2nd November 2006

Insurance Fraud Can Be a Real Drag, Man

Some people go to great lengths to commit vehicle insurance fraud, says Ray Albertini, special investigations director for Progressive, the third-largest auto insurer in the U.S.

A common type of fraud is buying insurance coverage after a vehicle has been damaged. Less common is when someone tries to buy it at the scene of an accident.

That was attempted by a motorcyclist who had wiped out. While lying on the side of the road with a ruptured spleen, he had the presence of mind to call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE to buy coverage.

He didn’t know a witness overheard the call. Busted! But a lot of scam artists get away with it - and it costs society in general.

“Most insurance companies base their rates on the cost of doing business,” says Albertini. “When costs go up because of fraudulent claims, other customers end up paying the price.”

Here are other fraud cases from Progressive’s files:

*A couple’s car caught on fire. While he was on the phone with Progressive buying a policy, his wife was overheard yelling that the car was about to explode.

*Two brothers were hired to torch a car and make it look like an accident so the shady owner could collect insurance money. They doused the car with gasoline and - to make sure it was completely destroyed - tossed in a pipe bomb. The ensuing explosion set one of them on fire. His brother rushed to his aid. He caught fire, too. He flagged down a state trooper - en route to investigate the smoke - confessed, then died. So did his brother.

*A man reported parts stolen from his car. To support his claim, he submitted photos. Investigators thought they looked odd, then realized they were close-up pictures of a toy car.

*A woman crashed her boyfriend’s motorcycle. She wasn’t hurt. But her boyfriend, afraid his insurance wouldn’t cover damages caused by a driver not on the policy, claimed he was driving. Figuring he needed injuries to bolster his story, he tied himself to a truck and had a friend drag him around. He got the desired injuries. But his girlfriend ended up telling investigators what really had happened.

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2nd November 2006

Insurance for your RV, motorcycle

For members who love their other recreational vehicles as much as their boat, BoatU.S. has teamed up with the American Modern Insurance Group to offer RV, motorcycle and collector car insurance at a special members-only price. For more information, call 800-491-0416 or log on to BoatUS.com/rv.

Boat owners have a big stake in what goes on in the community where they live and boat. Local ordinances passed in meetings that are poorly publicized or unattended by BoatU.S. members can have a major impact on boating. Is a ramp closure being considered? Is a municipal marina going to be sold? Does your town or county need boaters’ support for funding a new project?

The reality is that if you want to do something about it, local BoatU.S. members are often in the best position to help because lawmakers listen first and foremost to their local constituents–and voters.

To give boaters the tools to fight these battles, the BoatU.S. Government Affairs team has developed the online “Grassroots Lobbying Toolkit” at BoatUS.com/gov/toolbox.

The toolkit won’t solve every issue, but it will give you insight on how government works and what you can do to affect change. The site includes information on local lobbying tactics, Civics 101, writing to elected officials, forming coalitions, getting publicity, local success stories and other information.

So the next time a controversial or anti-boating effort crops up on your radar screen, take out the toolkit and use it–and keep us in loop.

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2nd November 2006

Benefits of Looking for Motorcycle Insurance Online

Searching for a good motorcycle insurance policy can be a time consuming task however many consumers are finding the looking for motorcycle insurance online can be a great time saver. With a simple search done on any number of search engines it is extremely fast and convenient to search online for motorcycle insurance. Here are some reasons while searching for motorcycle insurance online can be both helpful and a great timesaver.

The very first thing most consumers will discover is that looking for motorcycle insurance online can be a very simple task and can also be done very quickly. Consumers can enter keyword search phrases such as “free online motorcycle insurance quote” or “where to find motorcycle insurance online” into any number of search engines and you will have thousands of options to choose from. There are many sites on the internet that will allow those looking for motorcycle insurance online to get several quotes from several different companies at once.

You can look at reviews of potential insurance agencies when searching for motorcycle insurance online. This can give you a great idea about what services and types of motorcycle insurance coverage that they offer before even making any contact with them. Another great idea is to see if the insurance agency you would like to purchase a policy through is listed with the Better Business Bureau. This is a great way to see if any complaints have been lodged against the agency or broker and how they have dealt with resolving any complaints.

You can find out some great ways to get a great rate on your policy while looking for motorcycle insurance online. There are a huge number of websites that offer tips and advice on things you as a consumer can do to get a better price on your motorcycle insurance. While you are likely to find some great money saving tips while looking for motorcycle insurance online make sure to ask the insurance company that you plan to go through. Rates and potential discounts can very greatly from insurance company to insurance company.

So if you find yourself looking of a new insurance policy for your motorcycle or would like to change policies but have little time try looking online. You will be able to check out potential motorcycle insurance companies online, find out how to get great rates and get multiple quotes all with a few clicks of your mouse.

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26th October 2006

Motorcycle Insurance Online

Looking for a convenient way to buy motorcycle insurance? Try the online option provided by many insurance companies and agencies. Such options let us get online insurance quotes and make payments online.

Insurance is important. Coming with different schemes and policies, it is mandatory in many states.

Motorcycle insurance quotes help you estimate the available insurance options for your bike. Such quotes make it possible compare prices and know which policy is the best for you. Companies providing motorcycle insurance include GEICO, Progressive Direct, Insurance Finder, Ace Insurance Services, Sentry Insurance, Bike-Line, and many, many more.

Buying an online insurance policy has a number of advantages. You get immediate access whenever to your policy plan, and can file claims and pay premiums electronically without any fuss. Some companies like GEICO offer discounts. Online motorcycle insurance offers flexible payment options, too, such as yearly, four-month, six-month, or monthly payment options.

Companies offer different types of motorcycle insurance, with different coverage policies. Insurance premiums differ according to a number of factors such as type of insurance coverage (liability, medical payment, roadside help, uninsured motorcyclist, and much more), motorcycle engine, type of motorcycle, brand of motorcycle, your driving history, your locality, driving education, and many other factors.

Hence, based on history, driver education, locality, and other grounds, companies offer discounts and deductible insurance plans too. Some companies offer a 24-hour support system and specialized claims department where you can file claims and get a response within a short interval.

Online motorcycle insurance provides the same coverage as regular motorcycle insurance. However, in addition to its basic nature, an online insurance policy helps us in making enquiries and paying our insurance premiums effectively and easily.

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