Editorials

March 12, 2007

Welcome.

As we roll out Claims Reporter, the nation's first advocacy e-magazine targeting consumers who purchase or have a claim with property/casualty insurance companies, we will be editing and updating written/video content continuously to bring you the information you want.

Insurance is an important and necessary part of our lives. Laws require insurance to drive a car, and banks require insurance to get a mortgage. Yet a 2006 survey conducted in Oregon showed that over 60% of consumers trust the autobody shop over the insurance company.

We can only speculate that the distrust consumers show toward their insurers is rooted in past experiences, perceptions, facts and fiction.

With insurance profits at record highs, is it a coincidence that more and more Americans are filing denials/abuse complaints against insurance companies?

Our investigation profile begins with Safeco, one of the nation's worst insurers according to a 2006 Northwest Trade Association survey -- receiving a D rating. We will bring you, our reader, a weekly snapshot of interviews, court documentation, raw video and investigative reports as we compile our first television documentary, Safeco, a Fall From Grace, to be released in the spring of 2008.

Thank you,

Editor in chief, Claims Reporter