So-Called “Rugged” SUVs Sustain Costly Damage in Minor Accidents

Let’s say you are in your 2003 Honda Pilot SUV backing out of a parking space and accidentally back right into another car.  Or you’re driving your 2003 Chrysler Pacifica into a gas station and you swipe a low pole you did not see.  Or you are in your... Read More

Congress Turns on the Floodlights

Recently, Congress passed legislation designed to solidify the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  This legislation comes after the program, founded in 1968, was extended for a year in January of 2003.  The new legislation will extend the program for five more... Read More

Tips to Help Drivers Avoid Deer Collisions

When Mary Smith relocated from a densely populated area of Los Angeles to rural Kentucky, she expected her auto insurance premium to go down considerably.  After all, she reasoned that with far fewer cars on the road the risk of accidents must be lower.  Mary was stunned to find... Read More

Closing the Gap When Your Car Is Worth Less Than You Owe

You probably know that the minute you drive your new car off the dealer’s lot, it loses a significant portion of its value.  If you intend to keep it for at least a couple of years, to get to that break-even point and then sell it, the loss of... Read More

What’s the Deal with State-Sponsored Auto Insurance?

Low-income drivers on both coasts can now get basic insurance directly from the insurance department of the state they live in-as long as that state is New Jersey or California. Affordable, state-sponsored auto insurance could be good news for low-income drivers who need a car in the 45 states... Read More

PIP and No-Fault-Is “Reform” the Wave of the Future?

More and more states are abandoning the PIP/No-Fault form of auto insurance in favor of a tort-based set of laws.  PIP/No Fault originated in the 1930s as an alternative to the often slow and expensive process of litigating claims.  The intent was to speed up the process by shifting... Read More

What’s the Deal With Generic Crash Parts?

If you were to hang around the inventory area of any major independent auto repair shop, you’d hear the statement, “Parts are parts.”  In short, generic, also called aftermarket, parts will be perfect clones of those from the automaker, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The initial introduction of aftermarket... Read More

Erin Brockovich Brought Mold to the Attention of Homeowners, Insurers Everywhere

The toxic mold issue gained national attention when activist-turned-celebrity Erin Brockovich testified before the California legislature in 2001 that she, her husband, and their three children were battling mold-related illnesses due to fungus that had contaminated their home. Since then, homeowners everywhere have been curious about the more that... Read More

Your Roommate Wrecks Your Car – Who Pays What?

If your roommate borrows your car and causes an accident, who pays what? If you both have auto insurance, your insurance will pay first and you’ll be responsible for your deductible. Your auto insurance policy insures your vehicle plus you, any relative, and anyone else using your car if... Read More

U.S. Open

U.S. Open Who has been keeping track of the U.S. Open Golf taking place here at the bay area’s own Olympic Club?... Read More

Perfect summer BBQ Recipe!

Perfect summer BBQ Recipe! It’s almost the weekend! Here is a quick and tasy grilling recipe perfect for those summer cook outs!... Read More

Find out which Aquarium close to home tops this list!

Find out which Aquarium close to home tops this list!... Read More

Regulations

Regulations How Insurance Regulations can Influence our Decisions... Read More

Tickets and Insurance Rates

Tickets and Insurance Rates Exactly how much can your car insurance increase from a speeding ticket? Click here to find out!... Read More

10 Car Insurance Myths

10 Car Insurance Myths Read this article about 10 Car Insurance Myths every owner should know!... Read More

Bizarre Insurance Claims

Bizarre Insurance Claims Read this interesting article about bizarre stories that insurance agents have heard! You won’t believe some of them... Read More

Summer Safe House!

Summer Safe House! Keep your family safe and unnecessary costs down by using this quick check list of things every homeowner should know before the hot weather rolls in! ... Read More