| The state knows best? Rates tell another tale
The state that has for so long followed its own course on auto insurance, leaving rates in the hands of regulators rather than allowing them to be set by the market, is at long last steering toward competition. Letting market forces control auto insurance rates has been working in 49 other states, but Massachusetts insisted that it had a better way. And, as a result, we've had some of the highest rates in the nation for many years. According to one recent survey, only motorists in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia paid more for auto insurance. The outsized rates are not the only obvious clue to the failings of the commonwealth's auto insurance plan. Companies that are successful in other states and across the nation have found it impossible to do business in Massachusetts.
Two Allstate agencies cited for outstanding performances
Monroe � Nicole Lechner and Helen Turken, both based in Monroe, have been recognized by Allstate Insurance Company for high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention and profitability. Both agencies are now among the top Allstate agencies in the nation in auto, property and commercial insurance and financial service sales.The Nicole Lechner Agency - located at 791 Route 17M, Suite 9 - has achieved the distinctive Allstate Honor Ring award. For nearly 60 years, the Honor Ring has been Allstate's symbol of outstanding achievement. Tthe Honor Ring recognizes the Nicole Lechner Agency for 2007 performance and is a symbol of the agency's dedication in serving customers. Meanwhile, Turken has earned an invitation to attend Allstate's Chairman's Conference 2007, where she will be recognized by the top officers of the company.
New InsuredAtLast.com Website Changes How Consumers Shop for Insurance
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Precise Leads, Inc., a leader in online insurance leads, has launched a new website for insurance consumers. InsuredAtLast.com has been built from the ground up and is steadily increasing market share in the online insurance industry. "This new release of InsuredAtLast.com is totally different from anything we've seen," says CEO Antonio Franzese. "It sets a new standard for how consumers shop for health insurance, life insurance, and home and auto insurance." At its core, InsuredAtLast.com is a place for consumers to compare insurance quotes from multiple insurance agents and insurance companies. The idea is that by researching and comparing many quotes, the consumer can make educated decisions regarding insurance, and therefore save the most money.
Wealthy, working poor benefit; roads bypassed
The N.C. General Assembly struggled through scandal and a change in House leadership on the way to major changes in taxes, health insurance, electricity, voting, hog waste and smoking. And the state now has an official collard festival. Here's a roundup of the session: What They Accomplished ... Taxes: State income tax for the wealthy drops back to its 2000 rate, and the working poor can take a new earned-income tax credit.Remaining 1/4-cent of 2001 sales tax increase becomes permanent, making the state rate 6.75 percent, 7.25 percent in Mecklenburg. Counties get the option of a 1/4-cent sales tax increase or a land transfer tax as part of a deal to eliminate their share of Medicaid bills. Medicaid swap: Over the next three years, counties shed their share of paying for Medicaid, the health insurance for the disabled, poor and elderly.
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