Average Cost of Insuring Teen Drivers in U.S. Climbs to $5,000 a Year
According to the online insurance marketplace QuoteWizard, the average cost of a standard individual policy (without bundling) for a 16-year-old driver is $438 a month – more than $5,000 per year.
Texas Advocacy Group Calls for Inquiry into Insurer Steering
The advocacy group Texas Watch is urging the Texas Department of Insurance to investigate insurer steering, and “to hold industry wrongdoers accountable” when they strong-arm consumers to preferred body shops and push for cut-rate repairs.
California to Launch Probe into Wells Fargo’s Auto Insurance Practices
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has ordered the California Department of Insurance to launch an investigation into Wells Fargo and National General Insurance, after Wells Fargo acknowledged that it forced auto insurance on thousands of its car-loan customers.
Wells Fargo Plans to Compensate Car-Loan Customers Who Received Unwanted Auto Insurance
Citing an internal Wells Fargo report, the New York Times said the unneeded collision insurance pushed approximately 274,000 Wells Fargo customers into delinquency and led to nearly 25,000 wrongful repossessions.
‘Neighbor from Hell’: State Farm Forced Auto Body Shop to Glue Car Roof, Lawsuit Contends
A federal lawsuit accuses State Farm of forcing John Eagle Collision Center in Dallas to cut costs by using an adhesive to replace a hail-damaged vehicle roof.
Getting Paid For Scanning: ‘The 800-Pound Gorilla’
As with any hot topic in collision repair, the discussion inevitably turns to the insurance industry.
Nationwide Promotes Safe Driving Through Usage-Based Insurance Program
By downloading the SmartRide mobile app or requesting a SmartRide telematics device, drivers can save up to 40 percent on their insurance premiums while receiving personalized feedback to help them make safer driver decisions, according to the insurer.
500 Allstate Claims Adjusters Being Replaced by Mobile Photo App
During the insurer’s second-quarter conference call, CEO Tom Wilson said Allstate has downsized more than 500 claims adjusters as the company transitions to the QuickFoto Claim photo estimating system.
Most Expensive State for Car Insurance: Michigan
Michigan’s average annual premium is $2,394, which is 82 percent higher than the national average of $1,076, according to an analysis by Insure.com.
Pay-Per-Mile Insurance Provider Introduces Automated Claims System
Pay-per-mile insurance provider Metromile has launched a new automated claims system powered by the company’s artificial-intelligence “smart claims assistant,” AVA.
Travelers Launches Usage-Based Auto Insurance App
Customers who use the smartphone app and drive safely can save up to 20 percent on their premiums, the insurer said.
Anti-Steering Measure Dies After Maine Governor’s Veto
Maine Gov. Paul LePage vetoed legislation that aimed to clarify Maine’s anti-steering law.
