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    31Oct, 2022
    With current car insurance rate increases, it may be time to double-check your coverage

    InvestigateTV – The most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported by the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) shows motor vehicle insurance rates have risen 10.3% over the last year.

    With this increase in rates, it is important to make sure that your policy is providing you with enough coverage.

    Cate Deventer, a licensed insurance agent and a writer and editor for bankrate.comexplained that the rise in rates by insurance companies is to cover the increased cost of parts for repairs and replacement of now more expensive vehicles.

    “What that means is that car insurance companies are paying out a lot more in claims and then they have to raise rates to make sure that they have the excess funds in their claims reserves to pay out those claims,” Deventer said. She also said that higher costs do not necessarily provide you more coverage.

    If you do need to use your insurance coverage and haven’t raised your limits, it is possible that your existing policy may not cover all of your expenses.

    Deventer said now is the time to call your insurer and revisit your policy. You want to make sure it covers today’s prices for repairs or replacement.

    Deventer also had four tips for lowering your insurance rates:

    Shop around: If you have been with your current provider for a long time, you may get better rates from a competitor

    Take advantage of any discounts: Ask your insurer if there are discounts for bundles or multi-car families.

    Ask if your insurer provides a discount for telematic devices: These devices plug into your car and track your driving habits. Good drivers may get a discount.

    Keep your driving record clean: No tickets make for a lower bottom line.

    Many states offer free resources on motor

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    31Oct, 2022
    IDIQ Acquires Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc.

    —Acquisition expands IDIQ family of brands and offerings with individual and group pre-paid legal plans —

    TEMECULA, Calif., Oct. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — IDICan industry leader in identity theft protection and credit monitoring, today announces its acquisition of Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (Countrywide). A long-standing IDIQ partner, Countrywide is a leading provider of voluntary employee benefits, offering pre-paid legal plans, identity theft protection and financial wellness plans across a number of markets.

    IDIQ Logo (PRNewsfoto/IDIQ)

    The acquisition of Countrywide expands IDIQ’s product offerings and provides an expanded presence in voluntary benefits.

    “Our longstanding partnership and shared vision to provide resources to protect individuals and their livelihoods throughout every stage of life makes the IDIQ acquisition of Countrywide Pre-Paid Legal Services an ideal one for our consumers,” said John Bauer, IDIQ president and chief revenue officer. “We have an impressive roadmap for up-and-coming brands to educate and protect consumers and businesses and this acquisition is another mark in achieving our growth goals.”

    Based in New Jerseyattorney Len Feltoon established Countrywide more than three decades ago to provide a better and more affordable way to provide legal services. Working with small to medium businesses, Countrywide has expanded to manage a network of thousands of well-established and reputable attorneys as well as offering other voluntary employee benefits, such as identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness.

    Feltoon will become the IDIQ president of Countrywide and his staff will also join IDIQ, while remaining in their East Coast office.

    “I’m excited for this next step in our partnership,” Feltoon said. “The Countrywide goal has always been to help people. Now, as a part of IDIQ, we can help even more people as our reach grows.”

    The acquisition of Countrywide expands the IDIQ product offerings and provides

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    30Oct, 2022
    Hillary Clinton peddling a ‘disinformation campaign’ about Supreme Court election law case, legal experts say

    Hillary Clinton is peddling a “disinformation campaign” about a pending Supreme Court election law case by claiming Republicans are schemating to “literally steal” the 2024 presidential election, according to legal experts reached by Fox News Digital.

    The failed 2016 presidential candidate claimed Tuesday that, “Right-wing extremists already have a plan to literally steal the next presidential election. And they’re not making a secret of it.” She charged that the “right-wing-controlled Supreme Court may be poised to rule on giving state legislatures the power to overturn presidential elections.”

    Legal experts say, however, that Clinton appears to be referencing and amplifying misinformation about an upcoming Supreme Court case, Moore v. Harper, over whether a state court appropriately rejected the legislature’s congressional redistricting plan.

    “Hillary is pushing the Left’s disinformation campaign when she says the Court may rule in Moore v. Harper to give state legislatures the power to overturn presidential elections,” Carrie Severino, president of JCN, told Fox News Digital. “The process for selecting presidential electors is not even before the Court in this case.”

    HILLARY CLINTON ACCUSES GOP OF SCHEMING TO ‘LITERALLY STEAL THE NEXT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION’

    Hillary Clinton speaks at the Museum of Modern Art on May 24, 2022, in New York City.

    Hillary Clinton speaks at the Museum of Modern Art on May 24, 2022, in New York City.
    (Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

    “But even assuming a state legislature were to try something that politically suicidal, it lacks the power to override Congress’s determination of election day and to ignore its own election rules, both of which it would be doing in such a scenario,” Severino added.

    The case, set for oral argument Dec. 7, stems from a lawsuit by the GOP-controlled North Carolina General Assembly over a state court’s invalidation of congressional redistricting maps from the 2020 census.

    North Carolina lawmakers will argue that the US Constitution gives sole authority to regulate federal elections to state

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    30Oct, 2022
    Free Legal Aid services yields immediate and long-term benefits

    Civil legal aid services in the state of Michigan yield 669% return on investment in social and economic value, according to a recent report released by the Justice for All commission.

    By providing resources for more than 100 civil legal aid issues, the report found that the added economic value adds both immediate and long-term benefits to communities and the state. It accounts for the money that would be otherwise spent on assistance, if free legal aid wasn’t available to prevent possible long-term issues.

    The report is being used to help understand the importance of free legal aid in the state of Michigan, as investment in these programs rises, many expect to see even greater social economic benefits.

    The civil legal issues that are addressed by these aid programs include, custody, healthcare, consumer protection (such as foreclosure and debt collection), eviction and more. These programs assist with legal advice, paperwork, and legal representation. There are more than 1.7 million Michigan residents eligible for assistance from Michigan Legal Aid.

    Angela Tripp is the director of the Michigan Legal Aid Help program, and the Vice Chair on the Justice for All commission. She explains that the report allows the commission to monetize the work in legal aid, and justify further investment.

    “It’s not just helping these individual people with an immediate crisis but it’s creating long-term benefits,” she explained.

    The report suggests that addressing and providing aid to address these issues, rather than leaving the community without legal help or knowledge, have longer term benefits that exceed the cost of offering these services.

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    29Oct, 2022
    Toyota Auto Insurance Is Now Available In Texas

    After introducing its new insurance product in 2021 to select markets, Toyota is now offering Toyota Auto Insurance to customers in Texas. Toyota says expanding into the Lone Star State is a major milestone for Toyota Auto Insurance. We can see why. Texas is home to Toyota’s North American headquarters and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX). Toyota builds the new Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck and Sequoia three-row SUV at its truck plant in San Antonio.

    The automaker says Toyota Auto Insurance offers customers “quality, customizable coverage at affordable rates.” Toyota Auto Insurance is a partnership with Toggle, part of Farmers Insurance, one of the nation’s leading multiline insurer groups. Toyota says customers also receive an immediate upfront 5% discount and options like Toyota Genuine Parts for repairs when available. The insurance also works with Toyota Certified Collision Centers to get customers back on the road as quickly as possible. It also seamlessly integrates with Toyota vehicle benefits such as ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance, so customers can avoid paying for something their Toyota may already provide.insurance–texas-credit-toyota.jpg?width=300&height=180&name=toyota-insurance-texas-credit-toyota.jpg” alt=”toyota-insurance-texas-credit-toyota” width=”300″ height=”180″ style=”height: auto; max-width: 100%; width: 300px; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px;”/

    You can look at policy options multiple ways: via Toyota’s mobile app, a call center agents, a participating Toyota dealerships or via ToyotaAutoInsurance.com.

    Toyota says customers can customize their plan based on how they use their Toyota vehicle and their lifestyle. A wide range of options includes coverage for rideshare drivers or pet passengers. Non-Toyota vehicles in the customer’s household can be covered as well. Toyota Auto Insurance is underwritten in Texas by Texas County Mutual Insurance Company.

    “We’re thrilled to expand Toyota Auto Insurance to customers in our home state,” said Rob Spencer, Toyota Insurance chief operating officer. “Texas drivers

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    29Oct, 2022
    AM Best Revises Outlooks to Positive for Penn National Insurance Companies’ Members

    OLDWICK, NJ, October 25, 2022–(BUSINESS WIRE)–AM Best has revised the outlooks to positive from stable and affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of “a-” (Excellent) of Pennsylvania National Mutual Casualty Insurance Company (Penn Mutual), its subsidiaries , Penn National Security Insurance Company and Founders Insurance Company, and its mutual company affiliate, Partners Mutual Insurance Company (collectively referred to as Penn National). Concurrently, AM Best has revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the Long-Term Issue Credit Rating of “bbb” (Good) of $29.5 million 9.5% surplus notes due 2034, issued by Penn Mutual. All companies are headquartered in Harrisburg, PA except for Partners Mutual Insurance Company, which is headquartered in Waukesha, WI.

    The Credit Ratings (ratings) reflect Penn National’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

    The positive outlooks reflect the overall strength of Penn National’s balance sheet underpinned by its strongest level of risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), as well as its strong capital position, organic surplus growth in recent years, prudent investment portfolio and moderate underwriting leverage. The group’s favorable reserve development in the past three years, while generating adequate operating performance, also was considered in the revised outlooks. AM Best expects that the group’s risk-adjusted capitalization will be maintained at the strongest level, as measured by BCAR, and that its adequate operating performance will continue over the near term.

    Penn National’s ratings are supported by the group’s solid operating performance in recent years, driven primarily by investment income. Penn National is a multi-line property/casualty writer with a diversified product mix of commercial and personal lines offerings, with personal and commercial auto

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    28Oct, 2022
    Can you get car insurance without a driver’s license?

    Our goal here at Credible Operations, Inc., NMLS Number 1681276, referred to as “Credible” below, is to give you the tools and confidence you need to improve your finances. Although we do promote products from our partner lenders who compensate us for our services, all opinions are our own.

    Getting car insurance without a license can be difficult and more expensive, but it’s possible. Learn when it makes sense to insure a car you don’t drive. (Shutterstock)

    Getting car insurance even if you don’t have your driver’s license can be a good idea in many circumstances. For example, you may want to keep insurance on your vehicle to avoid a lapse in coverage. Or, you might want to purchase an auto insurance policy for your child who’s under 18.

    Regardless of your reason for wanting to insure a vehicle without a license, having car insurance is essential since it can protect your vehicle — or a loved one’s vehicle — against damage or theft.

    Here’s what you need to know about getting car insurance without a license.

    Visit Credible to learn more about car insurance and get quotes from top carriers.

    Can you insure a car without a driver’s license?

    Yes, it’s possible to get car insurance without a driver’s license. But keep in mind that your coverage options will likely be limited — some insurers don’t allow unlicensed drivers to purchase policies. Plus, depending on the state you live in, you may be required to add a minimum of one licensed driver to a policy.

    How to get car insurance without a driver’s license

    You can get car insurance without a license by taking the following steps:

    1. Find insurers that provide this coverage. Consider contacting multiple insurers directly by email or phone to see if they provide
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    28Oct, 2022
    Property insurance company cancels Florida couple’s policy night before Hurricane Ian hit

    TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa Bay man got a crash course on Florida’s property insurance crisis when Hurricane Ian hit last month.

    Many Floridians have had property insurance issues but Tom Colantuono’s experience really takes the cake.

    property insurance premiums will likely spike again, Citizens CEO says”Florida property insurance premiums will likely spike again, Citizens CEO says

    The night before Hurricane Ian hit Florida, Colantuono and his wife were getting ready. They were buying supplies and preparing their house when they got the news nobody wants.

    “She was white as a ghost,” he recalled. “She said, ‘We just got canceled by Frontline.’”

    The notice of cancellation was effective Oct. 22, 2022.

    It was the second time this year Colantuono had a policy cancelled.

    “Tell me why I was cancelled?” Colantuono said during an interview with Nexstar’s WFLA in May.

    Colantuono was one of more than 68,000 Floridians canceled by FedNat Insurance Company in May. In July, WFLA spoke with him again when he was faced with a double-whammy.

    FEMA changed its flood maps, meaning Colantuono’s flood insurance costs went up along with his premium. He called Florida’s insurance market “out of control.”

    insurance-companies-pay-claims-for-hurricane-ian-victims/” class=”link ” data-ylk=”slk:Can insurance companies pay claims for Hurricane Ian victims?”Can insurance companies pay claims for Hurricane Ian victims?

    Colantuono reached out to WFLA again recently, concerned about the rights of homeowners.

    “They just can’t cancel our policy the night before a hurricane is going to make landfall,” he said.

    That’s true — they can’t.

    As Hurricane Ian hit, Florida Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier issued an order to temporarily protect residents. It reads, in part, “from September 28 – November 28, no insurer or other regulated entity may cancel, non-renew or issue a notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of a policy

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    27Oct, 2022
    UI Center for Human Rights, Legal Clinics helps offer immigration legal services to Afghan immigrants

    Resources offered through the collaboration will be direct representation, pro se clinics, and a Virtual Help Desk.

    University+of+Iowa+Center+for+Human+Rights+office+located+in+the+Jefferson+Building+in+Iowa+City+Iowa+on+Oct.+14%2C+2022

    Johnny Jarnagin

    University of Iowa Center for Human Rights office located in the Jefferson Building in Iowa City Iowa on Oct. 14, 2022

    Soon after an influx of Afghan evacuees arrived in the US in August 2021the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights started working with the UI College of Law Legal Clinic to assist in legal service provision.

    the programs, ALL Iowa Afghan Legal League of Iowa, aims to address gaps in Iowa infrastructure surrounding immigration legal access. The program brings experts from the UI, Drake University’s Legal Clinics, and the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice.

    In August 2021, approximately 76,000 Afghans were airlifted from Afghanistan following the governmental takeover by the Taliban. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services allocated $1.1 million over two years to the collaboration in response to more than 900 Afghans resettling in Iowa by April 2022.

    UI Center for Human Rights Assistant Director Amy Weismann said she helps facilitate communication between the groups and create a statewide network for immigration services.

    “There are a lot of people in the state who are already providing legal services and other kinds of services, other kinds of support to Afghans who come to Iowa,” Weismann said. “We’re hoping that through this arrangement, we can help to elevate and expand those services.”

    The UI is offering refugees legal training and is representing some Afghans in their immigration cases.

    Weismann said she hopes UI community members will get involved, especially those with proficiency in Dari and Pashto, languages ​​spoken by Afghans.

    “We’re working with law students here at the University of Iowa, but also at Drake, to develop what we’re calling a refugee legal core to help train

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    26Oct, 2022
    Car reported stolen in 92 found buried at California mansion

    ATHERTON, Calif. — Three decades after a car was reported stolen in Northern California, police are digging the missing convertible out of the yard of a $15 million mansion built by a man with a history of arrests for murder, attempted murder and insurance fraud.

    The convertible Mercedes Benz, filled with bags of unused concrete, was discovered Thursday by landscapers in the affluent town of Atherton in Silicon Valley, Atherton Mayor Rick DeGolia said, reading a statement from police.

    Although cadaver dogs alerted to possible human remains on Thursday, none had been found more than 24 hours after technicians with the San Mateo County Crime Lab began excavating the car, DeGolia said.

    Police believe the car was buried 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) deep in the backyard of the home sometime in the 1990s — before the current owners bought the home. The car was reported stolen in September 1992 in nearby Palo Alto, he said.

    By Friday, the technicians had been able to excavate the passenger side of the convertible, which was buried with its top down. They also opened the trunk where they found more bags of unused cement. Cadaver dogs were again brought back to the house and again “made a slight notification of possible human remains,” DeGolia said.

    Atherton Police Cmdr. Daniel Larsen said the dogs could be reacting to human remains, old bones, blood, vomit, or a combination of those things.

    He said the possible owner of the car is believed to be deceased but officials are waiting for DMV records to confirm that.

    Larsen said the current homeowners were not under investigation.

    The sprawling home with a pool and tennis court was built by Johnny Lew, a man with a history of arrests for murder, attempted murder and insurance fraud,

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