Author: H. Cutner

Skyrocketing Car Insurance Rates Drive Drivers to Pay Repairs in Cash

H. Cutner
Paying in Cash for Car Repairs

As car insurance premiums continue to soar, drivers are finding alternative ways to manage their expenses. With rates expected to rise by at least 20% in 2024, many are opting to bypass the claims process altogether and pay for repairs out of pocket. Understanding the Shift: Why Drivers Are Avoiding Claims A recent survey by LendingTree reveals that about 40% of drivers are choosing to skip the traditional claims process, opting instead to handle minor repairs in cash. This trend is largely driven by the fear of increased premiums and…

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Car Insurance Costs Explode in 2024 with an Overall Jaw-Dropping 26% Hike

H. Cutner
rising car insurance costs

Car Insurance Premiums Surge in 2024 Car insurance premiums skyrocketed by an average of 26% in 2024, pushing the national average cost for full coverage to a staggering $2,543 per year. This marks a significant rise from $2,014 in 2023 and $1,771 in 2022. Several factors contribute to this surge: The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that while overall annual inflation was 3.2%, car insurance rates spiked 20.6%. States differ in rate increases, with New Jersey and Missouri seeing hikes of 45.69% and 44.16%, respectively. Florida and California remain among…

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State Farm Legal Showdown: Exposing the Hidden Risks of Non-Owned Vehicles

H. Cutner
State Farm Insurance Court Ruling

State Farm and Their Legal Battle Over a Loaner Car In a developing legal case, a former sports radio host finds themselves embroiled in a dispute with the insurance company over liability coverage following a 2022 motor vehicle accident. The incident occurred while the host was driving a vehicle owned by a local dealership during their employment at a media group. The vehicle was provided as part of a promotional agreement or an informal perk related to their work at the station. Insurance Coverage Dispute State Farm argues that they…

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Unlocking Seasonal Secrets: How Business Owners Can Boost Productivity and Sales Year-Round!

H. Cutner
How Business Owners Can Boost Productivity and Sales Year-Round!

Seasonal Productivity Trends: A Guide for Business Owners As a business owner, understanding the seasonal ebbs and flows of employee productivity can be an invaluable asset. Not only can it help you schedule performance reviews and set realistic sales objectives, but it can also assist in predicting sales numbers and timing new policy writing for insurance agencies. Let’s delve into seasonal productivity trends and provide actionable advice for optimizing business operations throughout the year. Understanding the ‘August Slump’ The “August Slump” is a well-documented period of decreased productivity that many…

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Maryland Insurance Professionals Face Stricter Standards

H. Cutner
Maryland Insurance Professionals Face Stricter Standards

Protecting Maryland Consumers: A Closer Look at Stricter Penalties Starting October 1, consumers in Maryland will witness the implementation of more stringent penalties for unauthorized insurance activities. These legislative changes, introduced by the Maryland Insurance Administration, aims to protect consumers from fraudulent practices while ensuring that insurance professionals uphold the highest standards. Unauthorized Insurer Fines Soar: The fines for unauthorized insurers have substantially increased, with penalties rising from $50,000 to a maximum of $125,000. Higher Penalties for Dishonest Practices: Insurance producers and public adjusters indulging in dishonest or incompetent practices…

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Consumer Watchdog Demands Public Hearing on State Farm’s Proposed 30% Rate Hike

H. Cutner
Consumer Watchdog - Public hearing - California Flag - Insurance rate hike

Consumer Watchdog Digging for Dirt in State Farm’s Backyard Consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog has called on California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to convene a public hearing regarding State Farm’s proposed 30% hike in homeowners’ insurance rates. The group contends that the proposed increase is intended to enhance the insurer’s financial stability rather than address anticipated claims, potentially resulting in a $5.2 billion burden on consumers. Concerns Over Financial Burden Consumer Watchdog’s petition, filed under Proposition 103, mandates a public hearing on rate increases when requested by the public. The…

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State Farm and Allstate Sued by Maui Wildfire Victims: $4 Billion Settlement Battle Erupts

H. Cutner
Maui Wildfire - Lawsuit - 4 Billion

Legal Battle Over Maui Wildfire Settlement A significant lawsuit has been initiated by victims of the 2023 Maui wildfires against insurance companies State Farm and Allstate Insurance. Filed last Friday in a Maui state court, the suit accuses these insurers of interfering with a proposed $4 billion settlement intended to support those impacted by last year’s disastrous fire. Insurers Seek Major Reimbursement According to Bloomberg, the tentative settlement of $4 billion, while significant, falls short of the estimated $5.5 billion in capital costs resulting from the fires, based on last…

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