading " $2 Billion More for Cash for Clunkers " »
July 31, 2009
Not So Fast! Cash for Clunkers Confusion
July 31, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Will the Cash for Clunkers program be around much longer? That's what many consumers, and car dealers, are wondering. Reports that the money has run out much sooner than expected are circulating. Some congress members say it will be good through the weekend, while others say they are working to add another $2 billion to the program. So what's really going on?
Continue reading " Not So Fast! Cash for Clunkers Confusion " »
July 29, 2009
Auto Insurance Fraud on Rise in California
July 29, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Auto insurance fraud is on the rise in California, the California Department of Insurance (CDI) Commissioner said Tuesday. The reason for the uptick in auto insurance fraud in the Golden State: the down economy.
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July 28, 2009
Researchers Call for Ban of Texting While Driving
July 28, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Researchers at Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) found that texting while driving is 23.2 times more dangerous than not using a cell phone. Because of this staggering find, they have recommended banning texting while driving.
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July 27, 2009
InsWeb Launches BestInsuranceMatch.com
July 27, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
If you're tired of receiving insurance quotes from random insurance providers, here's a piece of good news. Last week, InsWeb launched BestInsuranceMatch.com, an innovative website that allows consumers to compare insurance companies using factors such as price, financial strength and more.
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July 9, 2009
GM No Longer in Chapter 11
July 9, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
GM's chapter 11 days came and went faster than a Chevy Corvette. GM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on June 1, 2009, and a judge's ruling allowing the sale of GM's assets became effective today.
May 14, 2009
Good News for California Drivers
May 14, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
On July 6th 2009, State Farm's 3.3 million California auto insurance policyholders will get a break on their car insurance premiums. As reported by the Insurance Journal, the California Department of Insurance approved an 8% decrease in car insurance premiums.
May 1, 2009
Does a Bad Economy Lead to Insurance Fraud?
May 1, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
A new study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows a strong correlation between deteriorating economic conditions and fraudulent insurance claims.
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February 24, 2009
Health Care Costs to Top $8,000 Per Person
February 24, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Tonight, President Obama is expected to call for a health care reform in a joint session of Congress. In an AP story from yesterday, health care costs will top $8,000 per person this year, consuming an ever-bigger slice of a shrinking economic pie, according to a Department of Health and Human Services report due out today. The government statisticians estimated that health costs will reach $13,100 per person in 2018, accounting for $1 out of every $5 spent in the economy.
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January 28, 2009
Toyota Recalls Over 130,000 Yaris'
January 28, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Toyota announced a recall today of over 1.3 million cars, including 134,900 model year 2006 and 2007 Yaris cars sold in the United States. According to Toyota, in severe front-end crashes the driver and front passenger seatbelts are at risk of causing a foam pad in the car to ignite.
January 27, 2009
Does Banning a Dog Breed Reduce Dog Bites?
January 27, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
You see a large Dalmatian/Rottweiler mix lying next to a little toy poodle with a bow in her hair. Which dog do you pet? If you're like most people you keep 10 feet between you and the big dog, and reach out to pet the little one. But you'd be wrong! Turns out you've just put your hand out to the snappiest little bugger of a dog and avoided the nice one.
Continue reading " Does Banning a Dog Breed Reduce Dog Bites? " »
January 15, 2009
Weak Economy--No More Doctors?
January 15, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
With the weakened economy, some people are turning away from expensive doctors and prescriptions and instead are turning to alternative medical therapies. The Associated Press reports that many people are forgoing regular doctor visits and are self-medicating. This attempt to save money could be very dangerous, since the safety of alternative medical practices is not proven.
January 13, 2009
High Home Energy Costs: Sign of Tough Economy
January 13, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
High home energy costs are just one more example of our fluctuating economy. Average home heating costs are higher than average this year: $971 for this winter season compared to $807 average for 2002-2007. Because of the increase in home energy costs, more and more people are turning to government assistance to heat their homes. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) had a record number of applicants and is expected to reach approximately 7.3 million households--800,000 more than the record set in 1985.
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January 7, 2009
Nissan Recalls Over 240,000 SUVs
January 7, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Nissan is recalling over 240,000 2005-2008 Pathfinders, Frontiers and Xterra SUVs for malfunctioning frontal airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that any of these vehicles originally sold or currently registered in cold winter weather states are at risk of airbag failure due to exposure to high amounts of road salt.
Insurance Bills Still Paid by Cash-Strapped Consumers
January 7, 2009 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
With the state of the economy today, more people admit to dipping into their savings to pay for everyday living expenses. Paying the bills is still very important to most people, but some bills end up being more important to pay than others. In a recent survey by Online Resources of more than 1,000 American households, consumers ranked the bills most important to pay--the insurance bill is the number 2 priority.
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December 30, 2008
Top 10 Fatal Cities for Teen Drivers on New Year's
December 30, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
We all know that teen drivers lack experience behind the wheel. But according to a recent survey by Allstate Insurance Company, there are some cities where New Year's Eve and New Year's Day can become even more deadly for these new drivers.
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NU Online News Service: 2008 Is 3rd Highest Loss Year
December 30, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
NU Online News Service: According to Munich Re, 2008 was the third most expensive year for insurers on record in terms of catastrophes. The Munich, Germany-based reinsurance carrier said a large number of tropical cyclones and the earthquake in Sichuan, China, made the year one of the most devastating on record. This was despite the fact that the number of loss-producing events dropped by 210--from 960 in 2007 to 750 this year.
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December 22, 2008
Gas Prices Fall to 5-Year Low in Time for the Holidays
December 22, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
According to a survey by industry analyst Trilby Lundberg, the average price of gas fell 9 cents in the past 2 weeks, bringing the price to its lowest point in 5 years.
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December 15, 2008
Cell Phones Distract Drivers More Than Passengers
December 15, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
A study released earlier this month by University of Utah psychologists has shown that drivers are much more distracted by talking on a cell phone than by talking with passengers. Frank Drews, David Strayer and Monisha Pasupathi found that when drivers talk on a cell phone, even hands-free cell phones, they drift out of their lanes and miss exits more frequently than drivers talking with a passenger.
Continue reading " Cell Phones Distract Drivers More Than Passengers " »
December 8, 2008
High Price of Heating Oil and Ways to Cut Costs
December 8, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
When oil prices skyrocketed this past summer, many people predicted a tough and expensive winter for people who rely on heating oil to heat their homes. The fear was that prices could go as high as $6 a gallon in the winter! Because of this fear many homeowners locked in rates in July. But now with oil prices dipping to 4-year lows, homeowners who locked in $4.00 a gallon prices are paying as much as double the actual value.
Continue reading " High Price of Heating Oil and Ways to Cut Costs " »
December 1, 2008
Venice Sees Highest Flood Waters in 20 Years
December 1, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
The City of Water, Venice, Italy, is seeing its highest flood waters in over 20 years. The so called 'acqua alta' (high water) reached 5 feet above normal this weekend. Nearly all of Venice has been flooded, including popular tourist spots such as the famous Piazza San Marco. The city's mayor, Massimo Cacciari, has warned tourists not to come to Venice, and has warned residents to stay in their homes.
Continue reading " Venice Sees Highest Flood Waters in 20 Years " »
November 13, 2008
Oil Prices Drop to 20-Month Low
November 13, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Oil prices hit a 20-month low this week. As of Wednesday, crude oil prices were just under $56 a barrel, down 60% from its summer peak. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the national average for a gallon of gas is $2.22.
Barack Obama's Health Care Plan and the American Citizen
November 13, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
With the presidential election finally behind us, we now need to figure out how the change of power will affect typical Americans. An issue that was a major point in the election is health care reform and health insurance. According to President-elect Barack Obama's campaign Web site, Obama's Health Insurance Plan has many changes in store.
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November 3, 2008
Election Day 2008 PSA
November 3, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Tomorrow is the big day for Senators Barack Obama and John McCain. While I will not tell you who I am going to vote for, I will say I will be casting my ballot tomorrow morning. Here at InsWeb, we have looked at the differences between the two Presidential candidates in terms of there policies, and what kind of cars they drive.
October 29, 2008
Gas Prices Fall to 3-Year Low
October 29, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Gas prices have fallen to a 3-year low, according to data collected by the AAA. The national average for a gallon of gas is now $2.58 a gallon.
October 23, 2008
Antilock Brakes Reduce Motorcycle Deaths By 38%
October 23, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Motorcycles equipped with antilock brakes are 38 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal auto accident, according to a report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The study also found that antilock brakes (commonly referred to as ABS) reduced motorcycle insurance losses by 21 percent.
Continue reading " Antilock Brakes Reduce Motorcycle Deaths By 38% " »
October 9, 2008
Fire Prevention Week
October 9, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Today is the 137th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The Great Fire destroyed more than 17,400 structures, left over 100,000 people homeless, and killed more than 250 people. Because of this great fire, the week of October 9th is remembered as Fire Prevention Week, and is the best time to think about home fire safety.
October 6, 2008
The Personal Umbrella Policy: An Invaluable Component of Your Insurance Portfolio
October 6, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
As the old adage goes, "You do not have to be a billionaire to be sued like one." The fact is, a single lawsuit, even if you win, can end up costing hundreds of thousands of dollars and sometimes in excess of a million dollars. In today's society, more people file lawsuits for more money than ever before.
October 2, 2008
Teen Driving Age Controversy Raises Questions
October 2, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
In September, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recommended increasing the minimum driving age from 16 to 17 or 18 based on the results of a study that compared the number of 16 year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes in New Jersey and Connecticut. While protecting teen drivers is something we can all get behind, many are asking if raising the driving age really the best way.
Continue reading " Teen Driving Age Controversy Raises Questions " »
September 29, 2008
Piracy Insurance?
September 29, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
It looks like the real life of Captain Jack Sparrow isn't quite as glamorous as we may have thought. Real life pirates have increased their activity in the Gulf of Aden, the ocean between Somalia and Yemen, causing the costs to insure shipping and goods to increase. Highlighting this increase in activity, a ship carrying 33 Russian tanks and ammunition was seized by pirates last week. The pirates are demanding a $20 million ransom for the cargo and crew--even with the destroyer USS Howard, a U.S. submarine and various other naval vessels, and the Russian warship Neustrashimy (Intreped) anchored nearby.
September 25, 2008
California Becomes 6th State to Ban Texting While Driving
September 25, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Wednesday, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger singed a bill banning texting while driving. The bill, SB 28, bans the use of electronic wireless communications devices to write, send, or read a text-based communication while driving a motor vehicle.
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September 17, 2008
$85 Billion Government Loan Staves Off AIG Bankruptcy
September 17, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
The Federal Reserve Bank announced on Tuesday an $85 billion loan to protect American Insurance Group Inc from financial collapse.
In exchange for an 80% stake in the insurance giant, the loan will stave off the biggest corporate bankruptcy in history. Experts predict AIG's failure would have thrown global financial markets into turmoil.
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September 12, 2008
As Hurricane Ike Nears, Gas Prices Rise
September 12, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
The National Weather Service has warned residents on the Texas coast that they "face certain death" if they fail to evacuate before Hurricane Ike makes landfall.
Ike's eye is projected to strike Galveston, Texas, as a Category 3 hurricane late Friday or early Saturday.
Continue reading " As Hurricane Ike Nears, Gas Prices Rise " »
September 5, 2008
Storm Season: Hannah, Ike and Josephine Threaten the U.S.
September 5, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
In the wake of Hurricane Gustav, a trio of storms is threatening to batter areas on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.
Tropical Storm Hannah, which has already killed over 130 people in Haiti, is headed toward the East Coast and is set to make landfall in the Carolinas early Saturday.
Continue reading " Storm Season: Hannah, Ike and Josephine Threaten the U.S. " »
August 29, 2008
Hurricane Gustav Threatens Gulf Coast, Causes Higher Gas Prices
August 29, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the Gulf Coast region is gearing up for Hurricane Gustav. The National Hurricane Center says that this storm is expected to become a "major hurricane." At 2:00pm EST today, then tropical storm Gustav had sustained winds of 70 mph with gusts even higher. Predictions show Gustav making landfall around 8 am Tuesday, Sept. 2nd in Louisiana, though it could hit anywhere from the Florida panhandle to eastern Texas. These predictions led to a rise in the price of crude oil, which translates into higher gas prices at the pumps.
Continue reading " Hurricane Gustav Threatens Gulf Coast, Causes Higher Gas Prices " »
August 27, 2008
Protecting Your Savings and Investments
August 27, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
In the wake of turbulence in the financial markets, many people are reviewing the legal protections available for assets held by banks, credit unions, and securities dealers. Here are some of the protections available.
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August 22, 2008
Hurricane Insurance--They Ain't Kiddin'
August 22, 2008 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty issued a reminder Thursday to Floridians that the hurricane deductibles of their homeowners insurance policies do not apply to the damage of Tropical Storm Fay. With devastating winds and torrential rains, Fay has made landfall in Florida three times and has been blamed for 5 deaths in Florida.
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November 19, 2007
Life Insurance Prices Expected to Continue Dropping Through 2008
November 19, 2007 | By: Robert | Comments (0) | Posted in: Industry News
The end of 2007 is a good time to evaluate your life insurance needs. Maybe you started a family in 2007; or got married, divorced, or retired? As your life changes, so do your life insurance needs. Evaluating your life insurance needs can help you find the coverage that is right for you. Another good reason to evaluate your life insurance needs is that life insurance rates are expected to drop in 2008.
Continue reading " Life Insurance Prices Expected to Continue Dropping Through 2008 " »
