Crisis sparks confusion, questions about personal finance
By Allison Linn
The financial crisis that has gripped the country for the past two weeks has already created widespread confusion about what these problems might mean for ordinary Americans.
Now, news that Congress failed to pass a hotly contested financial bailout package is leaving some people even more uncertain about how their personal finances might be affected.
While the bailout is principally aimed at the financial system, the impact of not passing it could be felt throughout the economy.
"Don't expect things to get better in the next while," said Brian Bethune, U.S. economist with Global Insight. "The underlying economic conditions are not good, and this is not going to help." Continued...
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Scent of fraud in post-Gustav air
Costly cars parked in suspicious places
By RYAN LaFONTAINE
If you live above Interstate 10 in an area that rarely floods, what's your new sport-utility vehicle doing parked on the beach during a monster hurricane?
Dozens of relatively new cars, trucks and SUVs were conspicuously abandoned in some strange places as Gustav rolled through the Coast, and investigators said many of these cases have insurance fraud written all over them.
Several car owners drove their vehicles as close to the beach as possible and then bailed out.
Investigators said owners who may have bitten off more than they can chew in monthly car payments often look for an easy way out of car debt.
In Gulfport, several cars were left near the Ken Combs Pier and others were abandoned near the Island View Casino. One was left at the Pass Christian Harbor and others in random spots along the Coast.
It's possible some of the vehicles were disabled and couldn't be moved, but that wasn't the case at the Pascagoula Yacht Club, said Rocky Bond, a longtime member.
"It was kind of odd that everybody was headed out of there and here comes this young girl," Bond said.
It was late Sunday afternoon, the wind was beginning to pick up and time was running out, Bond said, when a "fairly new" car pulled into the parking lot and stopped just a few feet from the water's edge.
"She comes in the parking lot and hops out of her car and gets into an SUV and drives off," he said. "She parked about three spaces from the dock and that area floods in small rainstorms, so we knew it was going to flood that car."
With gas prices soaring and values of gas-guzzling vehicles declining, the National Insurance Crime Bureau says auto-insurance fraud is on the rise.
"If that vehicle is registered somewhere outside the zone, somewhere farther north, then the first question is going to be how is it that the vehicle ended up next to a boat launch on the Mississippi Sound?" said Frank Scafidi, spokesman for the NICB in Sacramento, Calif.
Unlike homeowner policies, insurance policies for automobiles cover flooding, state Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lee Harrell said. Insurance companies usually investigate suspicious claims before paying them.
"Generally, people when they evacuate take their vehicles with them," Harrell said. "But if you live in one place and your vehicle is in another, that's a suspicious claim."
Insurance fraud is a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and fine of as much as $5,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is more.
On Monday, Bond watched from a friend's house nearby on Washington Avenue as the car abandoned at the Yacht Club bounced around in the angry waves.
Bond has been a Yacht Club member for years and he did not recognize the young woman as a fellow member. Another member knew someone who owns a towing company and Bond said when the license plates were run, the car came back registered to an address in northern Jackson County.
"People will do this and then we wonder why everybody's insurance is so high," Scafidi said. "Well, it's because we're subsidizing these kinds of knuckleheads."
Source
By RYAN LaFONTAINE
If you live above Interstate 10 in an area that rarely floods, what's your new sport-utility vehicle doing parked on the beach during a monster hurricane?
Dozens of relatively new cars, trucks and SUVs were conspicuously abandoned in some strange places as Gustav rolled through the Coast, and investigators said many of these cases have insurance fraud written all over them.
Several car owners drove their vehicles as close to the beach as possible and then bailed out.
Investigators said owners who may have bitten off more than they can chew in monthly car payments often look for an easy way out of car debt.
In Gulfport, several cars were left near the Ken Combs Pier and others were abandoned near the Island View Casino. One was left at the Pass Christian Harbor and others in random spots along the Coast.
It's possible some of the vehicles were disabled and couldn't be moved, but that wasn't the case at the Pascagoula Yacht Club, said Rocky Bond, a longtime member.
"It was kind of odd that everybody was headed out of there and here comes this young girl," Bond said.
It was late Sunday afternoon, the wind was beginning to pick up and time was running out, Bond said, when a "fairly new" car pulled into the parking lot and stopped just a few feet from the water's edge.
"She comes in the parking lot and hops out of her car and gets into an SUV and drives off," he said. "She parked about three spaces from the dock and that area floods in small rainstorms, so we knew it was going to flood that car."
With gas prices soaring and values of gas-guzzling vehicles declining, the National Insurance Crime Bureau says auto-insurance fraud is on the rise.
"If that vehicle is registered somewhere outside the zone, somewhere farther north, then the first question is going to be how is it that the vehicle ended up next to a boat launch on the Mississippi Sound?" said Frank Scafidi, spokesman for the NICB in Sacramento, Calif.
Unlike homeowner policies, insurance policies for automobiles cover flooding, state Deputy Insurance Commissioner Lee Harrell said. Insurance companies usually investigate suspicious claims before paying them.
"Generally, people when they evacuate take their vehicles with them," Harrell said. "But if you live in one place and your vehicle is in another, that's a suspicious claim."
Insurance fraud is a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and fine of as much as $5,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is more.
On Monday, Bond watched from a friend's house nearby on Washington Avenue as the car abandoned at the Yacht Club bounced around in the angry waves.
Bond has been a Yacht Club member for years and he did not recognize the young woman as a fellow member. Another member knew someone who owns a towing company and Bond said when the license plates were run, the car came back registered to an address in northern Jackson County.
"People will do this and then we wonder why everybody's insurance is so high," Scafidi said. "Well, it's because we're subsidizing these kinds of knuckleheads."
Source
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Receipts detail meals, car washes, insurance
By Rick Armon
Beacon Journal staff writer
Summit County MRDD Superintendent Tom Armstrong is meticulous about keeping receipts to back up his expenses.
In the last three years, he has been paid nearly $32,000 in expenses, ranging from meals to hotel stays to auto repair bills, according to a Beacon Journal review of his expense reports.
The receipts show:
• He has lunch and dinner meetings several times a month. He favors bars and taverns as opposed to high-end restaurants, often eating at places such as the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern, Fado Irish Pub, Winking Lizard Tavern and Bennigan's.
''I'm not an extravagant guy,'' Armstrong said. ''I'm not trying to wine and dine on the county's dime.''
• The MRDD has a policy of not paying for alcohol. And while receipts often show alcoholic drinks, Armstrong doesn't seek reimbursement for them.
• County government workers aren't reimbursed for travel and meals inside the county. Armstrong is. MRDD is governed by an independent board and supported by a levy, with different rules applying to agency employees.
• Some of Armstrong's lunches and dinners are with board members and MRDD workers. Asked why meetings couldn't take place without billing taxpayers for a meal, board President Linda Bordenkircher and member William Ginter said the expenses are justified.
Lunch or dinner may be the only time available to meet, they said. Many meetings often take place without a meal, they added.
• Taxpayers paid his $750 membership to the NAACP in 2006.
• Armstrong doesn't skimp on car washes. He often has his car washed at the Ultimate Wash & Lube in Hudson and is charged $14. He usually provides a $3 tip — which also is picked up partially by taxpayers.
Armstrong said the washes are a legitimate maintenance expense.
• Taxpayers have paid $1,160 toward his personal auto insurance over the last three years. That expense also is justified, Armstrong said, because he has to pay more for insurance since he uses his vehicle more for work.
• Armstrong has his 2001 Land Rover Discovery II serviced at the Land Rover dealership in Akron. In February 2007, he paid $83 to have three new windshield wipers installed. Taxpayers picked up more than half that cost.
Carolyn Holladay, president of the Weaver Workshop and Support Association, representing 290 MRDD workers, said the union has raised questions about Armstrong's expenses in the past, but their concerns have been ignored.
''The taxpayers are going to be horrified, I think,'' she said.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
Summit County MRDD Superintendent Tom Armstrong is meticulous about keeping receipts to back up his expenses.
In the last three years, he has been paid nearly $32,000 in expenses, ranging from meals to hotel stays to auto repair bills, according to a Beacon Journal review of his expense reports.
The receipts show:
• He has lunch and dinner meetings several times a month. He favors bars and taverns as opposed to high-end restaurants, often eating at places such as the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern, Fado Irish Pub, Winking Lizard Tavern and Bennigan's.
''I'm not an extravagant guy,'' Armstrong said. ''I'm not trying to wine and dine on the county's dime.''
• The MRDD has a policy of not paying for alcohol. And while receipts often show alcoholic drinks, Armstrong doesn't seek reimbursement for them.
• County government workers aren't reimbursed for travel and meals inside the county. Armstrong is. MRDD is governed by an independent board and supported by a levy, with different rules applying to agency employees.
• Some of Armstrong's lunches and dinners are with board members and MRDD workers. Asked why meetings couldn't take place without billing taxpayers for a meal, board President Linda Bordenkircher and member William Ginter said the expenses are justified.
Lunch or dinner may be the only time available to meet, they said. Many meetings often take place without a meal, they added.
• Taxpayers paid his $750 membership to the NAACP in 2006.
• Armstrong doesn't skimp on car washes. He often has his car washed at the Ultimate Wash & Lube in Hudson and is charged $14. He usually provides a $3 tip — which also is picked up partially by taxpayers.
Armstrong said the washes are a legitimate maintenance expense.
• Taxpayers have paid $1,160 toward his personal auto insurance over the last three years. That expense also is justified, Armstrong said, because he has to pay more for insurance since he uses his vehicle more for work.
• Armstrong has his 2001 Land Rover Discovery II serviced at the Land Rover dealership in Akron. In February 2007, he paid $83 to have three new windshield wipers installed. Taxpayers picked up more than half that cost.
Carolyn Holladay, president of the Weaver Workshop and Support Association, representing 290 MRDD workers, said the union has raised questions about Armstrong's expenses in the past, but their concerns have been ignored.
''The taxpayers are going to be horrified, I think,'' she said.
Source
Beacon Journal staff writer
Summit County MRDD Superintendent Tom Armstrong is meticulous about keeping receipts to back up his expenses.
In the last three years, he has been paid nearly $32,000 in expenses, ranging from meals to hotel stays to auto repair bills, according to a Beacon Journal review of his expense reports.
The receipts show:
• He has lunch and dinner meetings several times a month. He favors bars and taverns as opposed to high-end restaurants, often eating at places such as the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern, Fado Irish Pub, Winking Lizard Tavern and Bennigan's.
''I'm not an extravagant guy,'' Armstrong said. ''I'm not trying to wine and dine on the county's dime.''
• The MRDD has a policy of not paying for alcohol. And while receipts often show alcoholic drinks, Armstrong doesn't seek reimbursement for them.
• County government workers aren't reimbursed for travel and meals inside the county. Armstrong is. MRDD is governed by an independent board and supported by a levy, with different rules applying to agency employees.
• Some of Armstrong's lunches and dinners are with board members and MRDD workers. Asked why meetings couldn't take place without billing taxpayers for a meal, board President Linda Bordenkircher and member William Ginter said the expenses are justified.
Lunch or dinner may be the only time available to meet, they said. Many meetings often take place without a meal, they added.
• Taxpayers paid his $750 membership to the NAACP in 2006.
• Armstrong doesn't skimp on car washes. He often has his car washed at the Ultimate Wash & Lube in Hudson and is charged $14. He usually provides a $3 tip — which also is picked up partially by taxpayers.
Armstrong said the washes are a legitimate maintenance expense.
• Taxpayers have paid $1,160 toward his personal auto insurance over the last three years. That expense also is justified, Armstrong said, because he has to pay more for insurance since he uses his vehicle more for work.
• Armstrong has his 2001 Land Rover Discovery II serviced at the Land Rover dealership in Akron. In February 2007, he paid $83 to have three new windshield wipers installed. Taxpayers picked up more than half that cost.
Carolyn Holladay, president of the Weaver Workshop and Support Association, representing 290 MRDD workers, said the union has raised questions about Armstrong's expenses in the past, but their concerns have been ignored.
''The taxpayers are going to be horrified, I think,'' she said.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.
Summit County MRDD Superintendent Tom Armstrong is meticulous about keeping receipts to back up his expenses.
In the last three years, he has been paid nearly $32,000 in expenses, ranging from meals to hotel stays to auto repair bills, according to a Beacon Journal review of his expense reports.
The receipts show:
• He has lunch and dinner meetings several times a month. He favors bars and taverns as opposed to high-end restaurants, often eating at places such as the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern, Fado Irish Pub, Winking Lizard Tavern and Bennigan's.
''I'm not an extravagant guy,'' Armstrong said. ''I'm not trying to wine and dine on the county's dime.''
• The MRDD has a policy of not paying for alcohol. And while receipts often show alcoholic drinks, Armstrong doesn't seek reimbursement for them.
• County government workers aren't reimbursed for travel and meals inside the county. Armstrong is. MRDD is governed by an independent board and supported by a levy, with different rules applying to agency employees.
• Some of Armstrong's lunches and dinners are with board members and MRDD workers. Asked why meetings couldn't take place without billing taxpayers for a meal, board President Linda Bordenkircher and member William Ginter said the expenses are justified.
Lunch or dinner may be the only time available to meet, they said. Many meetings often take place without a meal, they added.
• Taxpayers paid his $750 membership to the NAACP in 2006.
• Armstrong doesn't skimp on car washes. He often has his car washed at the Ultimate Wash & Lube in Hudson and is charged $14. He usually provides a $3 tip — which also is picked up partially by taxpayers.
Armstrong said the washes are a legitimate maintenance expense.
• Taxpayers have paid $1,160 toward his personal auto insurance over the last three years. That expense also is justified, Armstrong said, because he has to pay more for insurance since he uses his vehicle more for work.
• Armstrong has his 2001 Land Rover Discovery II serviced at the Land Rover dealership in Akron. In February 2007, he paid $83 to have three new windshield wipers installed. Taxpayers picked up more than half that cost.
Carolyn Holladay, president of the Weaver Workshop and Support Association, representing 290 MRDD workers, said the union has raised questions about Armstrong's expenses in the past, but their concerns have been ignored.
''The taxpayers are going to be horrified, I think,'' she said.
Source
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Car insurance is expensive for students
Many students may be priced out of taking their vehicle to university with them because of the rising cost of car insurance, according to a new study.
Research by moneysupermarket.com revealed that first time students could have to pay an extra £1,300 for their car insurance premiums due to concern over the safety of the vehicle.
At home many students are able to park their cars on a driveway or in a garage, while at university most rely on parking on the street, which is deemed a higher risk.
Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com, has warned students to amend their policies as not to invalidate their car insurance.
He said: "Students taking their cars to university must ensure they have the correct insurance and amend their policy where necessary; cost-conscious students may want to think twice about taking their car with them.
"For those that do want to get behind the wheel whilst at university I advise them to shop around for the most competitive policy possible."
I also believe that canvassing for lower car insurance is a must.
Research by moneysupermarket.com revealed that first time students could have to pay an extra £1,300 for their car insurance premiums due to concern over the safety of the vehicle.
At home many students are able to park their cars on a driveway or in a garage, while at university most rely on parking on the street, which is deemed a higher risk.
Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at moneysupermarket.com, has warned students to amend their policies as not to invalidate their car insurance.
He said: "Students taking their cars to university must ensure they have the correct insurance and amend their policy where necessary; cost-conscious students may want to think twice about taking their car with them.
"For those that do want to get behind the wheel whilst at university I advise them to shop around for the most competitive policy possible."
I also believe that canvassing for lower car insurance is a must.
Monday, September 22, 2008
New C4 'may appeal to female car insurance customers
Female car insurance customers who are looking to buy an environmentally-friendly vehicle may be tempted by the new C4 from Citroen.
According to the manufacturer, the updated version has an exciting new look, includes some of the latest technology and also offers strong green credentials.
The carmaker says the revised model has reduced its CO2 emissions by six per cent compared with its predecessor to 159 grams per kilometre.
As far as its looks go, Citroen explains it has tried to bring the C4 in line with the style of the recently launched C5 by giving it "a stronger, sportier, more dynamic look".
The bonnet is now curvier and includes a grille with integrated chevrons.
In addition, the front bumper has been revamped and the registration plate has been repositioned.
Meanwhile, the inside of the car includes NaviDrive, with colour screen satellite navigation, real-time traffic reports and an audio system with a 30GB hard drive.
The television commercial for the vehicle features the C4 robot dancing on the streets of Manhattan.
C4 is really for women.I love it.
According to the manufacturer, the updated version has an exciting new look, includes some of the latest technology and also offers strong green credentials.
The carmaker says the revised model has reduced its CO2 emissions by six per cent compared with its predecessor to 159 grams per kilometre.
As far as its looks go, Citroen explains it has tried to bring the C4 in line with the style of the recently launched C5 by giving it "a stronger, sportier, more dynamic look".
The bonnet is now curvier and includes a grille with integrated chevrons.
In addition, the front bumper has been revamped and the registration plate has been repositioned.
Meanwhile, the inside of the car includes NaviDrive, with colour screen satellite navigation, real-time traffic reports and an audio system with a 30GB hard drive.
The television commercial for the vehicle features the C4 robot dancing on the streets of Manhattan.
C4 is really for women.I love it.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Volvo 'helps drivers avoid making a claim on their car insurance
Volvo drivers who want to maintain the no claims bonus on their comprehensive car insurance may want to take advantage of an exclusive offer from the manufacturer.
The carmaker is carrying out free vehicle safety inspections to make sure cars comply with the mandatory safety levels all models need to meet when they are built.
Any driver with a model built post 1991 is eligible for the checks, which generally take about 40 minutes.
Owners simply have to turn up at any one of the manufacturer's 200 UK facilities which is equipped with the Volvo Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales (Vida) system.
Vida allows Volvo staff to connect direct with the company's headquarters in Sweden so that the latest software upgrades can be downloaded to any of their vehicles.
The free test, which would usually cost £56, is available until December 31st 2008.
Meanwhile, Volvo has announced it will be unveiling environmentally-friendly, diesel versions of a number of its existing models at the Paris Motor Show in October.
In a way, this offering of the company can help motorists ensure their cars comply with the mandatory safety levels.
The carmaker is carrying out free vehicle safety inspections to make sure cars comply with the mandatory safety levels all models need to meet when they are built.
Any driver with a model built post 1991 is eligible for the checks, which generally take about 40 minutes.
Owners simply have to turn up at any one of the manufacturer's 200 UK facilities which is equipped with the Volvo Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales (Vida) system.
Vida allows Volvo staff to connect direct with the company's headquarters in Sweden so that the latest software upgrades can be downloaded to any of their vehicles.
The free test, which would usually cost £56, is available until December 31st 2008.
Meanwhile, Volvo has announced it will be unveiling environmentally-friendly, diesel versions of a number of its existing models at the Paris Motor Show in October.
In a way, this offering of the company can help motorists ensure their cars comply with the mandatory safety levels.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Car insurance firm offers discounts
Car insurance firm Admiral is offering discounts for customers with more than one car as part of its MultiCar offering.
The product offers discounts for households with between two and five vehicles, and has now been extended to provide cover for cars that are over 30 years old.
Sue Longthorn, managing director of Admiral, said many of its customers have a classic car which they "drive for fun" but up until recently the firm was not able to insure them if the cars were over 30 years old.
The firm is now offering discounts on car insurance for drivers who own luxury cars, such as Aston Martins and Porsches, she explained.
"We have been able to reduce premiums for these cars because their owners have proved to drive particularly carefully, and have a relatively low accident record," Ms Longthorn added.
In related news, Tesco recently urged those who make modifications to their vehicles to make sure they inform their insurance company.
Failing to do so could void policies if a claim is made, it warned.
These discounts are good news to all motorists.
The product offers discounts for households with between two and five vehicles, and has now been extended to provide cover for cars that are over 30 years old.
Sue Longthorn, managing director of Admiral, said many of its customers have a classic car which they "drive for fun" but up until recently the firm was not able to insure them if the cars were over 30 years old.
The firm is now offering discounts on car insurance for drivers who own luxury cars, such as Aston Martins and Porsches, she explained.
"We have been able to reduce premiums for these cars because their owners have proved to drive particularly carefully, and have a relatively low accident record," Ms Longthorn added.
In related news, Tesco recently urged those who make modifications to their vehicles to make sure they inform their insurance company.
Failing to do so could void policies if a claim is made, it warned.
These discounts are good news to all motorists.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Moneysupermarket.com: Green car insurance is more expensive
Eco-friendly car insurance can cost over 105 per cent more than standard cover, research from Moneysupermarket has found.
The price comparison website warned environmentally-aware drivers that clearing their carbon emissions would cost them extra.
As an example, it found that Swiftcover quotes £342 for the eco-friendly Honda Civic hybrid car, but the same cover costs £389 with CIS and £701 from Green Insurance.
Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at the price comparison website, said that while he admired drivers wanting to go green, they must not assume that eco-friendly car insurance is a good idea.
He said that people not driving eco-cars but wanting to do more for the environment should consider CIS, which promises to offset 20 per cent of carbon emissions by investing in reforestation and renewable energy sources.
But he urged drivers to shop around.
Insurance provider esure recently announced it had gone green, getting all its energy from renewable sources, upping its recycling and reducing its use of water cups and cones.
Source
The price comparison website warned environmentally-aware drivers that clearing their carbon emissions would cost them extra.
As an example, it found that Swiftcover quotes £342 for the eco-friendly Honda Civic hybrid car, but the same cover costs £389 with CIS and £701 from Green Insurance.
Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at the price comparison website, said that while he admired drivers wanting to go green, they must not assume that eco-friendly car insurance is a good idea.
He said that people not driving eco-cars but wanting to do more for the environment should consider CIS, which promises to offset 20 per cent of carbon emissions by investing in reforestation and renewable energy sources.
But he urged drivers to shop around.
Insurance provider esure recently announced it had gone green, getting all its energy from renewable sources, upping its recycling and reducing its use of water cups and cones.
Source
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Motorists pay dearly for green insurance
by Gill Montia
Recent research from price comparison website, moneysupermarket.com, has revealed that motorists who are keen to offset their carbon emission by buying eco-friendly car insurance may end up paying 105% more for cover than with a standard policy.
According to the website, premiums on hybrid cars such as the environmentally-friendly Honda Civic, can vary enormously.
For example, while swiftcover is quoting £342, CIS charges £389 and Green Insurance, which says it will offset 100% of a car’s annual emissions by planting trees, charges £701.
CIS also promises to offset carbon emissions but only by 20%. The insurer achieves this by investing in reforestation and renewable energy sources.
According to moneysupermarket.com, CIS is competitive for car insurance but cover for a Ford Fiesta, for example, can cost 37% more than Express Insurance.
Moneysupermarket’s head of insurance research, Peter Gerrard, advises motorists not to assume that eco-friendly car insurance is a good idea.
He suggests that motorists could consider donating money saved by buying standard cover directly to eco-friendly causes, as an alternative to buying green.
I think its time that we should patronize environment-friendly cars considering the global warming we are experiencing right now. However,green insurance should not be costly. I think it is just logical to directly donating from eco-friendly causes as mentioned by Peter Gerard.
Recent research from price comparison website, moneysupermarket.com, has revealed that motorists who are keen to offset their carbon emission by buying eco-friendly car insurance may end up paying 105% more for cover than with a standard policy.
According to the website, premiums on hybrid cars such as the environmentally-friendly Honda Civic, can vary enormously.
For example, while swiftcover is quoting £342, CIS charges £389 and Green Insurance, which says it will offset 100% of a car’s annual emissions by planting trees, charges £701.
CIS also promises to offset carbon emissions but only by 20%. The insurer achieves this by investing in reforestation and renewable energy sources.
According to moneysupermarket.com, CIS is competitive for car insurance but cover for a Ford Fiesta, for example, can cost 37% more than Express Insurance.
Moneysupermarket’s head of insurance research, Peter Gerrard, advises motorists not to assume that eco-friendly car insurance is a good idea.
He suggests that motorists could consider donating money saved by buying standard cover directly to eco-friendly causes, as an alternative to buying green.
I think its time that we should patronize environment-friendly cars considering the global warming we are experiencing right now. However,green insurance should not be costly. I think it is just logical to directly donating from eco-friendly causes as mentioned by Peter Gerard.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Home Customers Can Get Debit Card for Expenses from Mobile Unit at Houston Office; Drive-In Center Also Established for Auto Claims
"Hurricane Ike was here." This is the indelible signature he is leaving for hundreds of thousands of car and homeowners in Houston, along the Texas coast, and throughout the region. To
help customers promptly and safely recover from the storm, Liberty Mutual
Insurance has sent several hundred catastrophe claims specialists to the
hardest-hit areas and has set up special home and auto claims locations in
Houston.
Liberty Mutual home and car insurance customers are encouraged to first
report their claims 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-2-CLAIMS (1-800-225-2467).
Liberty Mutual claims representatives also will report flood claims to the
National Flood Insurance Program on customers' behalf.
For homeowners requiring urgent assistance, a mobile claims unit at
Liberty Mutual's Houston office, 13201 Northwest Freeway, is staffed daily
from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. Homeowners can meet with Liberty Mutual
catastrophe specialists to discuss their claims, obtain policy information,
and even receive debit cards to pay for anticipated out-of-pocket costs such
as food, clothing, housing and personal items.
Additionally, Liberty Mutual customers who sustained auto damage from
Hurricane Ike can use the 1-800-2-CLAIMS number to schedule an appointment at
a dedicated drive-in claims location at 1109 S. Loop West in Houston (Russell
& Smith Collision Center) beginning Thursday.
The aftermath of a hurricane can be equally dangerous, with severe
flooding likely. Liberty Mutual offers the following tips to help homeowners
protect their property from further damage after Ike. A complete checklist is
available in the Claims section at www.libertymutual.com.
1. Wait for an OK from an official agency, either police or local
emergency management, before re-entering your home or leaving the
reinforced room in which you have been waiting out the storm.
2. Boil tap water before drinking or cooking, or use bottled water.
3. Keep circuit breakers turned off until the power is back on. Then
investigate for electrical system damage for frayed wires or burning
smells. Turn the electricity off if you detect these or other
problems.
4. Stay away from power lines.
5. Check for gas leaks. If you detect a leak, get away from the house
immediately and notify the gas company at once from a safe location.
6. Pump out flooded basements gradually -- about one-half of the
floodwater per day -- to avoid further structural damage.
7. Be alert for animals that may have entered your house with the
floodwater. Snakes -- including poisonous ones -- are a relatively
common sight after a flood.
8. Throw out any medicines or food -- even canned goods -- touched by
floodwater.
9. Let your car dry out before trying to start it.
10. Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions. Other than
food or medicine, do not dispose of any items without the prior
approval of your insurance claims adjuster.
Source
help customers promptly and safely recover from the storm, Liberty Mutual
Insurance has sent several hundred catastrophe claims specialists to the
hardest-hit areas and has set up special home and auto claims locations in
Houston.
Liberty Mutual home and car insurance customers are encouraged to first
report their claims 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-2-CLAIMS (1-800-225-2467).
Liberty Mutual claims representatives also will report flood claims to the
National Flood Insurance Program on customers' behalf.
For homeowners requiring urgent assistance, a mobile claims unit at
Liberty Mutual's Houston office, 13201 Northwest Freeway, is staffed daily
from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. Homeowners can meet with Liberty Mutual
catastrophe specialists to discuss their claims, obtain policy information,
and even receive debit cards to pay for anticipated out-of-pocket costs such
as food, clothing, housing and personal items.
Additionally, Liberty Mutual customers who sustained auto damage from
Hurricane Ike can use the 1-800-2-CLAIMS number to schedule an appointment at
a dedicated drive-in claims location at 1109 S. Loop West in Houston (Russell
& Smith Collision Center) beginning Thursday.
The aftermath of a hurricane can be equally dangerous, with severe
flooding likely. Liberty Mutual offers the following tips to help homeowners
protect their property from further damage after Ike. A complete checklist is
available in the Claims section at www.libertymutual.com.
1. Wait for an OK from an official agency, either police or local
emergency management, before re-entering your home or leaving the
reinforced room in which you have been waiting out the storm.
2. Boil tap water before drinking or cooking, or use bottled water.
3. Keep circuit breakers turned off until the power is back on. Then
investigate for electrical system damage for frayed wires or burning
smells. Turn the electricity off if you detect these or other
problems.
4. Stay away from power lines.
5. Check for gas leaks. If you detect a leak, get away from the house
immediately and notify the gas company at once from a safe location.
6. Pump out flooded basements gradually -- about one-half of the
floodwater per day -- to avoid further structural damage.
7. Be alert for animals that may have entered your house with the
floodwater. Snakes -- including poisonous ones -- are a relatively
common sight after a flood.
8. Throw out any medicines or food -- even canned goods -- touched by
floodwater.
9. Let your car dry out before trying to start it.
10. Take an inventory of any damaged property or possessions. Other than
food or medicine, do not dispose of any items without the prior
approval of your insurance claims adjuster.
Source
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