Posted on 03/20/2006 5:25:49 PM PST by mathprof
A leading U.S. consumer group Monday accused Geico Corp. of using consumers' education backgrounds and occupations as criteria in setting auto insurance rates, resulting in discrimination against minorities and lower-income people.
The Consumer Federation of America (CFA) charged that the No. 4 U.S. auto insurer, has adopted rating methods and underwriting guidelines in 44 states that directly tie rates to education and occupation.
Geico, a unit of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK), the insurance and investment company controlled by billionaire Warren Buffett, rejected the charges. It called them "an offensive attempt to link fundamentally fair and actuarially sound industry practices with invidious discrimination."
The insurer provides auto insurance to more than 6 million policyholders, and insures more than 10 million vehicles.
Robert Hunter, the CFA's director of insurance and a former Texas insurance commissioner, called Geico's rate-setting policies an "underwriting sleight-of-hand" that can shortchange thousands of drivers.
Under Geico's guidelines, he said, a New Orleans factory worker without a high school education would pay $2,636 for insurance, 91 percent more the $1,382 that a white-collar worker with a graduate degree would pay for the same vehicle and location.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
People who pay for their insurance independently are certainly judged based on actuarial criteria like the type you mention. People who buy their health insurance through their employer are somewhat insulated because their rates are negotiated by their employers and (depending on the size of the company) partially subsidized by their employer as well.
"5 years since I quit"
Do you ever have nightmares that you've started again?
In the New York area, our rates apparently have to subsidize the illegals and the "poor" who decide they have nothing to lose by driving without insurance or stealing cars.
What about a 40 yo that went to tech school ? ;)
Seriously, has anybody considered the types of vehicles driven by members of different groups? I'm sure a Lexus SUV is far safer than a bitchin' Camaro.
You'd think, but the government has the habit of getting involved. Usually some politician in a given state will make a stink about some perceived inequity, ram-rodding legislation through to right said perceived inequity. Warm and fuzzies to all involved, everything is sweetness and light. In the past similar stunts along these lines has caused companies to pull completely out of certain states. "If that's the deal, we'll just leave, no thanks."
The government's answer to this angle is to *force* insurance companies to provide coverage (at reduced rates) to those who wouldn't get written in the first place.
"$700?? Is it an older vehicle?"
Nope. New Toyota vans about every three years.
"In the New York area, our rates apparently have to subsidize the illegals and the "poor" who decide they have nothing to lose by driving without insurance or stealing cars."
Guess so. Either that, or the insurance companies are reaping some big profits.
For all on this thread the IE stands for "imaginary engineer".
(From a ME.)
And so what? What makes me mad is that here is another blood sucking non profit that pays no income tax and is attempting to make money and damage a company that makes money, pays taxes and does something worthwhile.
Did you know that there are over 1 million nonprofits in America? Way too many of them are in business to either enrich their handlers or push their own little political agendas. WE NEED NONPROFIT CORPORATION REFORM!
Consider this. Consumers Union, the people that publish Consumers Report are a non-profit. They took in $192 million last years and have $400+ million in assets. Why are they a "charity"? Why is PETA or the ADL who pays Abe Foxman $400,000+ a year charities?
Fraud.
Hate to tell you this but my entire annual Geico premium for three vehicles is just under $700. I did get a quote from AARP (DIDN'T join), and it is $100 cheaper yet.
Ah, a glorified auto mechnic speaks! (my brother and I have these battles often, good fun)
This company is non-profit? I didn't know that.
'live good in the midwest'
Those aren't shooting stars. They are .40 S&W from Detroit.
USAA was the insurer of someone who hit my daughter a couple of weeks ago. They handled it properly and promptly from our perspective.
I use 10 W 30. :)
"Do you ever have nightmares that you've started again?"
It certainly comes up in my dreams a LOT. What is wild is in the first few years, I would actually almost start to take a drag and then I would wake up with sweats as bad as a pursuit nightmare.
But in the last few years, I turn smoking down, even in my dreams (but the temptation in my dreams is as strong as in real life after a few beers). When you turn it down in your dreams, you know your subconscious is on board.
But I understand addiction very deeply. If I didn't care if I lived, then I would probably go back. My love for my wife keeps me strong. I want wonderful sunset years with my wife. I owe her that and it is important I be there or the picture is flawed.
LOL!!! Hey, don't knock it; if you know MA, THAT'S and ENDORSEMENT!
Yes, you are right. I wonder if the day will come, though, where all health insurers, private as well as corporate and government, will base rates on level of health risk. I don't have an opinion at this time, but it is something to ponder.
I had Geico many years ago and thought I was getting a steal on insurance then I switched to this company called Amica and I had my insurance bill cut in half for having a perfect driving record, I will never return to Geico again. I had a 2001 Ford F150 and paid 1200 a year on full coverage with 500 deductables across the board, Amica was a little over 650 and with just the 250 deductable, now my liabilty on the same vehicle is just 300 for a year.
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