HK wrote:
Hamish wrote:
I am in California. I just got the renewal bill for my personal
umbrella policy, and the "Important Notice" brochure that always comes
with it said, "The definition of insured is revised so that a person
or organization using an insured's auto, RV or watercraft is no longer
covered." So, when I let a valet park my car, he's not covered. If I
loan my car to a friend, relative, or neighbor, they're not covered.
If my ski boat was running - it isn't right now - and I let a friend
drive it to tow me, he's not covered. (Yes, I know that my
"underlying" car insurance covers them up to the limits of that
policy, but those limits are only enough to pay for a stubbed toe.)

I called my agent and she was totally unaware of the change, and asked
me to fax her a copy of the brochure. Then, once she called the
underwriters, she still seemed unconcerned. She was happy to quote me
the increase in premiums to bring each of my car polcies up to the
same limits that were formerly covered by the Umbrella. An additional
$206 per year. I will pay the money, because I own a home and it is
vital that I remain insured up to a high limit.

I have taken the trouble to write this post because I think that a lot
of other people will fail to read the "Important Notice" (the brochure
is 17 pages long), will simply write the check like they do every
other year, and will end up with a big gap in their coverage. And
their insurance agent won't take the trouble to call them or write
them a personal letter telling about the big gap that just opened up
in their coverage. So, look out! And warn your friends.

Ham


Not to worry; it's just part of corporate America's full screw the
individual plan, brought to you and helped along by the Bush
Administration, which doesn't really truly believe in any sort of
regulation, except on civil liberties.

Many refuse to recognize it. The administration is about eliminating
"unnecessary regulation, which is to say all regulation of big business.
The credit card industry managed to gain all control and regulation of
its dealings with customers and in the process anyone that has any
"contract" with big business. They write unilateral contracts and have
the power to change and enforce them. They reserve the right to use our
judicial system to enforce them but virtually eliminate the citizen
access to redress of our Laws and Courts.
The food supply is no longer safe. Adulteration of our foods is now
allowed to be labeled all natural and so and so on.
Big business has gotten every thing on its dream list in the last
several years including unregulated oil industry which operates as a cabal.
Their definitional of free trade and elimination of unnecessary
government etc is survival of the consumer and citizen in the jungle
full of their predation.
Caveat Emptor is more relevant today than anytime, in history.
Our Republic is seriously wounded.