U.S. Government News

Homeowners and Auto Insurance Deductibles

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:20:00 PST

Understanding how auto and homeowners insurance deductibles work is crucial to getting the most out of your insurance dollars, according to the (I.I.I.).

Homeowner Policies May Cover Windstorm Damages

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:54:07 PST

Responding to Current California Windstorms, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones Urges Residents to Be Aware of What Their Insurance Policy Covers Offers Insurance Information on Fallen Trees, Damaged Cars and other Debris.

Fraud Tax: Florida Drivers Pay A "Fraud Tax" That Is Rising And Contributes To Higher Premiums For Honest Drivers

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:33:00 PST

Staged auto accidents and excessive and often unnecessary medical treatment are adding around $1 billion to the costs of Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system, according to an analysis by the III.

Health Care Reform: Consumer Tips on the Federal Health Care Provisions

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:56:12 PST

There are many new provisions of the federally-passed health care reform bill, and they can be difficult to interpret," said Commissioner Poizner. "Here are some tips and guidelines to help consumers understand how this federal legislation will directly impact them. And if anyone has a question about their health insurance, they can call our Consumer Hotline at 800-927-HELP

$100 Million Rate Reduction for Farmers Auto Insurance Customers

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:32:13 PST

California Insurance Commissioner Poizner announced that hundreds of thousands of Farmers Insurance customers are eligible to receive an average rate reduction of 14.5 percent and a one time 10 percent insurance premium rebate, worth a combined total of up to $100 million.

Aetna Withdraws Rate Hike Filing After California Finds Major Math Errors

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:34:28 PST

First, we found major problems with the Anthem Blue Cross rate filing," said Commissioner Poizner. "Now, additional scrutiny has revealed that Aetna's filing has significant mathematical errors.

I.I.I. Issues Video On Protecting Homes From Lightning Strikes

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:23:26 PST

Homeowners investing anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500 can significantly diminish the chances that their dwelling or its occupants will be harmed because of a lightning strike, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)

Rental Car Insurance Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Sun, 30 May 2010 08:17:40 PST

The AAA estimates that 87 percent of all Americans who are going away this Memorial Day weekend will reach their final destination by automobile-about 28 million people. But those renting a car for their first summer road trip often start don’t start about thinking rental car insurance until they get to the counter, which can result in costly mistakes, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Homeowners insurance

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:07:58 PST

Recent heavy rains have overburdened sewer systems, causing raw sewage to back up into drains in homes throughout the country. Backed up sewers can wreak havoc on a home, causing thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls, furniture and electrical systems, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Starting a Home-Based Business? Make Sure You're Properly Insured

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:08:39 PST

With the national unemployment rate lingering around 10 percent, millions of Americans may be tempted to start a home-based businesses. But studies show that less than half of them have any type of insurance coverage for their new endeavor, and others wrongly believe a homeowners insurance policy is sufficient.

Super Bowl XLIV: Designating a Driver Should Be At the Top of Everyone’s Super Bowl Party List

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:05:24 PST

According to the most recent figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminsitration (NHTSA), in 2008, alcohol-impaired-driving crashes accounted for 32 percent of total motor vehicle traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday (February 3 to 5:59 a.m. February 4), 49 percent of the fatalities occurred in crashes in which a driver or motorcycle rider had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher. Overall, more than 13,000 Americans died that year in crashes involving an impaired driver.

2010; Avoid the Five Biggest Insurance Mistakes

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:17:18 PST

As the new year begins many consumers will be making resolutions, including about saving money. There are several ways to save money on insurance, but consumers should be careful about the ways in which they cut their insurance costs, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

9/11 and Insurance: The Eight Year Anniversary - Insurers Paid Out Nearly $40 Billion

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:17:51 PST

The 9/11 attack produced insured losses of $39.5 billion (adjusted to 2008 dollars), including property, business interruption, aviation, workers compensation, life and liability insurance claim costs as shown in the graph below:

Auto Insurance Fraud Increases as Ecomony Worsens

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:00:47 PST

Financially desperate residents and scam artists may be committing more automobile insurance fraud to cash in on insurance money

HMOs' Handling of Health Insurance Claims Initiates an Investigation

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:47:45 PST

This investigation is prompted by reports that California's five largest health-insurance providers are denying insurance claims at rates of up to 39.6 percent

IRS: Keeping Good Records Reduces Stress at Tax Time

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:19:34 PST

Although most people won’t be filing their tax returns for several months, the dog days of summer are actually a great time to start planning for the tax filing season by ensuring your records are organized.

California Reminds Mandatory Day, Gloria & Station Fire Evacuees that Insurance May Cover Living Expenses

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:16:35 PST

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner reminded residents who have been evacuated due to the Day Fire (Lassen County), Gloria Fire (Monterey County) and Station Fire (Los Angeles County) that they may be eligible for reimbursement for additional living expenses due to mandatory evacuations.

If You’re off to College, Learn to Keep Your Credit Card in Your Wallet: Tips for Managing Your Money

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:01:58 PST

In the midst of the worst economic times in years, many of today’s college students are turning to credit cards to finance their college education, using them for everything from everyday necessities to books and tuition. But now more than ever students need to resist the temptation to use their credit cards to make up for the lack of cash in their wallets, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Cox Saves Consumers $160 Million on Blue Cross Rates

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:58:28 PST

LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox today announced that his intervention in Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) rate increase requests has resulted in $160 million in savings for approximately 163,000 Michigan residents who buy their own health insurance.

Healthy Families Program Wait List Effective July 17, 2009

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:11:24 PST

The 18 month budget enacted for January 2009 through June 2010 left a $14 million shortfall in the Healthy Families Program (HFP) budget. The Governor and Legislature have proposed additional reductions in state HFP funding. Based upon actions taken by the Budget Conference Committee of the California Legislature, the HFP shortfall is likely to be at least $90 million general fund (GF) and $270 in total funding for the coming fiscal year.