The insurance industry seems to have a love-hate relationship with smart gadgets: auto insurers want drivers to use tracking technology so they can offer more personalized rates (something many drivers don’t want), but home insurance companies aren’t likely to give homeowners with internet-connected safety systems a break on their bills. [More]
home insurance
Um, Why Did My Frigidaire Microwave Randomly Catch Fire?
By 7.24.10
Though not advertised as a feature, Matt recently learned that if you turn off a Frigidaire microwave and leave the house, it might spontaneously combust. A service tech blamed a short-circuiting switch for the blaze, which thankfully didn’t cause any serious property damage. [More]
Fear Of Northeast Katrina Guts Region's Home Insurance Coverage
By 10.18.07
NYT reports that insurance companies are convinced that a hurricane is going to hit the Northeast. A Katrina level one. They’re systematically denying all new home insurance policies. Also, they’re canceling policies for long-standing clients. Well not exactly canceling, per se, nonrenewed. When the policy expires, people are getting letters informing their policy has been nonrenewed. Sounds so much nicer that way. People have been able to get insurance with other companies, both major and smaller, but the rates and deductibles are higher, even though the water and wind still has yet to be.
