As Health care bills bounce from the House to the Senate, understandingly people and groups are concerned how these changes might impact their lives. Such concern is well founded. But it is necessary that there be more light and less heat. It was for that reason that I responded to the below comment.
November 9, 2009 by Jason
Another fantastic straw man from the shameless promoters of universal health care. Here is the premise: It is not unreasonable to have a health care mandate, since it is good for everyone and is no different from auto insurance [which is mandated with penalties for non-compliance].
1. Auto insurance that is mandated by the [state] government(s) is to protect other people, not you. You are required to carry liability insurance to cover damages to other personnel or property, not yourself. Lenders however, require insurance levels, which protect their investment – the car. If you do not want to carry collision insurance for repairs, you buy your car outright and are the only owner. You can also choose the level of coverage, for example towing, rental reimbursement, and roadside assistance.
2. If you do not drive a car, you are not required to carry insurance. Urban dwellers, children, and the elderly who do not drive automobiles are not required to carry automobile insurance of any kind.
3. Most importantly, a health insurance mandate instituted by the federal government is unconstitutional. Auto insurance requirements are at the state level and such decisions are reserved by the state according to the Constitution of the United States. The 10th Amendment of the US Constitution states, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”
You bring up three very interesting points.
First you are correct, the state does not demand that you buy Physical Damage insurance to cover a loss to your own car, the state just demands that you have coverage for the damage you might do to someone’s person or property.
Secondly you are again correct when you state If you do not drive a car, you are not required to carry insurance. I could point out that if you are an Owner/non-driver, you will need car insurance- but for the most part you are correct.
Your third point that a health insurance mandate instituted by the federal government is unconstitutional, falls under the heading “Unsettled-Law”.The federal Government does pass laws that are national is scope. The simple truth is if a health insurance mandate instituted by the federal government was clearly unconstitutional, we would not see so many people fighting so hard to stop the bill.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Unique Insurance Rating
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS: Analysts Public Relations
Bob Podolski Jim Peavy
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5731 (908) 439-2200, ext. 5644
bob.podolski@ambest.com james.peavy@ambest.com
Joseph Burtone Rachelle Morrow
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5125 (908) 439-2200, ext. 5378
joseph.burtone@ambest.com rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
CONTACTS: Analysts Public Relations
Bob Podolski Jim Peavy
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5731 (908) 439-2200, ext. 5644
bob.podolski@ambest.com james.peavy@ambest.com
Joseph Burtone Rachelle Morrow
(908) 439-2200, ext. 5125 (908) 439-2200, ext. 5378
joseph.burtone@ambest.com rachelle.morrow@ambest.com
A.M. Best Upgrades Issuer Credit Rating of
Unique Insurance Company
OLDWICK, N.J., Nov. 2, 2009—A.M. Best Co. has upgraded the issuer credit rating (ICR) to “bb+” from “bb” and affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of B (Fair) of Unique Insurance Company (Unique) (Chicago, IL). The outlook for both ratings is stable.
The upgrading of Unique’s ICR reflects its consistently favorable operating results and surplus growth. The company’s FSR recognizes its elevated expense and underwriting leverage ratios and concentration of risk in Illinois, writing non-standard automobile insurance. The outlook is based on the long-term consistency of Unique’s operating results.
The upgrading of Unique’s ICR reflects its consistently favorable operating results and surplus growth. The company’s FSR recognizes its elevated expense and underwriting leverage ratios and concentration of risk in Illinois, writing non-standard automobile insurance. The outlook is based on the long-term consistency of Unique’s operating results.
For Best’s Credit Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.
The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.
Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.
Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Obama wins Nobel, or How to drive Conservatives Crazy!
I woke up a bit late this morning, in part due to the dark gloomy weather. In my mad dash to get to work, my wife said she heard that the President just won the Nobel Peace Prize. I told her she must of heard the story wrong, maybe he was honoring the person that won the prize. Throughout the day at work, I was too busy to read the news; and did not give her comment a second thought. That was until after 5:00 when I did check several online new sites; and what do you know- She was right.
President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize today. The best explanation for the justification seems to be connected to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms. His overtures to the Muslim world, and his willingness to stress cooperation over the past administrations "With us or Against us" concept. Clearly the prize is, as is often the case, a tool for the Nobel committee to advance an agenda that they view as serving the cause of peace. Where as an Academy Award is given for achievement, this prize, seems to be about rewarding the president for the "Path and Tone" he had decided to take. This award is in part to help give the president the political capital to continue down a course they view as being consistent with creating a safer world.
I have always take pride in the fact that Americans have won more of these prizes than any other country. I love to read about each fellow US citizen that wins a prize in Chemistry, physics, literature and yes the Peace prize. I cheer them them on the same way I do each member of the US Olympic team. I have to believe it is natural, and yes patriotic to be happy that one of our-own won; that said, I'm not surprised that Conservatives must be up-set by the news.
True to my expectations; the comments from the "Right" have been swift and harsh.
There are comments that fall into the category best summed up by Michael Steele.
"What has President Obama actually accomplished?" said Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Then there are the "Over the top" and Yes Racist comments such as: Erick Erickson, writing on the conservative RedState.com, suggested Obama won in part because he is black.
"I did not realize the Nobel Peace Prize had an affirmative action quota for it, but that is the only thing I can think of for this news," Erickson wrote. "There is no way Barack Obama earned it in the nominations period."
Rush Limbaugh called it a "greater embarrassment" than losing the Olympics. "This fully exposes the illusion that is Barack Obama," Limbaugh told POLITICO.
Fox news seemed prepared to devote the majority of their space to explaining why the president, OUR PRESIDENT, should not be honored around the world.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., chastised the GOP's Steele for his remarks, and noted that conservative activists had cheered when Obama failed last week to bring the 2016 Olympic Games to Chicago.
"I find it very very disappointing for the chairman of the Republican Party — after the cheers that went out when America lost the Olympics — to now be attacking our president, everyone's president in our country, at a time when he is being recognized on the world stage," Stabenow said.
Look, I'm not sure that I can point to a list of concrete things that OBama has done to justify wining the Nobel Prize, that said, I'm glad that I find my-self again living in a country that the majority of the world seems to believe is on the right path .
President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize today. The best explanation for the justification seems to be connected to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms. His overtures to the Muslim world, and his willingness to stress cooperation over the past administrations "With us or Against us" concept. Clearly the prize is, as is often the case, a tool for the Nobel committee to advance an agenda that they view as serving the cause of peace. Where as an Academy Award is given for achievement, this prize, seems to be about rewarding the president for the "Path and Tone" he had decided to take. This award is in part to help give the president the political capital to continue down a course they view as being consistent with creating a safer world.
I have always take pride in the fact that Americans have won more of these prizes than any other country. I love to read about each fellow US citizen that wins a prize in Chemistry, physics, literature and yes the Peace prize. I cheer them them on the same way I do each member of the US Olympic team. I have to believe it is natural, and yes patriotic to be happy that one of our-own won; that said, I'm not surprised that Conservatives must be up-set by the news.
True to my expectations; the comments from the "Right" have been swift and harsh.
There are comments that fall into the category best summed up by Michael Steele.
"What has President Obama actually accomplished?" said Michael Steele, chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Then there are the "Over the top" and Yes Racist comments such as: Erick Erickson, writing on the conservative RedState.com, suggested Obama won in part because he is black.
"I did not realize the Nobel Peace Prize had an affirmative action quota for it, but that is the only thing I can think of for this news," Erickson wrote. "There is no way Barack Obama earned it in the nominations period."
Rush Limbaugh called it a "greater embarrassment" than losing the Olympics. "This fully exposes the illusion that is Barack Obama," Limbaugh told POLITICO.
Fox news seemed prepared to devote the majority of their space to explaining why the president, OUR PRESIDENT, should not be honored around the world.
Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., chastised the GOP's Steele for his remarks, and noted that conservative activists had cheered when Obama failed last week to bring the 2016 Olympic Games to Chicago.
"I find it very very disappointing for the chairman of the Republican Party — after the cheers that went out when America lost the Olympics — to now be attacking our president, everyone's president in our country, at a time when he is being recognized on the world stage," Stabenow said.
Look, I'm not sure that I can point to a list of concrete things that OBama has done to justify wining the Nobel Prize, that said, I'm glad that I find my-self again living in a country that the majority of the world seems to believe is on the right path .
Thursday, August 27, 2009
BBB gives Urban Insurance A+ Rating
Notice of BBB Accreditation:
We at Urban Insurance Agency, take great pride in the quality of service that we provide to our customers.
We understand that there are a vast number of companies in the marketplace competing for your insurance business. While there are a few "Shady Operators" out there; the vast number of companies and agents are honest and offer a legitimate product. It is that belief that pushes us at Urban to consistantly strive for "Total Customer- Satisfaction."
Urban Insurance Agency as well as U. I. Payment Plan both fall under the BBB Accredited business Program.

This means it supports BBB's services to the public and meets our BBB Accreditation standards.
BBB Rating for Urban Insurance Agency/U. I. Payment PlanBased on BBB files, Urban Insurance Agency/U. I. Payment Plan has a BBB Rating of A+. Click here for an explanation of BBB Ratings |
Friday, August 7, 2009
How Good Is Our Health Care?
Health Care in America
by Larry Lubell
The US health care system now equals about 17% of the US economy. With that in mind, there is little reason to wonder why so many people feel so passionately about any possible changes.
It appears that the greatest single factor in whether one does, or does not support attempts to change legislation; is whether or not you currently have insurance. The key explanation is that people in the US are for the most part happy with the level of care they receive, creating a chiasm between the “Have’s and the Have not’s.”
The US health care system now equals about 17% of the US economy. With that in mind, there is little reason to wonder why so many people feel so passionately about any possible changes.
It appears that the greatest single factor in whether one does, or does not support attempts to change legislation; is whether or not you currently have insurance. The key explanation is that people in the US are for the most part happy with the level of care they receive, creating a chiasm between the “Have’s and the Have not’s.”
This leads to those who are happy with the status quo speaking about the upper-end care available at the finest collection of hospitals in the world. While those “Outside of the system” find themselves waiting in long lines at the E. R. and a times having to make the choice between buying food or paying for meds.
Our system does have it’s strengths; in fact one could easily point to aspects our current structure that single it out as the finest in the world. Clearly there are reasons that people travel to the US for certain procedures, even from countries where, as a citizen of that country, they could receive that care for free. This is particularly true of those who have the financial resources necessary to travel to, and pay for private care in the US. I assume if Mick Jagger wanted dental work done, he would have it done here in America. More>>>
Our system does have it’s strengths; in fact one could easily point to aspects our current structure that single it out as the finest in the world. Clearly there are reasons that people travel to the US for certain procedures, even from countries where, as a citizen of that country, they could receive that care for free. This is particularly true of those who have the financial resources necessary to travel to, and pay for private care in the US. I assume if Mick Jagger wanted dental work done, he would have it done here in America. More>>>
Continue reading Here
Monday, July 27, 2009
Best Of Chicago Award 2009
I am pleased to announce that Low Cost Auto Insurance has been selected for the 2009 Best of Chicago Award in the Auto Insurance category by the US Commerce Association.
In recognition of your achievement, a 2009 Best of Chicago Award has been designed for display at your place of business.
Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
In recognition of your achievement, a 2009 Best of Chicago Award has been designed for display at your place of business.
Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Ford turns in a Profit?
by Larry Lubell
Just when we were all ready to “Write-Off the entire US Auto Industry, Ford Motor Co, posts a profit.
Granted, the margin was small and was a product of a one-time gain of $3.4 billion conected to Ford’s debt restructuring.
Ford’s restructuring was accomplished by way of Reducing its U.S. hourly workforce by about 1,000, in a deal with the U.A.W. Ford also was able to reduce it’s debt obligations by $10.1 billion; which equates to a savings of nearly $500 million / year in interest payments alone.
.“While the business environment remained extremely challenging around the world, we made significant progress on our transformation plan,” Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said in a statement.
Ford’s executive vice president and CFO, Lewis Booth, stated, “Ford delivered a very solid quarter, and our transformation plan remains well on track,” “We strengthened our balance sheet, reduced cash outflows and improved our year-over-year financial results despite sharply lower industry volumes.”
While this might not be time to “Pull out the Champaign,” clearly the results represent a major improvement over last year’s reported loss of $8.7 billion. It points to the very real possibility, that if or when, car sales rebound even to average levels; Ford as well as GM and Chrysler, all appear to have a real shot of returning to profitability. It is quite unlikely that US producers will ever regain the dominance in the American market they once took for granted; they might just have a sustainable future.
This is good news, because of the large number of jobs that are dependant of the the US auto industry. From Manufacturing to design, car Insurance, and repair shops just to stratch the service.
Tags: ford, GM
Just when we were all ready to “Write-Off the entire US Auto Industry, Ford Motor Co, posts a profit.
Granted, the margin was small and was a product of a one-time gain of $3.4 billion conected to Ford’s debt restructuring.
Ford’s restructuring was accomplished by way of Reducing its U.S. hourly workforce by about 1,000, in a deal with the U.A.W. Ford also was able to reduce it’s debt obligations by $10.1 billion; which equates to a savings of nearly $500 million / year in interest payments alone.
.“While the business environment remained extremely challenging around the world, we made significant progress on our transformation plan,” Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said in a statement.
Ford’s executive vice president and CFO, Lewis Booth, stated, “Ford delivered a very solid quarter, and our transformation plan remains well on track,” “We strengthened our balance sheet, reduced cash outflows and improved our year-over-year financial results despite sharply lower industry volumes.”
While this might not be time to “Pull out the Champaign,” clearly the results represent a major improvement over last year’s reported loss of $8.7 billion. It points to the very real possibility, that if or when, car sales rebound even to average levels; Ford as well as GM and Chrysler, all appear to have a real shot of returning to profitability. It is quite unlikely that US producers will ever regain the dominance in the American market they once took for granted; they might just have a sustainable future.
This is good news, because of the large number of jobs that are dependant of the the US auto industry. From Manufacturing to design, car Insurance, and repair shops just to stratch the service.
Tags: ford, GM
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