Police have made more arrests in what officials are calling the largest auto-insurance fraud case ever seen by Manitoba Public Insurance Corp.
Twenty-one people have been picked up since last week and police say more arrests are likely.
Authorities say they have disrupted a scheme by an organized gang to defraud MPIC by rolling back the odometers of recently purchased out-of-province vehicles, staging phoney collisions and/or reporting the vehicles as stolen.
The investigation, dubbed Project Rollback, was started by MPIC and police after an adjuster at the publicly owned auto insurer noticed something unusual with an insurance claim last year.
That led to the discovery of allegedly phoney claims that officials said total more than $800,000. Officials said about $650,000 in claims were paid out by the insurer and another $150,000 in payouts were pending.
Falsified safety inspection certificates were part of the attempt to defraud MPIC, officials said. (CBC)Tim Arnason of MPIC's special investigations unit said the scam began almost immediately after the vehicles were brought into the province.
"It was not uncommon for a vehicle to be purchased in, let's say October, brought here very quickly. Safetied very quickly. Flipped around on paper sales very quickly, and it's involved with a loss within weeks, sometimes days."
MPIC said the bogus claims go back as far as 2005 and perhaps earlier.
Winnipeg police on Monday said they executed search warrants last week at homes on Tilstone Bay, Guay Avenue and Killarney Avenue in Winnipeg. They also raided two commercial garages on Nairn Avenue and Selkirk Avenue.
In all, over three days, 21 people were taken into custody, police said.
Arrest warrants have also been issued five others who have not yet been located, police said.
Source
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Auto insurance overhaul threatens inner city agents
(NECN: Peter Howe, Boston) - Massachusetts is now 16 months into a sweeping overhaul of automobile insurance called "managed competition," aiming to use more market competition -- and less state regulation -- to set and ultimately lower car insurance rates.
But as it produces winners and losers, it's also producing some political controversies for Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick. Those include an increasingly intense outcry from a group of several dozen inner city, mostly minority, insurance agents who say their companies -- and 230 jobs across the state -- are threatened to be driven out of business by the changes.
Against very long odds, beginning in the late 1970s Roussel Theodat built, and his daughter Marie-Armel helped and then took over, a successful little business, Theodat Insurance Agency in Boston's often-struggling Codman Square section in Dorchester.
Now Marie's in a fight for the company's life, and her three employees' jobs.
"Every day it's a challenge. Like a lot of the agents like to say, we're hemorrhaging right now, and every day it's just one day closer to closing our doors.'' She says her challenge isn't just the economy, it's Patrick's auto insurance policies. Patrick's insurance commissioner, Nonnie S. Burnes, has begun phasing out an old system meant to prevent inner-city drivers from being unfairly denied car insurance. The change means getting rid of a type of agent called "exclusive representative providers,''
Source
But as it produces winners and losers, it's also producing some political controversies for Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick. Those include an increasingly intense outcry from a group of several dozen inner city, mostly minority, insurance agents who say their companies -- and 230 jobs across the state -- are threatened to be driven out of business by the changes.
Against very long odds, beginning in the late 1970s Roussel Theodat built, and his daughter Marie-Armel helped and then took over, a successful little business, Theodat Insurance Agency in Boston's often-struggling Codman Square section in Dorchester.
Now Marie's in a fight for the company's life, and her three employees' jobs.
"Every day it's a challenge. Like a lot of the agents like to say, we're hemorrhaging right now, and every day it's just one day closer to closing our doors.'' She says her challenge isn't just the economy, it's Patrick's auto insurance policies. Patrick's insurance commissioner, Nonnie S. Burnes, has begun phasing out an old system meant to prevent inner-city drivers from being unfairly denied car insurance. The change means getting rid of a type of agent called "exclusive representative providers,''
Source
Monday, September 28, 2009
State Auto hires new claims chief
State Auto Insurance Cos. has hired the former executive of a California insurer to lead its claims operation.
The Columbus-based insurer said Wednesday that Stephen Hunckler has stepped in as chief claims officer. Hunckler is the former executive vice president and claims chief for Balboa Insurance Group of Irvine, Calif., and has more than 30 years experience in the business.
He replaces John Melvin, who announced plans for retirement this year and is staying on through the transition through early next year, spokesman Kyle Anderson said.
State Auto said Hunckler has a background in working to turn around underperforming regions and claims organizations and integrate acquisitions. The company last year closed a deal to buy Kansas City, Mo.-based Rockhill Insurance Group and a number of its subsidiaries.
“We’re fortunate to have someone of Steve’s experience and success leading our claims organization, which fulfills the promise we make to our independent agents, insureds and claimants every day,” Chief Operating Officer Mark Blackburn said in a release.State Auto Insurance Cos. has hired the former executive of a California insurer to lead its claims operation.
The Columbus-based insurer said Wednesday that Stephen Hunckler has stepped in as chief claims officer. Hunckler is the former executive vice president and claims chief for Balboa Insurance Group of Irvine, Calif., and has more than 30 years experience in the business.
He replaces John Melvin, who announced plans for retirement this year and is staying on through the transition through early next year, spokesman Kyle Anderson said.
State Auto said Hunckler has a background in working to turn around underperforming regions and claims organizations and integrate acquisitions. The company last year closed a deal to buy Kansas City, Mo.-based Rockhill Insurance Group and a number of its subsidiaries.
“We’re fortunate to have someone of Steve’s experience and success leading our claims organization, which fulfills the promise we make to our independent agents, insureds and claimants every day,” Chief Operating Officer Mark Blackburn said in a release.
Source
The Columbus-based insurer said Wednesday that Stephen Hunckler has stepped in as chief claims officer. Hunckler is the former executive vice president and claims chief for Balboa Insurance Group of Irvine, Calif., and has more than 30 years experience in the business.
He replaces John Melvin, who announced plans for retirement this year and is staying on through the transition through early next year, spokesman Kyle Anderson said.
State Auto said Hunckler has a background in working to turn around underperforming regions and claims organizations and integrate acquisitions. The company last year closed a deal to buy Kansas City, Mo.-based Rockhill Insurance Group and a number of its subsidiaries.
“We’re fortunate to have someone of Steve’s experience and success leading our claims organization, which fulfills the promise we make to our independent agents, insureds and claimants every day,” Chief Operating Officer Mark Blackburn said in a release.State Auto Insurance Cos. has hired the former executive of a California insurer to lead its claims operation.
The Columbus-based insurer said Wednesday that Stephen Hunckler has stepped in as chief claims officer. Hunckler is the former executive vice president and claims chief for Balboa Insurance Group of Irvine, Calif., and has more than 30 years experience in the business.
He replaces John Melvin, who announced plans for retirement this year and is staying on through the transition through early next year, spokesman Kyle Anderson said.
State Auto said Hunckler has a background in working to turn around underperforming regions and claims organizations and integrate acquisitions. The company last year closed a deal to buy Kansas City, Mo.-based Rockhill Insurance Group and a number of its subsidiaries.
“We’re fortunate to have someone of Steve’s experience and success leading our claims organization, which fulfills the promise we make to our independent agents, insureds and claimants every day,” Chief Operating Officer Mark Blackburn said in a release.
Source
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Insurance Quotes-Exclusive Free Insurance Quotes site offers Innovative Free Insurance Quotes
Insurance Quotes-Exclusive Free Insurance Quotes site offers Innovative Free Insurance Quotes Service
Switch your insurance now and save up to fifty percent off your existing insurance policies all while increasing your coverages in a matter of minutes. Whether the insurance be, auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, business insurance, or home owners insurance- all are necessary and not one person should be left without it.
Thousands of people are experiencing extreme hardships at this point in there life , and most do not even have money to pay their insurance bills due to astronomical rates or hikes in their recent insurance premiums and insurance plans. www.insurance-auto-insurance-health-insurance.com understands the current economic crisis, and is now seizing the opportunity to offer very competitive insurance quotes, insurance rates, and insurance premiums that most insurance companies are providing, but for a fraction of the cost. www.insurance-auto-insurance-health-insurance.com is providing the hard working people of the world with additional affordable insurance coverages at a typical savings of up to fifty percent off your existing insurance premiums. www.insurance-auto-insurance-health-insurance.com/ is revealing to the public , all of these incredible insurance quotes, insurance rates and insurance premiums along with exclusive access to there amazing insurance rates and resources. Now is the time to save big on auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, business insurance, and homeowners insurance. Let www.insurance-auto-insurance-health-insurance.com/ guide you and your family to saving quite possibly thousands of dollars just in insurance rates savings.
Source
Switch your insurance now and save up to fifty percent off your existing insurance policies all while increasing your coverages in a matter of minutes. Whether the insurance be, auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, business insurance, or home owners insurance- all are necessary and not one person should be left without it.
Thousands of people are experiencing extreme hardships at this point in there life , and most do not even have money to pay their insurance bills due to astronomical rates or hikes in their recent insurance premiums and insurance plans. www.insurance-auto-insurance-health-insurance.com understands the current economic crisis, and is now seizing the opportunity to offer very competitive insurance quotes, insurance rates, and insurance premiums that most insurance companies are providing, but for a fraction of the cost. www.insurance-auto-insurance-health-insurance.com is providing the hard working people of the world with additional affordable insurance coverages at a typical savings of up to fifty percent off your existing insurance premiums. www.insurance-auto-insurance-health-insurance.com/ is revealing to the public , all of these incredible insurance quotes, insurance rates and insurance premiums along with exclusive access to there amazing insurance rates and resources. Now is the time to save big on auto insurance, health insurance, life insurance, business insurance, and homeowners insurance. Let www.insurance-auto-insurance-health-insurance.com/ guide you and your family to saving quite possibly thousands of dollars just in insurance rates savings.
Source
Friday, August 28, 2009
Auto Insurance - 5th Most Popular Cash For Clunkers Buy Is A Hybrid, But What Are The Auto Insurance Costs?
The AP has reported here that the fifth most popular cash for clunkers purchase (what buyers bought with their rebate) is the Toyota Prius. Because of federal tax credits, insurance discounts, and cost of ownership figures, hybrid cars are further proving themselves to be a wise consumer buy.
Hybrid cars are more expensive off the lot than their traditional counterparts, but the benefits are many-fold:
Federal Tax Credits
The federal government offers an income tax credit for Americans that purchase hybrid cars. Credits range from $450 to $3,000 depending on the make and model of the car. Time is running out on many of the credits, but savvy shoppers can still find great deals while this credit is available.
Insurance Discounts
Most insurance companies are offering discounts up to 10% for hybrid car owners. Car shoppers should compare auto insurance quotes before they purchase their new vehicles to get an idea of what their new premiums will cost.
Cost of Ownership
With low depreciation, fuel savings, and tax credits, the cost of ownership on a hybrid is lower than a conventional vehicle. Some take as little as a year to pay for themselves, others over five. Sooner or later, the break-even point is reached, and surpassed.
Fuel Savings
The fuel savings of a hybrid car is the gift that keeps on giving. Well after the break-even point, hybrid cars will save owners money on gas.
Environmental Impact
While there are some potential disposal problems with the batteries of hybrid cars, driving a hybrid reduces carbon emissions is often personally satisfying.
As fuel costs rise and incentives become available, the initial investment of purchasing a hybrid car over a traditional model is taking less time to pay for itself. If you're thinking of purchasing a new car (even if you can't trade-in a clunker) consider a hybrid.
Source
Hybrid cars are more expensive off the lot than their traditional counterparts, but the benefits are many-fold:
Federal Tax Credits
The federal government offers an income tax credit for Americans that purchase hybrid cars. Credits range from $450 to $3,000 depending on the make and model of the car. Time is running out on many of the credits, but savvy shoppers can still find great deals while this credit is available.
Insurance Discounts
Most insurance companies are offering discounts up to 10% for hybrid car owners. Car shoppers should compare auto insurance quotes before they purchase their new vehicles to get an idea of what their new premiums will cost.
Cost of Ownership
With low depreciation, fuel savings, and tax credits, the cost of ownership on a hybrid is lower than a conventional vehicle. Some take as little as a year to pay for themselves, others over five. Sooner or later, the break-even point is reached, and surpassed.
Fuel Savings
The fuel savings of a hybrid car is the gift that keeps on giving. Well after the break-even point, hybrid cars will save owners money on gas.
Environmental Impact
While there are some potential disposal problems with the batteries of hybrid cars, driving a hybrid reduces carbon emissions is often personally satisfying.
As fuel costs rise and incentives become available, the initial investment of purchasing a hybrid car over a traditional model is taking less time to pay for itself. If you're thinking of purchasing a new car (even if you can't trade-in a clunker) consider a hybrid.
Source
Monday, July 13, 2009
This is no time to raise car insurance assessment
The MCCA, created in 1978, is run by private insurance companies to reimburse catastrophic auto injury claims exceeding $440,000. The MCCA's voting board members include Progressive, AAA, State Farm, GMAC and Auto-Owners. It operates in relative secrecy, exempt from Michigan's sunshine laws -- the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Technically, the state insurance commissioner is a member of MCCA's board, but he has no vote.
The MCCA makes estimates about potential claims. Oftentimes, these projections are over many decades. Its most recent estimates of expected claims were erroneous; the actual number of claims was far less than the association projected. So why this rate increase now?
Serious auto accidents in Michigan have declined 54% percent since 1996. That's 9,000 fewer accidents. The average number of miles driven is the lowest it has been in 17 years. Michigan drivers have America's highest rate of safety belt use (97.2%). And in 2008, annual traffic deaths per million vehicle miles traveled (1.37) were the lowest ever recorded.
Consumers are more than doing their part. Yet rates continue to go up, and company profits are at their highest levels. The average annual bill in Michigan is $1,076, second only to New Jersey's statewide average of $1,100. Michigan's $436 average annual collision premium is the nation's highest. The old saw that rates are this high because no-fault covers all "reasonable and necessary" health care costs doesn't wash anymore. No-fault's health coverage is approximately 20% of the overall premium. And that portion ranks 22nd in the nation, not first.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm has called for a change in law to make the MCCA more transparent. The state House moved in the right direction by passing laws requiring the MCCA to open its books and its meetings to the public. On the Senate side, Sen. Glenn Anderson, D-Westland, has introduced similar legislation, which adds a public representative to the MCCA board and gives votes to the insurance commissioner and the public representative.
The MCCA and the auto insurance industry have had Lansing in a 30-year headlock, securing preferential treatment and breathtaking deregulation, fueling their power and profits at the expense of consumers.
Source
The MCCA makes estimates about potential claims. Oftentimes, these projections are over many decades. Its most recent estimates of expected claims were erroneous; the actual number of claims was far less than the association projected. So why this rate increase now?
Serious auto accidents in Michigan have declined 54% percent since 1996. That's 9,000 fewer accidents. The average number of miles driven is the lowest it has been in 17 years. Michigan drivers have America's highest rate of safety belt use (97.2%). And in 2008, annual traffic deaths per million vehicle miles traveled (1.37) were the lowest ever recorded.
Consumers are more than doing their part. Yet rates continue to go up, and company profits are at their highest levels. The average annual bill in Michigan is $1,076, second only to New Jersey's statewide average of $1,100. Michigan's $436 average annual collision premium is the nation's highest. The old saw that rates are this high because no-fault covers all "reasonable and necessary" health care costs doesn't wash anymore. No-fault's health coverage is approximately 20% of the overall premium. And that portion ranks 22nd in the nation, not first.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm has called for a change in law to make the MCCA more transparent. The state House moved in the right direction by passing laws requiring the MCCA to open its books and its meetings to the public. On the Senate side, Sen. Glenn Anderson, D-Westland, has introduced similar legislation, which adds a public representative to the MCCA board and gives votes to the insurance commissioner and the public representative.
The MCCA and the auto insurance industry have had Lansing in a 30-year headlock, securing preferential treatment and breathtaking deregulation, fueling their power and profits at the expense of consumers.
Source
Monday, July 6, 2009
Authorities Crack Down On Auto Thieves
Warren (WWJ) -- Four law enforcement agencies in Metro Detroit are joining forces this week to combat car theft.
Sheriffs from Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties, and Warren's Police Commissioner, Thursday morning announced that Operation ICE (Inter-County Enforcement) caught 63 suspects and recovered 59 cars from Tuesday through Thursday.
Operation ICE was designed to capture thieves in the act of stealing a car, as well as suspects not yet in custody. Teams of officers also made unannounced visits to confirm that previously convicted car thieves are complying with the terms of their release.
"Through the efforts of law enforcement, and the citizens protecting their cars, and the insurance companies, we are making progress with auto theft in this country," Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said.
Warren Evans, Sheriff of Wayne County, said that car thefts in the area are down approximately one-third.
However, authorities also report that car theft remains profitable for new and repeat offenders because law enforcement is working with reduced resources.
"We'll catch them, and they'll go to jail today and tomorrow, but many are going to be released on bond, and in Wayne County, at least, you're probably going to be on your fourth conviction for auto theft before you're going to do any prison time," Sheriff Evans said.
Sheriff Evans said that law enforcement needs to become more creative in deterring auto theft, such as using GPS tether devices for convicted car thieves.
Source
Sheriffs from Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties, and Warren's Police Commissioner, Thursday morning announced that Operation ICE (Inter-County Enforcement) caught 63 suspects and recovered 59 cars from Tuesday through Thursday.
Operation ICE was designed to capture thieves in the act of stealing a car, as well as suspects not yet in custody. Teams of officers also made unannounced visits to confirm that previously convicted car thieves are complying with the terms of their release.
"Through the efforts of law enforcement, and the citizens protecting their cars, and the insurance companies, we are making progress with auto theft in this country," Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer said.
Warren Evans, Sheriff of Wayne County, said that car thefts in the area are down approximately one-third.
However, authorities also report that car theft remains profitable for new and repeat offenders because law enforcement is working with reduced resources.
"We'll catch them, and they'll go to jail today and tomorrow, but many are going to be released on bond, and in Wayne County, at least, you're probably going to be on your fourth conviction for auto theft before you're going to do any prison time," Sheriff Evans said.
Sheriff Evans said that law enforcement needs to become more creative in deterring auto theft, such as using GPS tether devices for convicted car thieves.
Source
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