Tag: consumer protection

Texas Files Lawsuit Against Allstate Over Alleged Illegal Data Collection Practices

G. Turner
Allstate data collection

Allegations of Unauthorized Tracking The state of Texas has launched a lawsuit targeting Allstate, one of the nation’s major insurers, accusing the company of illegally collecting and utilizing driver data without consent. This lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton, asserts that Allstate created an extensive “driving behavior database” using data obtained from over 45 million Americans. This database, reportedly developed by Allstate’s data analytics subsidiary, Arity, allegedly relied on tracking technology embedded into mobile applications without users’ knowledge. The complaint further claims that Allstate profited by leveraging this data…

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California Health Insurance Law SB 1120 Takes a Stand Against AI-Driven Health Insurance Denials

Angela Linders
California Health Insurance Law

California Enacts SB 1120 to Rein in AI-Powered Health Insurance Decisions California has taken a groundbreaking step in regulating the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in health insurance decision-making. Senate Bill 1120 (SB 1120), also known as the “Physicians Make Decisions Act,” prohibits health insurers from denying, delaying, or altering claims solely based on AI algorithms. Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, this legislation ensures human oversight in healthcare coverage decisions, addressing mounting public concerns about fairness and accuracy in the use of AI technologies. Effective as of January…

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Massachusetts Court Orders UnitedHealthcare Affiliates to Refund Millions to Victims

Logan B.
Massachusetts Court orders Unitedhealthcare refund

UnitedHealthcare-Affiliated Insurers Ordered to Pay $165 Million for Misleading Consumers Historic Ruling Against Deceptive Sales Practices A Massachusetts Superior Court has ordered HealthMarkets Inc. and its subsidiaries, The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company and HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, to pay $165 million for engaging in what the court described as “egregious” and widespread deceptive practices. These companies, owned by UnitedHealth Group, have been found guilty of misleading thousands of Massachusetts consumers into purchasing supplemental health insurance policies they did not need or fully understand they were buying. This judgment—comprising $50 million in…

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Farmers Insurance to Gradually Reintroduce Coverage Options in California

H. Cutner
Farmers Insurance

Farmers Insurance has announced the phased return of multiple insurance lines for new customers in California, starting December 14, 2024. This move signals a notable shift in the state’s insurance market, bringing expanded coverage options that had been unavailable to new customers for over a year. This development is underpinned by improvements in the regulatory and economic environment, encouraging insurers to revisit their offerings in California. Farmers Reinstated Insurance Lines After a significant pause, Farmers Insurance is set to roll out several key coverage options that aim to alleviate gaps…

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State Farm 2025 California Auto Insurance Rate Hike Affecting Millions

Angela Linders
State Farm 2025 California Auto Insurance Rate

State Farm, California’s largest auto insurer, has received approval to increase its auto insurance rates beginning in January 2025. This marks the second consecutive year of double-digit rate hikes for the company, following a 21% increase implemented earlier this year. The upcoming adjustment, averaging 17.7%, will affect approximately 4 million policyholders across the state. The increase aligns with broader trends in the auto insurance industry, both in California and nationwide, as companies grapple with rising claims, vehicle repair costs, and inflationary pressures. Factors Driving State Farm Auto Insurance Rate Hike…

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