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>>>
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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
Friday, July 10, 2009
Palin in 2012
No one political party has ownership of the ideas necessary to move this nation forward.While I am not a Republican, I certainly have family and friends that are proud members of the GOP. Truth be told, many of them are people for whom I have a great deal of respect and admiration. Even while disagreeing, I can clearly recognize that a great deal of thought, research and reasoning went into the formation of their ideas. So much so, that after hearing the quality of their arguments, I will, at times, find myself re questioning some of my own conclusions.
It is no secret that the Republican party counts among it's members a share of the nation's best and brightest minds. It was with that knowledge that I was so shocked when Sarah Palin was selected to be McCaine's running mate.
The first question that came to mind was "Is this is the Best and Brightest star that the GOP can find?"
It wasn't that I felt she was evil or had any bad intent, I just did not understand how can anyone could make the case that she was ready to "Step in" to the job of leader of the free world.The entire state of Alaska has less than one twelfth the population of the Chicago Metro area. She had never met with any world leaders, possessed zero foreign affairs experience, zero Washington experience. Her resume was devoid of any of the usual, expected list of prior government positions that typically accompany one seeking to be a "Heartbeat away" from the presidency. That said, I can understand that there are people that have demonstrated they have achieved the necessary "Skill-Set" through an alternative set of challenges and responsibilities. However we discovered Sarah Palin had never ran a major company, had no experience in international business or been a General in the armed forces.
She had been mayor of a town smaller than the population of many condo building associations, and a newly elected first term Governor. Upon those experiences many deemed her ready to be VP and after the election, ready to run for President of the United States in 2012. But now, by her own stunning admission, she was not even prepared to continue in her job as Governor do Alaska.
Addressing the media from the town of Dillingham, in the "Folksiest costume" contained in her closest (fishing waders) , Palin stated .
"I'm not going to take the comfortable path. I'm going to take the right path for the state," she said of her resignation, which she spun as a matter of progressing in an unconventional way.
"That caught people off guard. ... It's out of the box and unconventional. That's what we are as Alaskans and certainly how I am as a public servant."
This media blitz came out of her need to explain why quitting her job with two weeks notice was not an example of "Quitting" but instead was a "Selfless act" for the good of the people of Alaska.
Sarah Palin says she's not a quitter, she's a fighter, but then added that, politically speaking, "if I die, I die. So be it."
Ok. I understand that she and her administration has been paralyzed by fending off lawsuits. I'm sure that the criticism she has faced has been difficult. I understand that she has an opportunity to "Cash-in" on her fame. I even understand that with a special-needs-child, it might even be a responsible action; so as to put aside the funds that can provide for a better quality of life for that child. Just don't tell me that she is truly ready to be president in 2012.
Larry Lubell
Monday, July 6, 2009
NJ Man Pleads Guilty to 15th DUI
Back when Paris Hilton was spending her few days in jail as a result of her DUI conviction, I remember the out-cry from many that she was getting such a "Light sentence" based on the fact that she was famous.
Few people believed me when I tried to explain, that unfortunately her sentence was not particularly light and in fact that a Non- celebrity would almost never serve a single day under the same situations.
Well a few days ago a resident East Rutherford ,Shaun Campbell went before a judge and stated he been drinking "quite a bit" of beer when he crashed his SUV head-on into a pickup driven by a man and carrying his 4-year-old daughter. Fortunately neither of them were not seriously hurt, but that is owed to a good bit of luck. Campbell's blood-alcohol level was .288 percent, more than triple the state's legal limit. This would be an outrageous crime to require strict punishment, but this was not his "First Offence" in fact it was not his third Offence- Campbell's license has been suspended 78 times in 22 years . If you do the math that means his licence was suspended nearly every three months. This is his 15th DUI Conviction.
I think this clearly shows that this person should be behind bars, and also put the idea that Paris Hilton got off "Light" into real context.
Larry Lubell Can be contacted @ Larry@UrbanInsuranceAgency.comUrbanBlogStart Your Insurance Today Call 1-800-680-0707 for a Free quote or Click www.urbaninsuranceagency.com/quote.php
Thursday, July 2, 2009
4th of July is on the 4th
United States Legal Federal Holidays
Complete List of Federal Legal Holidays in 2009
Complete List of Federal Legal Holidays in 2009
NRS 236.015 Legal holidays; closing of state, county and city offices, courts, and public schools
The following days are declared to be legal holidays for state,
County and city governmental offices
• January 1, 2009 (thursday): New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
• January 19, 2009 (monday): Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
• January 20, 2009 (tuesday): Inauguration Day [every 4th year]
• February 16, 2009 (monday): Presidents Day (observed) [3rd monday in Feb] note: Presidents Day is also Washington's Birthday (observed)
• May 25, 2009 (monday): Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
• July 4, 2009 (saturday): Independence Day [July 4th every year]
• September 7, 2009 (monday): Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
• October 12, 2009 (monday): Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
• November 11, 2009 (wednesday): Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
• November 26, 2009 (thursday): Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
• December 25, 2009 (friday): Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Stanford's walk in the Woods turns out to be an extramarital affair.
For the past week people have been searching for Gov. Mark Sanford who went missing the day before Father's day. His wife said she did not know where he was; but that she was not concerned. While that might seem to me to be a strange response coming from his wife and mother to his four children; she stated that he told her that "He was writing something and wanted some space to get away from the kids". Maybe I'm just one of those "Family Value" guys; but I have a problen with a man that needs to "Get away" from his kinds on father's day.
In the mean time, the people of South Carolina were left without any way of reaching their Governor, and no idea of where he had gone. His staff put forth the explanation that he was " hiking the Appalachian Trail all alone". Here again it struck me as odd that upon hearing this his wife didn't mention that her husband did not take any of his camping gear.
By this morning, the story had changed to he had thought about hiking the Appalachian Trail but at the last minute changed his mind and went to Buenos Aires. When asked why, he stated "I wanted to do something exotic."
Well, it turns out "something exotic." is code for an extramarital affair.
"The bottom line is this: I've been unfaithful to my wife," he said. "I've developed a relationship with a dear dear friend from Argentina."Sanford used a nationally televised new conference to apologize to his wife, his four boys, as well as the people of South Carolina. He also said he regretted leaving his family and staff to spin tales to cover for his absence. Presidential aspirations aside; Stanford has left a trail of lies, and moral lapses that will make it difficult just to hold his position as governor.
Durring a news conference earlier today, fellow Republican South Carolina state Sen. John Knotts said "All we've had is lies, lies, lies," .There have been "cover ups where the governor is and where the governor is not," "I don't have a problem with the governor taking some time off," Knotts said. "But the people in South Carolina need to know that somebody is at the helm, not just a staffer."
This leaves Stanford with people questioning both his competence as well as his morals. I'm pretty sure his political career could survive either of these two complaints; It seems difficult to picture his ability to simultaneously fend off both charges.
In the mean time, the people of South Carolina were left without any way of reaching their Governor, and no idea of where he had gone. His staff put forth the explanation that he was " hiking the Appalachian Trail all alone". Here again it struck me as odd that upon hearing this his wife didn't mention that her husband did not take any of his camping gear.
By this morning, the story had changed to he had thought about hiking the Appalachian Trail but at the last minute changed his mind and went to Buenos Aires. When asked why, he stated "I wanted to do something exotic."
Well, it turns out "something exotic." is code for an extramarital affair.
"The bottom line is this: I've been unfaithful to my wife," he said. "I've developed a relationship with a dear dear friend from Argentina."Sanford used a nationally televised new conference to apologize to his wife, his four boys, as well as the people of South Carolina. He also said he regretted leaving his family and staff to spin tales to cover for his absence. Presidential aspirations aside; Stanford has left a trail of lies, and moral lapses that will make it difficult just to hold his position as governor.
Durring a news conference earlier today, fellow Republican South Carolina state Sen. John Knotts said "All we've had is lies, lies, lies," .There have been "cover ups where the governor is and where the governor is not," "I don't have a problem with the governor taking some time off," Knotts said. "But the people in South Carolina need to know that somebody is at the helm, not just a staffer."
This leaves Stanford with people questioning both his competence as well as his morals. I'm pretty sure his political career could survive either of these two complaints; It seems difficult to picture his ability to simultaneously fend off both charges.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Will GM bankruptcy increase car Insurance costs
Not at Urban Insurance.
We have consulted with many of the Insurance companies where we write auto Insurance, and we are happy to report, that as of today, none of them have issued any plans to increase the cost of insurance on any of the GM cars. Two of the companies did state that they were aware of several large insurance companies that we “Considering” a rate increase on GM cars, but to the best of their knowledge, none had done so yet.
In trying to assess the likelihood of insurance companies raising rates on GM cars, there are two examples to look at for clues, The end of Oldsmobile and the demise of Yugo. While each nameplate has vanished, the effects were very different. This was true for resale value as well as insurance costs.
The Yugo was brought into America in 1985 as a cheep, fuel efficient car. 141,511 Yugos were sold in the US from 1985 to 1991. 1991 saw not just the end of the Yugo imported into the US. But thend of the country of Yugoslavia . After years of conflict on June 25, 1991, Croatia and Slovenia declared independence effectively dismantling the country. In very quick order auto insurance company's either placed large surcharges Yugos, or refused to insure them. The problem was parts. The shortage of parts caused the resale value of the cars to plummet with such a low value owners found them selves “Upside-down on payments, every accident had disproportionately high parts cost resulting in even small accident being declared a total loss.
Oldsmobile by contrast had a 107-year history during which it produced 35.2 million cars. The same year the Yugo was introduced into the US. Oldsmobile hit an all-time high of 1,066,122 car sold that year. Oldsmobile owners also had the ability to get their cars fixed at any other GM dealership in part because so many of the parts, and even paint colors were shared with other GM cars. Stating The complexity of the GM bankruptcy, the “American Insurance Association” says it is hard to predict insurance rates for GM products. They have stated that a shortage of replacement parts could push up insurance prices since parts are one of the largest costs of their repair costs. “Consumers may be better off if their insurer allows the use of non-manufacturer parts for repair work after a crash. A number already do, although sometimes just for older vehicles”.
In trying to assess the likelihood of insurance companies raising rates on GM cars, there are two examples to look at for clues, The end of Oldsmobile and the demise of Yugo. While each nameplate has vanished, the effects were very different. This was true for resale value as well as insurance costs.
The Yugo was brought into America in 1985 as a cheep, fuel efficient car. 141,511 Yugos were sold in the US from 1985 to 1991. 1991 saw not just the end of the Yugo imported into the US. But thend of the country of Yugoslavia . After years of conflict on June 25, 1991, Croatia and Slovenia declared independence effectively dismantling the country. In very quick order auto insurance company's either placed large surcharges Yugos, or refused to insure them. The problem was parts. The shortage of parts caused the resale value of the cars to plummet with such a low value owners found them selves “Upside-down on payments, every accident had disproportionately high parts cost resulting in even small accident being declared a total loss.
Oldsmobile by contrast had a 107-year history during which it produced 35.2 million cars. The same year the Yugo was introduced into the US. Oldsmobile hit an all-time high of 1,066,122 car sold that year. Oldsmobile owners also had the ability to get their cars fixed at any other GM dealership in part because so many of the parts, and even paint colors were shared with other GM cars. Stating The complexity of the GM bankruptcy, the “American Insurance Association” says it is hard to predict insurance rates for GM products. They have stated that a shortage of replacement parts could push up insurance prices since parts are one of the largest costs of their repair costs. “Consumers may be better off if their insurer allows the use of non-manufacturer parts for repair work after a crash. A number already do, although sometimes just for older vehicles”.
Urban Insurance will keep you informed on any upcoming changes in the industry, and fight to provide you with the lowest cost on your car insurance.
800-680-0707
______________________________________________________
Monday, June 1, 2009
GM and America's Future
It was a little more than 10 years ago when walking down the street from my home in Chicago, that I saw a woman was opening a small "Wash your Own Dog" business. While I wished her well, I was concerned that the business would not last 3 months. I never could have guessed that her micro business would out last General Motors.
For many decades GM stood for all that was right with the American economy. http://urbaninsuranceagency.com/insurance-articles/241/too-big-to-fail%3f.html It was a shining symbol of the power of America and our dominance in the world. The problem with being a symbol; is when times change; you quickly find yourself represented as all that is wrong, and how far we have slid.
We can not compete by having the lowest priced work force. America will not benefit from a "Race to the Bottom";but gone are the days when we can kid ourselves in to thinking that we in some way above the global economy, or that we can survive just selling to each other, the goods other countries have produced.We need to actuality make something. We also need to understand the world markets, and produce cars that global market wants to buy.
I do believe GM will come out of bankruptcy and has a real chance of returning to profitability (albeit, a smaller company)
For many decades GM stood for all that was right with the American economy. http://urbaninsuranceagency.com/insurance-articles/241/too-big-to-fail%3f.html It was a shining symbol of the power of America and our dominance in the world. The problem with being a symbol; is when times change; you quickly find yourself represented as all that is wrong, and how far we have slid.
We can not compete by having the lowest priced work force. America will not benefit from a "Race to the Bottom";but gone are the days when we can kid ourselves in to thinking that we in some way above the global economy, or that we can survive just selling to each other, the goods other countries have produced.We need to actuality make something. We also need to understand the world markets, and produce cars that global market wants to buy.
I do believe GM will come out of bankruptcy and has a real chance of returning to profitability (albeit, a smaller company)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Iraq Torture Photos
A friend sent my an Email yesterday titled "Iraq Torture Photos." When I hoped the email, rather that find pictures of our troops engaged in the torture of suspected terrorists, it showed U.S. Troops involved in innocent play with Iraq's civilians and or helping rebuild the nation.
________________________________________________________________________________________
Unfortunately this is Bush's AMERICA
My response to him was- Yes, I agree / This IS AMERICA.
We are the most Moral, Charitable nation is the history of the world.
Every time there is news of a famine, or a deadly flood anywhere in the world, it is America that is first to offer aid and support. No nation has ever been a greater cause of good, a stronger voice for the oppressed, than America.
The U.S. Armed Forces have consistently been asked, and volunteered to come to the aid of those in need. 
A nation working to help find peace in the middle-East,Northern Ireland , came to the aid of Kuwait .
Time and time again we have proven ourselves to be the "Great Moral Compass" of the world.
Yes this America!
________________________________________________________________________________________
Unfortunately this is Bush's AMERICA
How many years will children in the Muslim world see these pictures and think this is America?
The damage caused by us loosing our "Moral Authority" is a greater threat than any information we might have gained by lowering our standards.
The damage caused by us loosing our "Moral Authority" is a greater threat than any information we might have gained by lowering our standards.
Let America return to what president Reagan called "The shining city on the hill". Let us return to the spirit of greatness, that moral center, that makes so many of us so proud to be Americans.
Larry Lubell
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Car insurance fraud on the rise
It is so secret that desperate people do desperate things.
Just as foreclosures on homes are are rising, an increasing number of Americans are also finding them self saddled with loan payments on luxury cars they can no longer afford. As a result of years of “Easy loans” and “Too good to pass up offers” many people bought expensive autos with little or no money down.
In a slow economy with a glut of new and used cars that dealers are having a difficult time selling, the value of these luxury cars have fallen off dramatically. The result of this decline in values means for many the amount they owe on the car is greater than the auto’s value. This leaves many people with cars they can not afford to own, but also can’t afford to sell . The real force that often pushes people over-the-edge is when their car experiences a break-down requiring an expensive repair. This can result in a person finding them selves witha car that has a resale value thousands of dollars less than the remaining finance balance, and now they need to lay-out $2,500 for a major repair.
The problem is particularly acute in Las Vegas, where sharp declines in tourism and construction have left thousands of workers unemployed, broke, and desperate. But cities like Chicago, and all over Illinois are also experiencing the same problems.
As I said before, Desperate situations often result in desperate acts. There are some that see no way out of their delima other than to report their auto as stolen hoping that their insurance company will pay the loss and in turn; releive them of the burden of the car. Authorities report a growing number of cars are being dumped in the Great Lakes, and being found burned along roadsides .
A word of warning if you’re considering carrying out any such plan……. Don’t.
Insurance companies are getting much better at discovering these kinds of scams. First your company is likely to check for evidence that could “Raise red flags”. Facts like, have you recently lost your job, is the value of the car low relative to the amount financed, are you behind on your payments. More often when they recover the car (Perhaps stripped and a total loss) they can determine if the car was last driven with a key, and if there was prior damage and or mechanical problems.
The chance that you’ll get away with such a SCAM is far less than it was in years past. Insurance companies “Cracking-down” on these kinds of crimes, have help bring down car insurance costs. More and more insurance companies are taking a very hard line; meaning ,if you get caught you will probably end up being prosecuted criminally, not just having your claim denied.
Larry Lubell
If you have a question, please contact us at 1-800-680-0707
http://www.ubraninsuranceagency.com/
Just as foreclosures on homes are are rising, an increasing number of Americans are also finding them self saddled with loan payments on luxury cars they can no longer afford. As a result of years of “Easy loans” and “Too good to pass up offers” many people bought expensive autos with little or no money down.
In a slow economy with a glut of new and used cars that dealers are having a difficult time selling, the value of these luxury cars have fallen off dramatically. The result of this decline in values means for many the amount they owe on the car is greater than the auto’s value. This leaves many people with cars they can not afford to own, but also can’t afford to sell . The real force that often pushes people over-the-edge is when their car experiences a break-down requiring an expensive repair. This can result in a person finding them selves witha car that has a resale value thousands of dollars less than the remaining finance balance, and now they need to lay-out $2,500 for a major repair.
The problem is particularly acute in Las Vegas, where sharp declines in tourism and construction have left thousands of workers unemployed, broke, and desperate. But cities like Chicago, and all over Illinois are also experiencing the same problems.
As I said before, Desperate situations often result in desperate acts. There are some that see no way out of their delima other than to report their auto as stolen hoping that their insurance company will pay the loss and in turn; releive them of the burden of the car. Authorities report a growing number of cars are being dumped in the Great Lakes, and being found burned along roadsides .
A word of warning if you’re considering carrying out any such plan……. Don’t.
Insurance companies are getting much better at discovering these kinds of scams. First your company is likely to check for evidence that could “Raise red flags”. Facts like, have you recently lost your job, is the value of the car low relative to the amount financed, are you behind on your payments. More often when they recover the car (Perhaps stripped and a total loss) they can determine if the car was last driven with a key, and if there was prior damage and or mechanical problems.
The chance that you’ll get away with such a SCAM is far less than it was in years past. Insurance companies “Cracking-down” on these kinds of crimes, have help bring down car insurance costs. More and more insurance companies are taking a very hard line; meaning ,if you get caught you will probably end up being prosecuted criminally, not just having your claim denied.
Larry Lubell
If you have a question, please contact us at 1-800-680-0707
http://www.ubraninsuranceagency.com/
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Can you see the bottom from here?
For the past year there has been an unending avalanche of ever increasingly bad economic news.
While at first, the disaster seemed to effect those living in, or those holding the paper on homes with "Sub-Prime" loans. Quickly, we found out that the problem was far larger than first thought, and as home prices fell, even those loans that should have had sufficient equity, became "Up-side-down" by falling prices.
We also had a rude awakening when we found that AIG and other institutions that should have been free of any exposure; had engaged in risky investments using "Sub-Prime" loans, hoping for double digit returns, rather than the safer, albeit lower return, products that insurance companies have traditionally used to build their portfolio. In some cases these "Higher returns" were allowing companies to cover up the fact that they were loosing money on the sale of their products.
So, with all of the "Bad News" that we have been inundated for the past year; it is wonderful to finally get some good news.The Dow which have plummeted to 6,469, has actually worked it's way back to 7,839 ( 22% gain). Sales of new homes posted an unexpected gain of 4.7 % in February,
The Commerce Department said Wednesday that orders for durable goods (manufactured products expected to last at least three years) increased 3.4 percent last month, Which was a surprise to economists that expected a 2 % fall .This was the first advance after a record six straight months of declines and the strongest single month gain in 14 months.
"The worst of the drop in (home) sales is over but a sustained recovery, still less price stability, is a way off still," Ian Shepherdson, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics, wrote in a note to clients.
Let's not kid our selves into thinking that the "Tough- Times" are over; or even that things in many sectors will not get worse before they begin to get better. But just maybe, this is a sign that at least the rate we are falling is beginning to slow. So let's hold out some hope that we are at least approaching the bottom, and that some positive economic news will be in our future.
While at first, the disaster seemed to effect those living in, or those holding the paper on homes with "Sub-Prime" loans. Quickly, we found out that the problem was far larger than first thought, and as home prices fell, even those loans that should have had sufficient equity, became "Up-side-down" by falling prices.
We also had a rude awakening when we found that AIG and other institutions that should have been free of any exposure; had engaged in risky investments using "Sub-Prime" loans, hoping for double digit returns, rather than the safer, albeit lower return, products that insurance companies have traditionally used to build their portfolio. In some cases these "Higher returns" were allowing companies to cover up the fact that they were loosing money on the sale of their products.
So, with all of the "Bad News" that we have been inundated for the past year; it is wonderful to finally get some good news.The Dow which have plummeted to 6,469, has actually worked it's way back to 7,839 ( 22% gain). Sales of new homes posted an unexpected gain of 4.7 % in February,
The Commerce Department said Wednesday that orders for durable goods (manufactured products expected to last at least three years) increased 3.4 percent last month, Which was a surprise to economists that expected a 2 % fall .This was the first advance after a record six straight months of declines and the strongest single month gain in 14 months.
"The worst of the drop in (home) sales is over but a sustained recovery, still less price stability, is a way off still," Ian Shepherdson, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics, wrote in a note to clients.
Let's not kid our selves into thinking that the "Tough- Times" are over; or even that things in many sectors will not get worse before they begin to get better. But just maybe, this is a sign that at least the rate we are falling is beginning to slow. So let's hold out some hope that we are at least approaching the bottom, and that some positive economic news will be in our future.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Banks in danger of closing
Name .................Last Price .....52 Week Low......... 52 Week High
Wells Fargo .....................12.81 ......................8.81 ..................................44.69
JPMorgan Chase ...............20.94 .....................17.70................................ 50.63
Citigroup ..........................2.57 .......................1.61 .................................27.35
BANK OF America .............4.75 .......................2.53.................................. 43.46
Wells Fargo .....................12.81 ......................8.81 ..................................44.69
JPMorgan Chase ...............20.94 .....................17.70................................ 50.63
Citigroup ..........................2.57 .......................1.61 .................................27.35
BANK OF America .............4.75 .......................2.53.................................. 43.46
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Gaza in Flames
After ten days of the latest bloodshed, Gaza seems to be a land where all Hope has vanished.
The unending cycle of violence stems from Hamas's refusal to recognize Israel's right to exist and commitment to destroy the Jewish state. Since Hamas won control of the Palestinian Authority parliament in elections in 2006, they have ratcheted up the level of attacks against Israel, in large part through the use of short range missiles. Hamas had fired 30 rockets at Israel by Tuesday afternoon, the Israeli military said. Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida has warned Israel that the militants will continue rocket attacks "for many months" and vowed to strike deeper into Israeli territory. True to their threat, a Hamas rocket landed in the town of Gadera, Israel, about 23 miles north of the Gaza border. Yesterday, a rocket hit a kindergarten in the Israeli city of Ashdod, about 16 miles north of Gaza.
In response to being shelled from Gaza, Israel launched first an air offensive, then as a last resort, followed with sending troupes into the territories. Hamas understands they do not have the equipment to stand toe to toe against the high-tech weaponry of Israel: so instead they look for opportunities to inflict damage, wait for a response; then point to their dead and demand that the world stop Israel. While Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization, by Israel, the United States and the EU; they understand that the Palestinians are seen as the underdogs, and that pressure will be brought down on to Israel. Hamas recognizes that the more horrific the images, the greater the force placed on Israel to pull back. It is for that reason that Hamas intentionally places woman and children in the center of the armed conflict. Place rocket launchers inside a school and fire at the Israelis, if they don't fire back you win, if they do fire back you win. It's a great strategy, as long as you don't care about the deaths of your own children.
Yet again today we saw the same plan used , a spokesman for the Israeli military today said Hamas militants positioned in a school, had fired mortar shells at Israeli forces, prompting return fire.Palestinian sources said 44 were killed in the attack.
U.N. Relief and Works Agency Director John Ging said most of the casualties were outside the school in the Jabalya refugee camp.
"It's a very built-up area, so of course it was entirely inevitable that if artillery shells landed in that area there would be a high number of casualties," he said at a U.N. briefing from Gaza City. A short time later, another artillery shell struck inside a second U.N. school in Jabalya, but Ging said the boys' prep school was empty at the time
Israel continued airstrikes targeting the homes of people linked to Hamas, An overnight airstrike hit the Jabalya home of Imad Siam, one of the leaders of Hamas' military wing according to Hamas security sources. Israel claimed Tuesday to have killed 130 Hamas fighters since beginning a ground offensive at dusk Saturday. An Israeli soldier was killed Tuesday morning in northern Gaza City, the Israeli military said, bringing to six the number of Israeli forces who have died in Gaza since Israel launched its ground incursion.
.Arab foreign ministers met at the United Nations to work up a U.N. draft resolution calling for Israel to stop its offensive in Gaza and for Hamas, which rules the territory, to cease firing rockets at the Jewish state. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas plans to present a resolution drafted by the Arab League to the U.N. Security Council. The resolution will call for Israel to stop its offensive in Gaza and for Hamas to cease firing rockets at the Jewish state.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday told French President Nicolas Sarkozy that Israel wanted a "full solution" to the conflict, not just a cease-fire that allowed Hamas to fortify itself, Olmert spokesman Mark Regev said.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, stated that any cease-fire in the Gaza conflict will require "clear and definitive action" to halt the smuggling of weapons and money into the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory.
"If there is strong action on that front, so that Israel feels it has achieved something -- namely the end of the smuggling of weapons and finance to Hamas -- then I think it is possible to resolve this reasonably quickly," Blair told CNN.
"If that doesn't happen, if we're not in that position, then obviously it's going to go on."
The true tragedy is that it is the most innocent, that often pay the highest price. The threat of Hamas rockets in the south of Israel is taken so seriously that almost all the schools within rocket range of Gaza have locked their gates and told children not to come to school. According to the Israeli government, 300,000 students are affected.
Children accounted for one-third of the casualties at Gaza's main hospital, and now Hamas and their media are making them the face of the attacks.
"When the Jews bomb us when we are asleep, [Hassanin] says 'We get scared,' " a translator says.
Hassanin is one boy from Gaza being interviewed by an anchor on Hamas TV about the attacks.
When we will grow up, we will bomb them back," said Hassanin on Hamas TV
The children have seen terrible images of tragedy: their friends injured or killed and bloodied bodies in the streets.They are images Hassanin says he will never forget. He'll keep them stored away until he's old enough to do something about it.It's a sentiment psychiatrists in Gaza say could be responsible a frightening future -- that the violence children are witnessing will sow the seeds for future violence.
Gaby Schrieber, an Israeli psychiatrist at Barzilai Hospital, says Israeli children get excellent help and structured support -- something he fears children in Gaza won't be receiving.
And if they don't get the support they need or hope for a better future, Schrieber worries what will happen to them.
"Where is hope for them, and how can they structure their future in their minds?" Schrieber said. "They can become extremists."
After ten days of the latest bloodshed, .
So the unending cycle of violence continues to plunge Gaza deeper into a hell where all Hope has vanished
The unending cycle of violence stems from Hamas's refusal to recognize Israel's right to exist and commitment to destroy the Jewish state. Since Hamas won control of the Palestinian Authority parliament in elections in 2006, they have ratcheted up the level of attacks against Israel, in large part through the use of short range missiles. Hamas had fired 30 rockets at Israel by Tuesday afternoon, the Israeli military said. Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida has warned Israel that the militants will continue rocket attacks "for many months" and vowed to strike deeper into Israeli territory. True to their threat, a Hamas rocket landed in the town of Gadera, Israel, about 23 miles north of the Gaza border. Yesterday, a rocket hit a kindergarten in the Israeli city of Ashdod, about 16 miles north of Gaza.
In response to being shelled from Gaza, Israel launched first an air offensive, then as a last resort, followed with sending troupes into the territories. Hamas understands they do not have the equipment to stand toe to toe against the high-tech weaponry of Israel: so instead they look for opportunities to inflict damage, wait for a response; then point to their dead and demand that the world stop Israel. While Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization, by Israel, the United States and the EU; they understand that the Palestinians are seen as the underdogs, and that pressure will be brought down on to Israel. Hamas recognizes that the more horrific the images, the greater the force placed on Israel to pull back. It is for that reason that Hamas intentionally places woman and children in the center of the armed conflict. Place rocket launchers inside a school and fire at the Israelis, if they don't fire back you win, if they do fire back you win. It's a great strategy, as long as you don't care about the deaths of your own children.
Yet again today we saw the same plan used , a spokesman for the Israeli military today said Hamas militants positioned in a school, had fired mortar shells at Israeli forces, prompting return fire.Palestinian sources said 44 were killed in the attack.
U.N. Relief and Works Agency Director John Ging said most of the casualties were outside the school in the Jabalya refugee camp.
"It's a very built-up area, so of course it was entirely inevitable that if artillery shells landed in that area there would be a high number of casualties," he said at a U.N. briefing from Gaza City. A short time later, another artillery shell struck inside a second U.N. school in Jabalya, but Ging said the boys' prep school was empty at the time
Israel continued airstrikes targeting the homes of people linked to Hamas, An overnight airstrike hit the Jabalya home of Imad Siam, one of the leaders of Hamas' military wing according to Hamas security sources. Israel claimed Tuesday to have killed 130 Hamas fighters since beginning a ground offensive at dusk Saturday. An Israeli soldier was killed Tuesday morning in northern Gaza City, the Israeli military said, bringing to six the number of Israeli forces who have died in Gaza since Israel launched its ground incursion.
.Arab foreign ministers met at the United Nations to work up a U.N. draft resolution calling for Israel to stop its offensive in Gaza and for Hamas, which rules the territory, to cease firing rockets at the Jewish state. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas plans to present a resolution drafted by the Arab League to the U.N. Security Council. The resolution will call for Israel to stop its offensive in Gaza and for Hamas to cease firing rockets at the Jewish state.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday told French President Nicolas Sarkozy that Israel wanted a "full solution" to the conflict, not just a cease-fire that allowed Hamas to fortify itself, Olmert spokesman Mark Regev said.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, stated that any cease-fire in the Gaza conflict will require "clear and definitive action" to halt the smuggling of weapons and money into the Hamas-ruled Palestinian territory.
"If there is strong action on that front, so that Israel feels it has achieved something -- namely the end of the smuggling of weapons and finance to Hamas -- then I think it is possible to resolve this reasonably quickly," Blair told CNN.
"If that doesn't happen, if we're not in that position, then obviously it's going to go on."
The true tragedy is that it is the most innocent, that often pay the highest price. The threat of Hamas rockets in the south of Israel is taken so seriously that almost all the schools within rocket range of Gaza have locked their gates and told children not to come to school. According to the Israeli government, 300,000 students are affected.
Children accounted for one-third of the casualties at Gaza's main hospital, and now Hamas and their media are making them the face of the attacks.
"When the Jews bomb us when we are asleep, [Hassanin] says 'We get scared,' " a translator says.
Hassanin is one boy from Gaza being interviewed by an anchor on Hamas TV about the attacks.
When we will grow up, we will bomb them back," said Hassanin on Hamas TV
The children have seen terrible images of tragedy: their friends injured or killed and bloodied bodies in the streets.They are images Hassanin says he will never forget. He'll keep them stored away until he's old enough to do something about it.It's a sentiment psychiatrists in Gaza say could be responsible a frightening future -- that the violence children are witnessing will sow the seeds for future violence.
Gaby Schrieber, an Israeli psychiatrist at Barzilai Hospital, says Israeli children get excellent help and structured support -- something he fears children in Gaza won't be receiving.
And if they don't get the support they need or hope for a better future, Schrieber worries what will happen to them.
"Where is hope for them, and how can they structure their future in their minds?" Schrieber said. "They can become extremists."
After ten days of the latest bloodshed, .
So the unending cycle of violence continues to plunge Gaza deeper into a hell where all Hope has vanished
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