The largest publicly traded U.S. home and auto insurer, dropped 21 percent in New York trading after a quarterly loss raised concern the company may end its 14-year streak of boosting its dividend.

Chief Executive Officer Tom Wilson said yesterday he’s cutting 1,000 jobs at the life insurance business and reviewing the products sold by the unit after it caused Allstate to lose $1.13 billion in the three months ended Dec. 31. The Northbrook, Illinois-based company had a net loss of $1.68 billion, or $3.07 a share, in 2008, its first unprofitable year as a public firm.

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Why Insurance can Save You Money

Insurance is something we all grumble about whether we pay every month, every six months or every year. Car insurance, house insurance, boat or motorcycle insurance, it does not matter. We all gripe about having to pay it, the high cost and the seemingly futility of paying for something that you pray you never need: then one day, blammo!, you need it, and boy are you ever glad then. But insurance, as odd as it might sound, can actually save you money in the long run. How, you ask? Simple.

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Jennifer from California said, “Thank you so much Ben.  You have been very pleasant to work with.  “

Richard from California said,

Mr Black you guys have made it painless for me to get back on the road. I have a couple DUIs and I thought It would be a nightmare but Teresa got me started on my 4-Runner and then my Harley. I have been clean and sober for almost 2 years now and its people like YOU that allow me to enjoy sobriety’s rewards. Keep up the good work. And give Teresa a raise! Thanks, I will send you guys future customers.

In these tough economic times, many people may be tempted to reduce the amount of auto insurance coverage they have or drop their auto insurance altogether in order to save money.

Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson is urging Ohioans to carefully consider the risks of doing so before making a decision.

“If a person drives without auto insurance, they will be breaking the law,” said Director Hudson. “Also, many Ohioans think they can save money by purchasing only the bare minimum requirements. While minimum coverage does cost less, Ohioans need to realize that auto insurance minimum requirements don’t always provide adequate coverage in the event of an accident.”

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North Dakota drivers’ minimum required insurance coverage for accidents hasn’t changed in 24 years and should be raised, the state House narrowly decided after debating whether motorists could afford the increase.

“We talk about wanting people to have higher and better insurance, higher coverage, and I agree,” said Rep. Dan Ruby, R-Minot. “The reality is, though, do you want people to have the best, or none? Or do you want them to have some?”

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Everyone knows that traffic tickets can lead to higher auto insurance rates. But did you know that driving while talking on a cell phone is now a ticketable offense in many states?

Taking the time to understand new cell phone laws can help you save money on your car insurance in 2009.

Cell Phone Laws in 2009

Although the laws vary by state, six states and Washington D.C. have laws banning the use of hand-held cell phones while driving (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Seventeen states and Washington D.C. have graduated licensing systems banning the use of cell phones by teens. And beginning January 1, 2009, California extended its hand-held cell phone ban to include text messaging.

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More California Drivers Uninsured

SACRAMENTO, CA — The economic downturn may have pushed the number of uninsured drivers on the road to an all-time high. Experts said the number of those drivers had increased to an alarming rate.

According to the study conducted by the Insurance Research Council, California ranks 7th in the country on the list of the most uninsured drivers, with a whopping 18 percent of drivers hitting the roads uninsured. That breaks down to about one in five California drivers. The data was based on 2007 numbers, the most recent data available.

New Mexico ranked the highest in the study conducted by the Insurance Research Council. Of that state’s drivers, a whopping 29 percent were uninsured.

The national uninsured motorist rate was 13.8 percent, and due to rising unemployment trends, the number was expected to rise to 16.1 percent by 2010.  Fix your lack of insurance or add uninsured motorist coverage by getting cheap car insurance here.  Call now.  1-800-546-5470