Archive for the ‘rate watch’ Category

Allstate Cuts Renters Insurance Premiums in California

November 30th, 2010 by Iris | Comments Off | Filed in rate watch, renters insurance

The Insurance Journal reported yesterday that Allstate Insurance Co. will be reducing the price of renters insurance coverage 19.6 percent across the state of California. In addition, condo policies in the Golden State will be reduced by 6 percent. The rate changes are effective immediately.

Allstate said that the rate cuts were sparked by favorable condo and renters insurance loss trends, and the company’s desire to pass that savings along to policyholders.

According to a study facilitated by Allstate two years ago, five million Californians rent their homes, and fewer than 40 percent of them have renters insurance. The study also showed that even though more than half of Californians estimated the value of their possessions at more than $10,000 and nearly a third give their possessions a value over $20,000.

Allstate representatives say that most renters assume that their belongings are covered by their landlord’s insurance on the property, when, actually, its the renter’s responsibility to cover their possessions, as the landlord’s insurance usually covers only the structure of the building.

Yumi Sam, a San Francisco-based Allstate agency owner says, “Allstate is committed to delivering the right products at the right price. Right now that means reducing renter’s insurance rates at a time when many California renters are leaving themselves uninsured.”

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RateWatch: Michigan Judge Halts Blue Cross Rate Increase

November 18th, 2010 by Iris | 2 Comments | Filed in health insurance, insurance news, rate watch

A circuit court judge in Ingham County, Michigan has called a stop to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s planned rate increases there. The increases in question would have increased the cost of premiums by up to 66% for some senior citizens.

The preliminary injunction, which was filed on Tuesday, requires that a public meeting be held.

Last September, the Michigan attorney general’s office filed a lawsuit against Blue Cross and a state regulator, claiming that a hearing should have been held by the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation.

According to state officials, 8,000 – 9,000 polices out of about 200,000 existing Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap policies are affected by this decision.

Spokespeople for Blue Cross and the regulator said that the rate changes resulted from the elimination of a discount on Medigap policies for people who either reside outside of Michigan, or get help from their employers in purchasing coverage.

Blue Cross also said they were ordered to end the discounts.

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Texas Wind Insurance Assoc. Asks for 5% Increase

August 23rd, 2010 by Iris | Comments Off | Filed in homeowners insurance, insurance news, rate watch

Some homeowners insurance in Texas is about to get a little bit more expensive, as the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) has filed for five percent increases in both commercial and residential rates, to go into effect on the first of next year.

TWIA is the state’s “last resort” insurance company, providing wind and hail coverage in 14 of the Lone Star State’s coastal counties, as well as part of Harris county. The TWIA wind and hail coverage is for property owners whose primary insurance excludes such coverage.

As required by Texas Insurance Code, TWIA is obligated to make their annual rate filing with the state Department of Insurance by August 15th of each year. While actuarial data recommended increases of 27 percent and 36 percent for residential and commercial properties, respectively, the group’s board opted to file only for a five percent increase instead.

Jerry Hagins, speaking on behalf of the Department of Insurance, said that it’s too early to say whether or not the insurance commissioner will approve or disapprove the rate increase request, but the commissioner’s approval is not actually required, since only increases that are greater than five percent need commissioner approval within 60 days. Filings of five percent or less, like this one, don’t have to be approved, though the commissioner does have 30 days to disapprove of it.

If the commissioner does not disapprove, the rate increase will take effect automatically.

Source: Insurance Journal

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