Are Some Insurance Companies Putting Profits Before People?
    NOW
    t r u t h o u t | Programming Note

    Airdate: Friday, August 17, 2007 at 8:30 p.m. EDT on PBS.
    (Check local listings at http://www.pbs.org/now/sched.html.)

Are some insurance companies putting profits before people? This time on "NOW."

    In the fall of 2003, one of the largest recorded wildfires in California's history destroyed over 2,200 houses and killed 15 people. Soon after, many who'd lost their homes had a rude awakening: Their insurance hardly covered their losses as expected. The insurance industry, which claims to cover "more property, more lives, more liability-related risks than any time at history," is busy fighting allegations that customers are receiving smaller payouts than what they were promised. On Friday, August 17, "NOW" collaborates with Bloomberg Markets magazine to investigate tactics some insurance companies may be using to reduce, avoid or stall homeowners' claims in an effort to boost their own earnings.

    "The insurance industry ... is purposely misleading customers," California Lieutenant Governor and former Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi tells "NOW." "The first commandment of the insurance industry is, 'Thou shalt pay as little, as late, as possible.' ... You go to financial heaven if you can carry out that commandment."

    The insurance industry is enjoying record-breaking profits, but who's paying the price? This time on "NOW."