Allstate "Bait Cars" Catch Thieves While Stealing

Enable Police To Lure Would-Be Crooks, Watch Via Video Remote, Then Disable Vehicle From Afar, And Nab Suspects.

A thief hops into a car and starts to drive off, thinking he's scored a big haul. He may think he's headed to a chop shop to sell the vehicle for parts.

He should think again.

Thanks to a new, hi-tech system being donated to more than a dozen United States police departments by the Allstate Insurance Company, the suspect is as good as caught, because he's actually in a "bait car."

Police put such cars in areas with high auto theft rates, to attract crooks. What the bad guys don't know is that police are watching and listening to their every move via remote video and audio as they get in and begin to drive away. Police then disable the car, lock the doors and windows, and set off the car's alarm, all from a distance. Then, they swoop in. The cars are also equipped with GPS tracking.

Authorities report that bait cars have made a significant dent in auto thefts.

On The Early Show Wednesday, Mike Fisher, head of Nashville's Auto Theft Task Force, "stole" a bait car with Harry Smith, to show viewers how it works:

Click here to see the demonstration.

Bait cars have been evolving for more than ten years. Early on, there was only a simple cutoff switch activated with a remote switch in line of site of the vehicle.

Fisher says his unit has been using "bait" technology for four years, but with only recorded video, and has seen big drops in car theft rates where bait cars are placed. They'll be getting the newest technology soon.

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Allstate predicts few accidents this quarter

Allstate Corp. said the rate of car accidents will decline this quarter as policyholders drive less because of the slowing economy.

The rising unemployment rate keeps drivers off the road even more than higher-than-average gas prices, Chief Executive Thomas Wilson said Thursday in a meeting with analysts.

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Managing Expectations, Communicating Effectively and Showing Genuine Concern Are Key Practices in Delighting Auto Insurance Claimants.

Managing expectations, showing empathy, ensuring convenient service and effective communication are key themes in enhancing overall insurance customer satisfaction with the claims process, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study(SM) released today.

The study measures the experiences of auto physical damage claimants by examining satisfaction with the claims process. Depending upon the complexity of a claim, the customer may experience all or only some of the following factors: claims settlement; service interaction; first notice of loss; repair process; and rental experience.

The study finds that implementing 10 specific service practices has a considerable impact on overall satisfaction with the claims process. They are:

    -- Answering all customer questions
   -- Managing expectations regarding the settlement
   -- Expressing genuine concern
   -- Avoiding negotiated settlements
   -- Providing flexible appraisal appointments
   -- Returning phone calls
   -- Sharing information between representatives
   -- Providing proactive updates
   -- Ensuring customer is at ease with claims process
   -- Giving customers a time line and meeting it

Only one in three auto insurance customers filing a claim report receiving all of the top service practices. Among these customers, satisfaction averages 919 on a 1,000-point scale, with 75 percent indicating they "definitely will" renew their coverage. This compares to only 21 percent of customers who received six or fewer service practices saying they "definitely will" renew with their insurer. Additionally, satisfaction declines considerably among customers who only receive six or fewer key practices (594 points).

"Implementing these practices and enhancing the customer experience clearly has tremendous benefits for insurance providers through potentially increased renewal rates," said Jeff Leiman, senior director of the insurance practice at J.D. Power and Associates. "For many auto claimants, filing a claim with their insurer can be a trying experience. Providing empathetic service and expressing genuine concern for the specifics of their personal situation, especially during the first notice of loss, is an absolute must in providing a satisfying experience."

Auto-Owners ranks highest in providing a satisfying claims experience for auto insurance customers with a score of 864. Auto-Owners performs particularly well in the service interaction, settlement and repair process factors. Amica Mutual follows in the ranking with a score of 860, performing particularly well in the first notice of loss factor. State Farm ranks third overall with 851 points and performs well in service interaction. The Hartford (833) and COUNTRY (826) round out the top five ranked insurers in the 2008 study.

The 2008 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study is based on 11,671 responses from auto insurance customers who filed a claim within the past 12 months. The study excludes customers who only had glass/windshield, theft/stolen vehicles, roadside assistance or bodily injury claims. The study was fielded from July to August 2008. To view the management discussion based on the 2008 study findings, please click the following link: http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/library/download/?files=9998937

   Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking
   (Based on a 1,000-point scale)


   Insurance Provider            Overall Satisfaction Score   Power Circle
   Rating
   Auto-Owners                              864                     5
   Amica Mutual                             860                     5

   State Farm                               851                     4
   The Hartford                             833                     4

   COUNTRY                                  826                     3
   GMAC                                     824                     3
   Erie Insurance                           822                     3
   American Family                          820                     3
   Progressive                              820                     3
   Industry Average                         818                     3
   Liberty Mutual                           817                     3
   GEICO                                    815                     3
   California State
    Automobile Association                  806                     3
   Encompass                                806                     3
   Auto Club of Southern
    California                              802                     3
   Nationwide                               802                     3
   Travelers                                802                     3
   Allstate                                 801                     3
   Automobile Club Group                    800                     3
   Farmers                                  800                     3

   Hanover                                  789                     2
   MetLife                                  785                     2
   Safeco                                   785                     2
   AIG                                      780                     2
   Mercury                                  734                     2

   USAA                                     863                     5

   *USAA is an insurance provider open only to U.S. military personnel and
   their families and therefore is not included in the rankings.




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Allstate auto insurance rates questioned

Michigan's insurance consumer advocate is asking the state to hold hearings on Allstate Insurance Co.'s auto insurance rates.

Melvin Butch Hollowell wants insurance commissioner Ken Ross to look into Allstate raising auto insurance rates after saying that Michigan's drivers were among the safest in the country and had reduced accidents for several years in a row.

The newest rates the insurance company filed with the state -- which went into effect July 28 -- included increases of 5% to 7%.

Hollowell questioned the legitimacy of those hikes based on the "Allstate America's Best Drivers Report" released July 1. The report says that between 1996 and 2006, Michigan drivers had 9,000 fewer serious accidents, a 54% reduction.

In addition, four cities -- Sterling Heights, Warren, Detroit and Grand Rapids -- ranked in the top 10 in accident reduction between 2005 and 2007. Flint was ranked as the most improved city.

The insurance company said the report was wrong.

Allstate said that it had miscalculated accident rates, which it bases on property damage claims. It failed to take into account that Michigan is a no-fault state and because of that, did not count accidents like other states, said David Field, regional counsel for Allstate.

The new report ranks Michigan drivers among the worst in the country.

Hollowell said Tuesday that Allstate was willfully manipulating numbers and that "claims data from Michigan and its revised report is a violation of the state's Unfair Trade Practices Act and the rate-making section of the state's Essential Insurance Act."

Hollowell said he will ask Ross to hold hearings to prevent further rate hikes, which he believes are imminent.

"What we are saying is that based on this new report, we think they will raise them again, and that it might not be so far in the future," Hollowell said.

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Free Auto Insurance Quotes Houston, Texas

4 Ways to get Auto Insurance in Houston, Texas
====================================

A. The quick way is getting free online auto insurance quotes.

B. Otherwise, seek Saturn Insurance Products at 9900 West Park Dr, Ste 330, Houston, TX 77063.

C. You may also seek an Allstate Insurance Rep - Sam Zahedani at 1950 W Gray Street, Suite 1, Houston, TX 77019.

D. Another option is Bailey Gary Insurance Agency Inc at 4500 N Main, Baytown, TX 77521.

For me, the best option for choice and speed is free online auto insurance quotes.

Free Auto Insurance Quotes San Diego, California

3 Ways to buy Auto Insurance in San Diego, California
========================================

1. The best apparent available option is getting free online auto insurance quotes.

2. You may also visit Brooke Auto Insurance at 6147 Balboa, San Diego, CA 92111.

3. Or Orr & Associates at 4901 Morena Blvd Ofc,San Diego, CA 92117.

You may choose to get free online auto insurance quotes here and now!

Free Auto Insurance Quotes New York City

4 Ways to get Auto Insurance in New York City
=================================

1. I think the best and fastest way is to go online for free online auto insurance quotes

2. You may also visit Grimaldi & Associates at 227 E 56th St, Suite 401 New York, NY 10022.

3. There is also East Coast Motor Club Inc.at 2319 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10462.

4. You may also go for Campbell Solberg Associates, Inc at 110 William Street, 22nd Fl.
New York, NY 10038.

But my preference if you are in a hurry is free online auto insurance quotes.

Free Auto Insurance Quotes Los Angeles, California

4 Ways to get Auto Insurance in Los Angeles, California
========================================

Los Angeles is a very busy city. You want to make the best use of your time. If you need to insure your car, I suggest 4 destinationss:

1. Go for free online auto insurance quotes. I think this is your best and quickest option.

2. Stan Burns Insurance Services Inc 21081 South Western Avenue Suite 200, Torrance, CA 90501.

3. Then there is the Ron Young Insurance Agency at 220 South Glenoaks Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91502.

4. Another option is All Century Insurance at 8111 Van Nuys Boulevard, Panorama City, CA 91402.

Verdict: You want speed, convenience and options to choose from, go online for free online auto insurance quotes.

Free Auto Insurance Quotes Portland, Oregon

3 Ways You can get auto insurance in Portland, Oregon
=========================================

a. The best and easiest option is to get free online auto insurance quotes through the internet.

b. You can also check on Baker Insurance at 17655 SE McLoughlin Blvd Portland, OR 97267.

c. You may also chose to visit Beaverton-Tigard Insurance at 9770 SW Shady Ln Portland, OR 97223.

I will go for free online auto insurance quotes as this always gives you many rates to compare at your convenience.

Free Auto Insurance Quotes Atlanta, Georgia

4 Ways to get Auto Insurance in Atlanta, Georgia
===================================

1. The best way is to go on the web for free online auto insurance quotes which applies to any state

2. You can visit the Howard Henderson Agency at 3480 Greenbriar Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30331

3. You can go to Clinton Dunn of Allstate at 1816C Independence Sq, Dunwoody, GA 30338

4. You can also see the SNS Auto Insurance Agents at 8339 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 3035

But I primarily recommend free online auto insurance quotes which you can compare and get the best deal!

Free Auto Insurance Quotes Orlando, Florida

2 Things you should know about Auto Insurance In Orlando, Florida
==================================================

1. Your auto insurance rates are about half what you would have paid if you lived in the Bronx.

2. When getting auto insurance, you may want to include Extra PIP (Personal Injury Protection) as part of your coverage so that it can settle your medical costs in the event of an accident you caused.

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Free Auto Insurance Quotes Sacramento, California

3 Things you must know about Auto Insurance in Sacramento, California
=====================================================
1. Having only a liability plan may not cover you if someone breaks into your car.

2. Being caught while Drunk driving may cause your insurer to raise your rates.

3. From next year, you will get to pay less for auto insurance the less you drive.

Get free online auto insurance quotes for all states now!

Free Auto Insurance Quotes Phoenix, Arizona

There are options for getting auto insurance in Phoenix, Arizona. Certainly, the best option is to get free online auto insurance quotes which saves a lot of time particularly if you've just bought an expensive car.

Otherwise, you can hook up with State Farm which has a strong presence in Phoenix or a fellow whose name I think is Tim Hubberty.

But getting free online auto insurance quotes gives you many good options to choose from.

Free Auto Insurance Quotes Tampa, Florida

Getting auto insurance for family or personal purposes in tampa florida need not be a problem or give you unnecessary headaches.

Please bear in mind that the authorities in Florida take insurance very seriously and auto insurance is mandatory.

The best way to get auto insurance in Tampa, Florida is simply to get free online auto insurance quotes which are available for every state

You may also choose to search for individual agents but you may not be able to determine their level of experrience.

What i always recommend is go online for free online auto insurance quotes from several top insurers.

Free Auto Insurance Quotes Las Vegas, Nevada

For those who need affordable auto insurance in Las Vegas, Nevada, there are many options.

The best option I will recommend is to get free online auto insurance quotes for any state and city in the U.S.

Otherwise, you can go to Branch Hernandez and Associates on Decatur Boulevard or the State farm representative at Silverado Ranch.

Estrella Insurance Services is at south valley view and there are many Geico and Allstate representatives you can see.

But if you want to give yourself many options and the best possible deal, i recommend free online auto insurance quotes.

[Insurance Article] Cover Florida insurers announced

Three South Florida-based insurance companies are among the six selected to provide low-cost insurance to Floridians who are uninsured through the state’s Cover Florida plan.

Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday that Medical Health Plan of Florida, JMH Health Plan and Total Health Choice made the list. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida and United Healthcare, statewide providers, along with Florida Health Care Plan, which operates in Volusia and Flagler counties, also will be part of the program. Nine companies applied.

“The selected insurance companies have designed Cover Florida plan proposals that provide an affordable, quality health insurance product for Florida’s uninsured citizens and maximize consumer choice,” Crist said in a statement.

Insurers carriers will offer at least two plans: one with catastrophic and hospital coverage, and one without. Plans also will include – at a minimum – coverage for preventive services, screenings, office visits, outpatient and inpatient surgery, urgent care, prescription drugs, durable medical equipment and diabetic supplies.

The insurance will be offered in early 2009 to Floridians who have been without coverage for at least six months.

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[Insurance Article] Homeowners Choice Assumes More Than 45,000 Policies from Citizens

Policy Count to Increase by Better than Three-Fold




Homeowners Choice, Inc.,a Florida-based insurance holding company, announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc., has assumed approximately 45,000 homeowners' policies from Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, Florida's state-created insurance company.

The policies are assumable under the state's "take-out" program, designed to reduce the state's risk exposure by encouraging private insurance companies to assume policies from Citizens. Citizens, which began as Florida's home insurer of last resort, has become the state's largest homeowners' insurance provider. Under the take-out rules, affected policyholders are entitled to opt out before and after the assumption and remain with Citizens. By not opting out, approximately 45,000 policyholders chose to leave Citizens for Homeowners Choice.
Homeowners Choice announced in September that it had approximately 18,000 policies. The assumption of these policies represents more than a three-fold increase in the company's policy count.

"We are pleased to significantly increase our policy base," said the company's chief executive officer, F. X. McCahill. "This shows a real vote of confidence in Homeowners Choice on the part of Florida consumers. We look forward to serving our new customers."
About Homeowners Choice, Inc.

Homeowners Choice, Inc. is a Florida-based insurance holding company, headquartered in Clearwater, Fla. and founded by Florida homeowners. Its wholly-owned subsidiary, Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Company, Inc., which began operations in July 2007, provides property and casualty homeowners' insurance, condominium owners' insurance and tenants' insurance solely to Florida property owners. The company's principal executive offices are located at 2340 Drew St., Suite 200, Clearwater, Fla. 33765. More information about Homeowners Choice, Inc. is available.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and "project" and other similar words and expressions are intended to signify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the company's expectations regarding the increase in its policy count.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Some of these risks and uncertainties are identified in the company's registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should any risks or uncertainties develop into actual events, these developments could have material adverse effects on the company's business, financial condition, and results of operations. Homeowners Choice, Inc. disclaims all obligations to update any forward-looking statements.
SOURCE: Homeowners Choice, Inc.

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[Insurance Article] Green Earth Technologies Solves Environmental Car Wash Dilemma with Line of "G"-Branded Totally Green Products

Green Earth Technologies, a consumer goods manufacturer producing "G"-Branded superior performing totally green products, wants to help consumers wash their cars without polluting the earth. Recently, the Department of Ecology in the state of Washington banned washing cars in driveways where runoff can enter storm drains and pollute water. Green Earth Technologies' car cleaner products can solve this problem and help sustain this neighborhood weekend ritual and high school community service activity without harming the environment. G-WASH(TM) Heavy Duty Hydrophobic Car Wash is a green alternative for ordinary and heavy duty cleaning jobs. It is not a soap or a detergent or a petroleum solvent, but a blend of natural plant-based products, making it safe to wash your car in your street or driveway. G-WASH(TM) is ultimate biodegradable receiving the ASTM Standard's highest available ranking.

"Green Earth Technologies is committed to releasing environmentally responsible products that will help American consumers continue their everyday routines without harming the environment," said Jeff Marshall, President and CEO of Green Earth Technologies. "Our line of automotive appearance products including G-WASH(TM), G-WHEEL(TM), G-GLASS(TM) and G-TIRE(TM) address the need for car wash alternatives in the state of Washington as well as across the nation. It is our mission to work with state and local officials to end car wash bans and instead embrace green automotive products."

Consumers looking to clean their vehicle while helping to protect the environment can purchase Green Earth Technologies' 5-Pack Car Care Kit. The kit includes the 4oz. G-Wash Heavy-Duty Hydrophobic Car Wash, 4oz. G-Glass Organic Glass Cleaner, 4oz. G-Wheel Brake Dust Removing Wheel Cleaner, 4oz. G-Tire Ultimate Tire Shine, 4oz. G-Wheel Brake Dust Shield and a Green Earth Technologies license plate. The 5-Pack Car Care Kit is currently available on Amazon.com for an SRP of $12.88.

All Green Earth Technologies products are made with a base derived from either plant or animal fats (beef tallow) and reduce the environmental impact of car care without sacrificing performance.

ABOUT GREEN EARTH TECHNOLOGIES
Green Earth Technologies produces "G"-branded superior performing totally green products made with American grown base oils that utilize the power of nanotechnology to deliver environmentally friendly products with no compromise...meaning, consumer can now "do their part" without having to give up performance or value; Save the Earth -- Sacrifice Nothing(TM). The G-Brand family of products include G-OIL(TM), G-LUBE(TM), G-WASH(TM), G-GLASS(TM), G-WHEEL(TM), G-TIRE(TM) and G-SCENT(TM), which are now available in various automotive categories in a variety of retailers, including The Home Depot, Target, VIP, National Auto Parts, Fred Meyer, Trader Horns, The Andersons, Biggs, Bennett Auto, Frank's Auto Supermarket, Amazon.com and participating ACE and True Value Hardware stores. Please visit http://www.getg.com/ for the latest news and in-depth information about G.E.T. and its brands.


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Alabama Home & Auto Insurance Rates

HOME FOR SALE

PRICE:
=====
$1,290,000

OTHER DETAILS:
=============
1261 Cir. 367, Florence, AL 35634
Single Family Home
5 Bedrooms
5 Full Bathrooms
4272 Square Feet (approx.)

PHONE
=====
256 - 766 - 0069
===========================================

CAR FOR SALE

1994 Volvo 940 Sedan

PRICE
=====
$1,600

MILEAGE
=======
213,000 mi

DETAILS
=======
Sedan, Electric Silver Metallic, 2.3L I4, AUTO 4SPD, 4 door,

PHONE
======
888-792-3194

LOCATION
========
Birmingham, Alabama

Compare Home & Auto Insurance Rates in Alabama today.

Compare Home & Auto Insurance Quotes in NY

HOME FOR SALE


Active single family property in Plattsburgh, Beekmantown, Chazy, Altona, Clinton County.


Price:$89,900


Year Built: 1990
3 total bedroom(s)
2 total bath(s)
2 total full bath(s)
Approximately 1404 sq. ft.

Single story
Style: Ranch, Residential land
Master bedroom
Living room
Dining room
Kitchen
Master bedroom is 13.6x12.9
Living room is 15.4x15.9
Dining room is 10x11.11
Kitchen is 26.5x10.

2 car garage
Heating features: Oil
Interior features: Cable TV avail., Fireplace(s), Refrigerator, Washer/dryer hookups
Exterior features: Above ground pool, Clear lot, Deck, Porch, Septic sewer system
Approximate lot is 218x99
Corner lot
Approximately 0.5 acre(s)
Lot size is between 1/2 and 1 acre
School District: BEEKMANTOWN

============================================

CAR FOR SALE

1998 Plymouth Voyager SE

Pass Van, Green, 6 Cylinders, Automatic, 2WD

PHONE NUMBERS
607-239-5230 (Daytime)
607-239-5230 (Evening)

PRICE: $400

MILEAGE: 166,000 mi

LOCATION:Vestal, NY

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Compare Home And Auto Insurance In New York

You can get a used 1993 Ford Excort LX wagon with 4 cylinders. It is automatic with 4 wheel drive and 4 door.

Price: $250

Location: Wappingers Falls, New York

Contact 845 831 9810 Daytime

===============================================

Also, get a Chevrolet Malibu Maxx LTZ Hatchback, Black, 6 Cylinders, Automanual, FWD, 5 door.

Price: $355

Location: Penfield, New York

Contact 585-421-7011 (Daytime)

===============================================

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