I have written before about the Department of Insurance’s plan to offer affordable auto insurance. California law has expanded a pilot program from LA and San Francisco to 9 other counties. Now, Mr. Garamendi wants to expand the program more…
Posts Categorized In: Consumer Issues
Disaster Programs for Californians
Courtesy of NBC11 in San Francisco, I am providing you a list of programs that may be available to Californians in the event of a disaster. Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may…
Small Claims Court – Are Attorneys Allowed?
In California Small Claims Court, are lawyers allowed in the proceedings? Attorneys cannot appear and represent clients as an advocate in small claims court. However, attorneys can, and often do, assist with the preparation for the trial. Attorneys may also…
An Umbrella Policy: Do you need it?
A personal umbrella policy will cover you if you injure someone or damage someone’s property. It is relatively inexpensive ($300 or so for $1,000,000 in coverage). The catch to getting one is that your home and auto insurance usually have…
Part 3 – Why you need to consult with an attorney
Someone recently came to me and wanted to file a lawsuit. Fine, I thought. Tell me the facts of the case. After he/she was done reciting the facts of the case, he/she mentioned that he/she had already filed a lawsuit…
Two Cheers for Chicago
The Chicago Bar Association has started a program that provides assistance to people who represent themselves in court. (These people are said to be in pro per or pro se litigants.) This is a great improvement for people. Do it…
When the Other Insurance Refuses to Act: What can You do?
What happens if you are in this situation: I was rear ended. I did not have insurance. The person who hit me did. All I want is my car to be fixed. The insurance company of the person who struck…
Insurance, Elections and The Initiative Process
The initiative process is spiraling out of control in California. (For those of you who are not in California, we have a process where individuals, in theory, can have a measure placed on the ballot assuming they meet all sorts…
How to Buy Homeowners Insurance
In conjunction with my latest podcast, I am presenting some information on how to buy homeowners insurance. If you would rather listen to it, feel free. First, where can you buy insurance? Easy. Call around to several agents and brokers…
Identity Theft Insurance Revisited
KCRA channel 3 in Sacramento is reporting now on identity theft insurance. They are reporting on a Consumers Union article that concludes that this is one of the ten insurance policies you do not need. Great. Thanks. Of course, this…