Latest Insurance News

Quiz of the Day

1. What is said to be fuelling soaring bicycle thefts? 2. Who has unveiled plans for a series of concerts aimed at raising awareness of the threat of climate change? 3. Two out of five motorists would be prepared to pay more for what type of car? 4. Which former Brookside star is moving to Coronation Street? Answers: 1. Internet sales, according to insurance firm Direct Line. 2. Former US vice president Al Gore. 3. A low-emission vehicle, a survey by Virgin Money Car Insurance found. ...

The Essentials: TWO in Five Motorists

TWO in five motorists would pay more for a "green" car but want tax breaks and cheaper insurance in return. A total of 41% said they would be willing to fork out more for a low-emission vehicle, a survey from Virgin Money Car Insurance found. Around 6%would be willing to pay between 11%and 30%more, but asked what factors would make them go green, most picked cuts in road tax and lower insurance premiums. But 35% said they would not be willing to pay anything extra to have a more environ...

4x4 Owners to Pay Higher Insurance

INSURANCE for vehicles such as Range Rovers and Toyota Land Cruisers is likely to soar after changes in the way car insurance is calculated. Drivers of the so-called Chelsea tractors could have to pay hundreds of pounds more for comprehensive insurance under a new risk assessment scheme to be announced today. In future, insurance will be based on the likelihood of a car being damaged in a crash, or damaging another car, and the likely cost of repair. This could add hundreds of pounds to...

COVER YOURSELF ; Slash Rising Cost of Premiums

By SIMON READ IF you are among the masses splashing out on a brand new motor in March, make sure there's enough left in your wallet to cover the insurance. Because anyone renewing or arranging driving cover next month is likely to face a far heftier bill than they'd expected. Annual premiums topped pounds 800 for the first time ever last year, according to the AA. In the past 12 years, cover has doubled - climbing 4.35 per cent in the last three months alone. The car insurance market ...

Tracking Down the Best Motor Insurance Deals

Six months ago, Norwich Union, Britain's second-biggest motor insurer, gave a grim warning to drivers: its premiums would have to rise by between 16% and 40% to meet rising claims, especially from rocketing personal injury compensation claims. Norwich Union's lead was followed by other giants in the sector. The average premium of pounds 408 in July 1994 hit nearly pounds 806 by December 2006. Says Ian Crowder at AA Insurance: 'For every pounds 100 insurers took in motor premiums in 2006...

Insurance Bills for 4x4 Owners About to Soar

By RAY MASSEY OWNERS of 4x4s are likely to bear the brunt of changes in the way car insurance is calculated. Drivers of Range Rovers, BMW X5s and Toyota Land Cruisers and other socalled Chelsea Tractors are likely to have to pay hundreds of pounds more for comprehensive insurance under a new risk assessment scheme to be announced today. The changes are also likely to hit drivers of sporty diesels and even some midrange hatchbacks. In future, insurance will be based on the likelihood o...

Judge Tosses Suit Over Insurance Rates

By STEVE LAWRENCE Associated Press Writer SACRAMENTO (AP) -- Siding with consumer groups and state regulators, a Sacramento judge Thursday threw out a lawsuit that challenged rules requiring auto insurers to base their rates primarily on drivers' records instead of where they live. Superior Court Judge Loren McMaster granted a summary judgment, ruling that regulations adopted last year by then-Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi were consistent with Proposition 103, the rate-regulation ...

EDITORIAL: Everyone Gets a Break: 'Good Driver' Rates Cut Insurance Costs

Feb. 21--Do you live in the central city? Wherever you live in California, a ruling last week by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Loren McMaster will save you money. Back in 1988, voters approved Proposition 103, which was supposed to bar auto insurance pricing based on zip codes, which is to say on where a driver lives.....We are unable to display this entire news item because this article's licensing expires after a certain amount of time. This article was originally published by The Sacrame...

Around the Region

By From Our Press Services ARKANSAS Accused fraud leader surrenders LITTLE ROCK - Insurance investigators say a Little Rock man organized the most extensive automobile insurance fraud ring in the state's history, involving 44 accidents that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fredrick Odell Watson, 33, turned himself in last week to charges including engaging in a continuing criminal gang organization or enterprise, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Investigat...

Insurer Pitches End to No-Fault

Feb. 20--State Farm, Florida's largest auto insurer, announced Monday it would reduce auto insurance rates statewide by an average of 16 percent -- if Florida's no-fault auto insurance system is eliminated. That's a big "if." In addition to the medical coverage known as personal injury protection, or PIP, no-fault also provides lost-wage coverage for those who miss work because of an accident.....We are unable to display this entire news item because this article's licensing expires after a c...