Evil Insurance Companies

I really do not like insurance companies, and in Illinois part of my dislike is aimed at the state government and its rules. Up until an hour ago I had an umbrella policy (one million dollars) to cover over and above my car and homeowners policy limits. However, I no longer have that coverage. Why - because recently I received a bill that would essentially double the cost of that policy - even though there have been NO CLAIMS made against it.

Why you ask? Here's the deal. Late last year I was leaving a Bible study group meeting and it was dark. In the dark, the back door of my Honda met up with a fence post at the host's home. I had to file with the insurer to get the repair made on the Honda (to the tune of approximately $1,600). As I drove away from the body repair shop a rock was flipped up from the road causing me to replace the windshield. Both were covered by the automobile insurance policy.

Enter computers. The automobile coverage decided I had made two claims that resulted in me loosing my "good driver" discount (for 3 years!). In addition to that, for some yet undefined reason, the state of Illinois REQUIRED my insurer to put a 'SURCHARGE" on the auto insurance. Finally, the company has increased all its rates and there is the "normal" rate increase coupled with the other two factors. The net result, my car insurance (for two vehicles) increased $14,63/month (a 15.6% jump in six months!). Since my initial selection of this company (January 2008), my insurance has increased $29.01/month or 36.8% in less than two years (in fact, in a mere 19 months)! This is nuts!

My umbrella, which has had NO CLAIMS against it, increased approximately 84%. The umbrella increased because of the "surcharge" required by the state to be placed on the automobile insurance. As I said, I no longer have the umbrella. After all, I don't have a job - so sue me.

No wonder people are worried about health insurance. If you have a claim under the proposed health care reform, will you be able to afford the next premium payment? If this insanity with car insurance is an indication, fewer people will have coverage, not more.

"National Health Insurance:

The compassion of the IRS

The efficiency of the Postal Service

All at Pentagon prices!!!!"