Latest Auto Headlines
All the headlines from our Auto Topic Page, ordered by recency.
Michigan Motorcyclist Loses Accident Claim Due to Imprecise Location
Nov 14 2011 // There is no dispute that a motorcyclist suffered leg and ankle injuries that required surgery. But Kevin Agee’s lawsuit against the state has been dismissed because he wasn’t precise about the location of his...
Initiative to Expand California Prop 103 Ignites Insurance Battle
Nov 10 2011 // A ballot initiative to expand the scope of California’s Proposition 103 to include health insurance could also impact the auto insurance industry by challenging a long-sought-after initiative on auto insurance...
S&P Lowers State Auto Group’s Operating Company Ratings to ‘BBB+’
Nov 10 2011 // Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has lowered its counterparty credit and financial strength ratings on the operating insurance companies of State Auto Group to ‘BBB+’ from ‘A-‘. S&P...
State Auto Financial Reports Loss of $58.7M in Q3
Nov 9 2011 // Columbus, Ohio-based State Auto Financial Corp. has reported a third quarter 2011 net loss of $58.7 million, or $1.46 per diluted share, versus net income of $0.2 million, or $0.00 per diluted share, for the third quarter...
Used-Car Buyers Are Warned of Flood Vehicles In Wake of Irene
Nov 8 2011 // The National Insurance Crime Bureau is advising consumers to be alert for potentially dangerous flood vehicles appearing in the used-car market in wake of Hurricane Irene. Flood-damaged cars can be an attractive purchase...
Cost of Car Crashes Per Person: $1,500
Nov 7 2011 // The total cost of motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. totals $299.5 billion, according to a study done for the auto club AAA. According to the study conducted for AAA by Cambridge Systematics, the overall cost of crashes...
Myself, the Car: Aggressive Driving Linked to Personality
Nov 7 2011 // Those who view their car as an extension of themselves have stronger aggressive driving tendencies, a new study finds. The study “Aggressive Driving: A Consumption Experience,” by a Temple University Fox School...
Auto Insurers Keep Eye on Cross-Border Claims with Canada
Nov 7 2011 // Staged automobile accidents in Canada’s most populated province of Ontario pose a unique problem for American auto insurers that must deal with Ontario’s stringent no-fault benefits. Some U.S.-based adjusters...
Mexican Truck Finally Enters U.S. Under NAFTA
Nov 7 2011 // The first Mexican long-haul truck bound for the U.S. interior crossed at the international bridge at Laredo, Texas, in late October, carrying electronic equipment destined for suburban Dallas and fulfilling a controversial...
New Jersey Looks to Put a Lid on Its Auto Insurance ‘Pot of Gold’
Nov 7 2011 // New Jersey regulators are working on updating auto insurance personal injury protection (PIP) regulations. The state’s law requires that the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) revisit the rules every two...
Motorcycle Helmet Repeal Approved in Michigan House
Nov 4 2011 // The latest attempt by Michigan lawmakers to repeal a state law requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets passed the state House and cleared a key hurdle. Senate Bill 29, approved by a 69-39 vote, would allow riders 21 or...
Chubb Adds Gooding Auction Data to Classic Car App
Nov 3 2011 // The Chubb Group of Insurance Companies has added Gooding & Co. automobile auction data to its Classic Car Guide mobile app. “As part of a sponsorship renewal with Gooding, users of Chubb’s app will be able...
Study: Rating Errors Cause $15B Decrease in Revenue for Auto Insurers
Nov 2 2011 // Auto insurance companies are missing out on more than $15 billion of revenue because of policyholder misinformation, according to a new study of premium rating errors. Quality Planning, a member of the Verisk Insurance...
Montana Court Rules Insurer Doesn’t Have to Pay in Dragging Death Case
Nov 2 2011 // The Montana Supreme Court has ruled that the family of a man who was run over and dragged by a cement truck is not covered under the vehicle’s insurance policy because he did not technically “occupy” the...
Agents Can Advise Clients on Halloween Coverage, Accident Prevention
Oct 31 2011 // The Halloween night is filled with frightful risks. Fortunately. insurance agents can play a helpful role by advising their clients about coverage and accident prevention. • The Insurance Information Institute says...
Virginia Farm Bureau Says It’s Peak Deer vs. Car Season
Oct 31 2011 // The Virginia Farm Bureau is warning motorists to be mindful of deer wandering onto roads and highways, a common hazard during this time of year. The Farm Bureau should know. It says Virginia is among the top 10 states in...
Motorcycle Helmet Law Passes Michigan House Committee
Oct 28 2011 // Proposals that would allow some motorcyclists to ride without helmets in Michigan continue to advance in the state Legislature. The House Transportation Committee approved bills that would allow riders 21 or older to go...
Insurer Trade Group Urges Florida to Curb Auto Insurance ‘Fraud Tax’
Oct 28 2011 // Florida should allow more time for looking into suspicious claims, place a cap on attorneys’ fees and more closely regulate medical clinics to help reduce rampant fraud in the state’s personal injury protection...
Thai Floods Batter Global Electronics, Auto Supply Chains
Oct 28 2011 // Manufacturers of car parts and computer hard drives are the worst hit in Thailand, and face a bleak key holiday selling season due to massive floods, which have shut down production. Japanese car makers that had just...
Auto Claims Considered Total Loss Deliver Less Customer Satisfaction: J.D. Power
Oct 27 2011 // Auto insurance claimants who incur a total vehicle loss are notably less satisfied with the claims experience than claimants who incur a repairable vehicle claim, a new study reports. Satisfaction averages 811 on a...
