Government Rejects Request to Clean up Asbestos

LegalView Reports About the Government's Rejection of a Monetary Request to Clean up An Asbestos-Tainted Site

LegalView updated its mesothelioma blog to include news of the government denying federal funds to an area in Arkansas that was left tainted with asbestos after nearly 150 World War II structures were destroyed in a fire. The government rejected the requests from the town of Chaffee Crossing where citizens are currently at risk of contracting mesothelioma cancer.

Denver, CO - LegalView.com, the number one resource for everything legal on the Web, recently reported on its mesothelioma blog that federal funds were denied to cleanup an asbestos-tainted town in Arkansas. Chaffee Crossing is the site of a recent fire, which destroyed nearly 150 World War II (WWII) structures, releasing asbestos fibers and dust into the area potentially increasing the risk of citizens developing mesothelioma. The city requested federal funds from the government to assist the cleanup of the town, which is considered by several citizens there to be a Superfund Site. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is refusing to deem the site a Superfund because it claims that levels of asbestos in the air after the fire were too low to be deemed as such. However, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality found asbestos contamination in some areas to be much higher than EPA tests recorded. For those who live in the area or who have previously been exposed to asbestos, using LegalView's mesothelioma portal to locate a mesothelioma attorney is the best way to protect oneself.

Asbestos is a material that is derived from vermiculate, a mineral often mined for uses in construction and as building insulation. Asbestos was widely used as insulation in many early 20th Century constructions, such as those burned in Chaffee Crossing. However, after discovering the link of inhaling asbestos to an incurable form of lung cancer, the use of asbestos was discontinued and the EPA has spent billions of dollars in the removal of asbestos across the country. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos are advised to contact an experienced mesothelioma law firm to receive an attorney consultation on developing a mesothelioma lawsuit in which compensatory damages can be sought. Mesothelioma is a painful and deadly illness that takes decades to reveal itself, by which time it can be too late to find ways in paying for medical expenses. Use the mesothelioma portal to learn more about this and other recent asbestos-related news.

Additionally, LegalView offers several other information portals relating to a range of issues such as the Baxter Heparin recall, traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatments and Erb's Palsy jury verdicts. Heparin is a blood thinner injected into patients undergoing heart surgery or similar procedures. It is used to prevent blood clots, which can be fatal during surgery. Recently, the Baxter Healthcare Corporation issued a Heparin recall because several patients had reported severe allergic reactions to the drug, which has been associated with at least 19 patient deaths. LegalView.com reported updates continually to readers as this story unfolded, providing insightful and imperative news for victims of the Heparin recall. Similarly, individuals can use the TBI practice area to learn the most up-to-date news on brain injury lawsuits, jury verdicts, treatments as well as how to locate brain injury lawyers.

For information on Erb's Palsy, a condition that usually develops because of labor complications, visit Erb's Palsy lawsuit as the condition is usually preventable and caused by a physician pulling on a baby during birth.

About LegalView:
LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.LegalView.com.

Press Contact: Katie Kelley
Company Name: LegalView
Phone: 720-771-3246
Website: http://mesothelioma.legalview.com

Homeowners Receiving Structured Settlement Payments Get Foreclosure Assistance

Woodbridge Investments to Offer Foreclosure Assistance to Homeowners Receiving Structured Settlement Payments

Woodbridge Investments, LLC. a structured settlement factoring company has today announced a new program designed to aid homeowners who are facing foreclosure.

Studio City, CA  -  March 15 -- Woodbridge Investments, LLC. a structured settlement factoring company has today announced a new program designed to aid homeowners who are facing foreclosure.

The newly implemented "Woodbridge Home Owner Relief Program" will allow homeowners who are receiving structured settlement, annuity, or lottery payments to instantly borrow up to $20,000 against their settlements to reinstate or pay delinquent mortgage payments.

Heading up the innovative new program is Sofia Ekberg, who has an extensive background in debt negotiation with banks nationwide. Sofia stated, "My experience with homeowner relief programs acted as the catalyst for the idea to offer loans to homeowners receiving structured settlements."

Ms. Ekberg further added, "Management at Woodbridge Investments was thrilled with the idea and has set aside a fund to immediately begin making loans."

To qualify, an individual must own a home and at the same time be receiving a structured settlement, annuity or lottery payment.

About Woodbridge: Woodbridge Investments and its predecessor companies have been purchasing Lottery Payments, Structured Settlements and other cash flows since 1993. Over a thousand individuals and families have relied on Woodbridge to realize a large lump sum from the sale of their long term payments.

Press Contact: Jennifer Fiero
Company Name: Woodbridge Investments, LLC
Phone: 1-866-865-7044
Website: www.woodbridgeinvestments.com

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Structured settlements  are when someone receives financial or insurance periodic payments that was accepted to settle a claim such as a personal injury tort or pay off a statutory periodic payment obligation. Structured settlements were first made during the 1970s as an alternative to lump sum settlements that might cause a large corporation to go out of business. Structured settlements is part of statutory tort law in the United States. Structured settlements may or may not include income tax and spend thrift requirements and benefits. The structured settlement payments may be called periodic payments and a structured settlement that is incorporated into a trial judgment is called a periodic payment judgment.

Auction Rate Credit Linked Certificates Downgraded

Fitch Downgrades Capstan Master Trust Auction Rate Credit Linked Certificates Series 1-4

NEW YORK-- July 23, 2008 --Fitch Ratings has removed from Rating Watch Negative and downgraded the following series of Capstan Master Trust (collectively, Capstan). The following rating actions are effective immediately:

Capstan Master Trust Series 1

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

Capstan Master Trust Series 2

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

Capstan Master Trust Series 3

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

Capstan Master Trust Series 4

--$150,000,000 certificates due 2017 downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA'.

The actions reflect Fitch's view on the credit risk of the rated certificates following the release of Fitch's new Corporate CDO rating Criteria.

Capstan Series 1 through 4 are four series of auction rate credit-linked certificates, the proceeds from which were used to directly purchase $600,000,000 of credit linked certificates (the 'Underlying Collateral') referencing a static portfolio of primarily investment grade corporate assets, which was privately-rated by Fitch in July 2007. The Underlying Collateral is the sole asset of Capstan. Periodic interest payments on the auction rate credit-linked certificates are determined and paid according to an auction process, as described in the transactions' governing documents. In addition, Capstan has entered into a basis swap with Deutsche Bank AG (rated 'AA-/F1+'; Outlook Stable by Fitch), whereby income from the Underlying Collateral is transferred to Deutsche Bank AG in exchange for periodic interest payments due on the auction rate credit-linked certificates. The rating of Capstan is directly linked to the credit risk of the Underlying Collateral. Thus, the downgrades reflect Fitch's view on the credit risk of the Underlying Collateral for the deal, which was downgraded to 'A' from 'AAA' on July 23, 2008.

The key drivers of the downgrade on the Underlying Collateral include Fitch's updated corporate CDO rating criteria as well as the deterioration of the average portfolio quality from 'BBB/BBB+' on the closing date (July 2007) to 'BBB-' on July 16, 2008, representing an average downgrade of 2 notches across 51.2% of the portfolio. Currently, 18.4% of the portfolio carries a below investment grade rating, approximately 12.0% of the portfolio is on Rating Watch Negative and 17.6% is on Negative Outlook by Fitch. Moreover, 24.0% of the portfolio is concentrated in the banking & finance sector which is currently under stress.

Given Fitch's view of concentration and the current credit quality of the portfolio, the credit enhancement level of 9.8% is not sufficient to justify the current rating of the Underlying Collateral.

Fitch released updated criteria on April 30, 2008 for Corporate CDOs and, at that time, noted it would be reviewing its ratings accordingly to establish consistency for existing and new transactions. As part of this review, Fitch makes standard adjustments for any names on Rating Watch Negative or with a Negative Outlook, reducing such ratings for default analysis purposes by two and one notch, respectively. Fitch has previously noted that its review will be focused first on ratings most exposed to risks it has highlighted in its updated criteria. Consequently, the certificates were placed on Rating Watch Negative on May 15, 2008. As previously indicated, resolution of the Negative Watch status depends on any plans managers/arrangers may choose to modify either the structure or the portfolio. In this case, the arranger has confirmed that it does not intend to make any modifications.

Fitch's rating definitions and the terms of use of such ratings are available on the agency's site, www.fitchratings.com. Published ratings, criteria and methodologies are available from this site, at all times. Fitch's code of conduct, confidentiality, conflicts of interest, affiliate firewall, compliance and other relevant policies and procedures are also available from the 'Code of Conduct' section of this site.

Contacts

Fitch Ratings
Derek Miller, +1-312-368-2076 (Chicago)
Kevin Kendra, +1-212-908-0760 (New York)
Media Relations:
Julian Dennison, +44 020 7682 7480 (London)
Sandro Scenga, +1-212-908-0278 (New York)

Program Limits Homeowners, Mortgage Brokers, and Lenders

Bills.com Launches 'Know Your Limits' Program for Homeowners, Mortgage Brokers and Lenders

Program helps determine eligibility for new, higher jumbo-conforming, FHA loans

San Mateo, Calif. -  March 17 -- Today, Bills.com will launch "Know Your Limits," a quick, easy-to-use program to help homeowners determine if they are eligible for new, higher-limit loans passed in the economic stimulus package.

Last week, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight raised the size of loans that can be guaranteed by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The new loan limits will stay in effect through the end of the year. Also, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) raised the size of the loans that the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) can insure.

Previously, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae could insure only mortgages of up to $417,000. That meant - even with a 20 percent down payment - only buyers of homes costing $521,500 or less were eligible for these mortgages. The new "jumbo-conforming" loan limits vary by area, with the maximum loan amount 125 percent of the median home value of the county in which the home is located. The new loan limits affect homeowners and buyers in 71 metropolitan areas and 21 counties outside of those metro areas, reaching as high as $793,750 in Honolulu.

Loan limits for FHA-insured loans were even lower, with a previous limit of $362,790. Now, mortgages of up to $729,750 can qualify for FHA insurance.

For homeowners and home buyers
Determining eligibility for the new loans can be challenging, says Ethan Ewing, president of Bills.com. With the "Know Your Limits" program, applicants can complete a simple form (www.bills.com/fhasecure) and receive an immediate assessment of their eligibility, Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae and FHA loan limits, and up to four lender matches for their specific situations.

For mortgage brokers and lenders
As part of the "Know Your Limits" program, mortgage lenders and brokers can reach homeowners eligible for the new loans quickly and easily. The "FHA Select" program will match lenders and brokers with applicants whose desired loan amount is below the FHA loan limit for their county of residence. A corresponding "Stimulus Select" program will match applicants who are eligible for jumbo-conforming loans. Both FHA Select and Stimulus Select are activated on a filter-by-filter basis, and are optional.

"The new limits will make it easier for buyers to get loans, which should help the home markets get moving again," says Ethan Ewing, president of Bills.com. "We've been in a situation where the average cost of a home in large areas of the country was far greater than available loans. These new programs will be of great assistance to home buyers, homeowners who have been unable to get out of their adjustable-rate mortgages, as well as the broker/lender community."

Based in San Mateo, Calif., Bills.com is a free one-stop online portal where consumers can educate themselves about complex personal finance issues and comparison shop for products and services including credit cards, debt relief assistance, insurance, mortgages and other loans. The company blogs about consumer finance issues at http://www.bills.com/blog. Since 2002, Bills.com has served more than 30,000 customers nationwide while managing more than $1 billion in consumer debt. Bills.com is a division of Freedom Financial Network, LLC, whose co-founders and CEOs, Andrew Housser and Brad Stroh, have been named Northern California finalists in Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

Press Contact: Aimee Bennett
Company Name: Bills.com
Phone: 303-843-9840
Website: www.bills.com

Despite Credit Crunch Homeowner Loans Activity Increasing

Homeowner Loans Are on the Rise, Despite Credit Crunch

Despite the recent credit crunch in the USA and the UK, the folks behind Phillips Financial Services (http://www.phillipsfinancialservices.co.uk) say secured loans and homeowner loans are on the rise.

Essex, UK  -  March 13 -- While a credit crunch in the USA and the UK has lead to increased speculation of a recession, a UK company specializing in secured loans and homeowner loans says both types are on the rise.

The company is Phillips Financial Services (http://www.phillipsfinancialservices.co.uk) and their message is clear; secured loan lending in the UK is increasing and is set to continue rising for the foreseeable future.

"We are one of the leading independent finance brokers in the UK, providing a very wide range of loan and mortgage solutions to consumers nationwide," said spokesman Kieron Phillips. "We offer finance solutions to people with a good and bad credit history and we have definitely seen an increase in the amount of homeowner loans and secured loans being issued."

While homeowner loans do require borrowers to put up their houses to secure the loan, it's obvious that many homeowners are willing to take the chance, thanks in part to the added benefits of the homeowner loan. Such as:

Loans from £10,000 to £500,000
Repayment terms from 2 years up to 30 years
Up to 125% LTV (loan to value)
Loans against difficult or unusual property
Loans available on buy to let or rented houses

"As long as the title deeds belong to you we can arrange you a low rate homeowner loan," said Phillips. "It doesn't matter if you have good credit or bad credit, as long as you have something to borrow against, a homeowner loan or secured loan is one of the easiest loans to get."

For more information on Phillips Financial Services, please visit: http://www.phillipsfinancialservices.co.uk

About Phillips Financial Services:

Phillips Financial Services is one of the leading independent finance brokers in the UK, providing a very wide range of loan and mortgage solutions to consumers nationwide. They offer finance solutions to people with a good and bad credit history, they can help most people, even those with an adverse credit history.

Contact Information:

Kieron Phillips
+44 0208 1237274
http://www.phillipsfinancialservices.co.uk

Press Contact: Kieron Phillips
Company Name: Phillips Financial Services
Phone: +44 0208 1237274
Website: http://www.phillipsfinancialservices.co.uk

Prescription for Avoiding Subprime Mortgages

Bills.com's Housser Provides Prescription for Avoiding Subprime Mortgages

Online consumer portal founder offers 9 steps to build prime-worthy credit

San Mateo, Calif.  -  March 12 -- Rising foreclosure rates. Tightened mortgage lending and a government bailout plan. Companies folding and talk of a looming recession. Over the past year, the United States has undergone an economic correction based in large part on the implosion of the subprime lending market, but Bills.com co-founder and co-CEO Andrew Housser tells would-be home buyers how to shore up their credit scores and profiles to help remain eligible for a new mortgage, even in these difficult times.

"Today, it is increasingly difficult to obtain a subprime mortgage, a term that refers to a home loan made to individuals with less than 'prime' credit," Housser explained. "Fortunately, one surefire way exists to avoid a subprime mortgage. It is to not need one -- by having prime-worthy credit."

Credit scores range from 300 to 850. Higher numbers indicate better credit, or a greater likelihood of repaying debt. The median U.S. credit score is about 725. A score below 680 usually results in a borrower being charged a higher interest rate or being denied credit. Lower scores (typically 650, or sometimes 620) are considered subprime.

"These scores qualify only for loans with higher interest and stricter requirements -- if you can get a loan at all," Housser said. "A good credit score can significantly boost your ability to borrow money. Credit scores also can affect consumers' ability to rent an apartment, lease a car or even get a job."

Housser offered the following tips for consumers to improve their credit scores:

1. Understand the score. The first step in good credit is monitoring credit reports. Each of the three main credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) tracks consumers' credit history and calculates their credit scores. The score from each agency may be different. Get a free credit report each year at www.annualcreditreport.com.

2. Correct mistakes. Correct any inaccuracies on the report. Visit the credit bureaus' Web sites for information on how to file a dispute. Credit bureaus must investigate any disputed items and remove them if they cannot be verified, Housser noted. Keep copies of all correspondence.

3. Build job history. A stable job history is one factor lenders consider when offering a mortgage loan. Creditors look at job history to understand a consumer's stability and income.

4. Pay bills on time. On-time payments are very important to good credit. Paying bills on time for as little as one month can raise a modest credit score by 20 points.

5. Avoid new debt. "When preparing to apply for a mortgage, do not open any new accounts for six months ahead of time," Housser cautioned. Every new inquiry to a credit report affects the credit score. However, he noted that when consumers shop for the best mortgage loan, credit bureaus do not hold against them multiple inquiries for the same product within a short period of time.

6. Avoid payday loans. Payday loans have annual rates of 200 percent (or more) -- a terrible path into a debt snowball that can destroy financial security.

7. Do not max out cards. Do not charge credit cards up to the limit. "If possible, keep one or two cards open with low or no balances," Housser said. "This will help the important 'credit utilization' aspect of the credit score. Also, avoid making substantial charges on cards one to two months before applying for a mortgage, even if the balance will later be paid in full."

8. Do use credit. Credit bureaus rely on past payment history to gauge borrowers' future behavior. Closing unused accounts while maintaining some debt creates a higher debt-to-credit ratio, which appears as a greater credit risk and lowers a credit score. Use credit cards sparingly (and pay them off monthly) to maintain a current credit history.

9. Resist identity theft. Identity theft can destroy credit ratings. "Protect yourself from unscrupulous individuals who could go through your trash, steal account numbers online or get information through "phishing" scams," Housser said. "Keep important financial information and account numbers in a secure place, shred documents that contain personal information, and never give out personal information in e-mails or phone calls you did not initiate."

"In today's financial market, a good credit score is more important than ever," Housser said. "Take steps today to build and safeguard your credit. A solid score will repay your efforts today and in the future."

Based in San Mateo, Calif., Bills.com is a free one-stop online portal where consumers can educate themselves about complex personal finance issues and comparison shop for products and services including credit cards, debt relief assistance, insurance, mortgages and other loans. The company blogs about consumer finance issues at http://www.bills.com/blog. Since 2002, Bills.com has served more than 30,000 customers nationwide while managing more than $1 billion in consumer debt. Bills.com is a division of Freedom Financial Network, LLC, whose co-founders and CEOs, Andrew Housser and Brad Stroh, have been named Northern California finalists in Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

Press Contact: Aimee Bennett
Company Name: Bills.com
Phone: 303-843-9840
Website: www.bills.com

New, Flexible Individual Health Insurance Plans

HumanaOne Introduces New, Flexible Individual Health Insurance Plans in Nine States

Individual insurance plans from HumanaOne meet a wide range of consumer needs.

Louisville, KY  -  March 11 -- Humana (NYSE: HUM) today announced the introduction of a new portfolio of individual health insurance plans under its HumanaOne® brand in nine states -- Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Utah. In 2007, Humana introduced the individual health insurance coverage options in 15 other states (listed below), where they have been popular with consumers.

The variety of plans makes it easy for individuals and families to select a plan according to their own personal preferences, lifestyles and budgets. HumanaOne plans are designed specifically for self-employed entrepreneurs, small-business employees, part-time workers, students and early retirees. Humana markets HumanaOne plans through insurance agents and brokers, as well as directly to consumers. Health insurance quote applications for the plans are available online or by phone.

HumanaOne's new personal health insurance plan portfolio includes a broad spectrum of benefits -- with three in-network coinsurance levels and 17 annual deductible choices -- organized into three, distinct packages, for:

•    People who are security-minded and want benefits like those provided by big employers
•    People who want flexibility to fit their financial plan, including HSA-qualified offerings
•    People who want a low-cost plan with a safety net "just in case"

The plans can be further customized with optional benefits such as dental insurance, life insurance, and supplemental accident coverage.

"With the U.S. market for individual health insurance at 18 million and growing, we recognize that individual health insurance plans cannot be 'one size fits all,'" said Jerry Ganoni, president of HumanaOne, Humana Small Business and HumanaDental. "That's why we created three separate families of plans, each tailored for a particular kind of consumer, but at the same time highly customizable. This represents the most significant product expansion for HumanaOne since its inception in 2002."

In 2007, Humana launched the new products in 15 other states -- Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Soon, the company plans to introduce the new product portfolio in the remaining two states where HumanaOne currently operates. At present, HumanaOne serves more than 250,000 health plan members in 26 states.

The new plans from HumanaOne are designed to appeal to a variety of consumers -- from those who desire the security, coverage and service commonly found in health plans from large employers, to those wanting a simple safety net in the event of a major health problem.

The new portfolio of HumanaOne plans offers deductibles ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 for single coverage, and from $2,000 to $15,000 for family coverage. Premiums start as low as $30 per month for single coverage and increase according to the plan, its features and level of benefits.

"This new portfolio of products positions HumanaOne to serve a much larger portion of the individual health insurance market, which we believe will continue to grow at a rate of five to eight percent annually over the next five years," said Steve DeRaleau, chief operating officer of HumanaOne. "As more people leave group health plans, retire early, become self-employed or work part-time, they will increasingly look to individual health plans, and HumanaOne will be there to serve them with a plan ideally suited to their distinct needs."

Humana guarantees monthly premium rates on its HumanaOne plans for one full year after purchase, as long as the member remains in the same area and keeps the same benefits. Thanks to Humana's large network of doctors and hospitals, HumanaOne policyholders who move to a different state can simply take their plan with them, and in most cases, those who work or travel away from home can receive in-network benefits by seeing any of the more than 400,000 Humana-contracted doctors, hospitals and other health care providers across the country.

HumanaOne members have 24-hour access to online tools and resources, enabling them to check claims status, medical expenses, compare hospital, doctor and prescription costs and more. HumanaOne accepts applications by phone or via its Website at http://www.humana-one.com/.

About Humana

Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation's largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies, with approximately 11.5 million medical members. Humana is a full-service benefits solutions company, offering a wide array of health and supplementary benefit plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals.

Over its 47-year history, Humana has consistently seized opportunities to meet changing customer needs. Today, the company is a leader in consumer engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio.

More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at Humana.com, including copies of:
•    Annual reports to stockholders
•    Securities and Exchange Commission filings
•    Most recent investor conference presentations
•    Quarterly earnings news releases
•    Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls
•    Calendar of events (includes upcoming earnings conference call dates and times, as well as planned interaction with research analysts and institutional investors)
•    Corporate Governance Information

Press Contact: Jim Turner
Company Name: HumanaOne
Phone: 502-476-2119
Website: http://www.humana-one.com/

Compare Car Insurance Quotes from over 317 Insurers

New Compare.com Website Launched - Compare Car Insurance Quotes from over 317 Insurers throughout the UK

With the launch of the latest heavyweight contender in the car insurance quotes industry, The Car Insurance Megastore leads the way. Searching over 317 car insurers and schemes.

March 11 -- On March 1st, 2008 the new car insurance quotes comparison website The Car Insurance Megastore was launched, offering its customers the ability to search a massive range of UK car insurers and schemes. With the completion of one form, it is now possible to search over 317 insurance schemes/providers and obtain the cheapest quote displaying simple and informative results. Even allowing the full viewing of the policy before you buy for total peace of mind.

With the launch of the latest heavyweight contender in the car insurance quotes industry, The Car Insurance Megastore leads the way. Searching over 317 car insurers and schemes, The Car Insurance Megastore hits hard against all Compare.com websites.

There are a huge amount of car insurance comparison websites advertised, such as Compare.com along with a myriad of deals available from the larger retail supermarkets. Yes you want to save time and money, but if you target your requests for quotes properly, you could save hundreds in less than an hour online.

Many car insurance companies claim to offer policies for all types of drivers. Simply asking just any random insurance company for a quote, isn't going to save you money. If you are a new driver, a learner, convicted driver, lady driver, or a motorist with little driving history, you need to get a specialist quote.

This is where car insurance comparison websites step in, enabling you, the customer to compare all these specialist providers by filling out just one form. All the quotes returned will then be organised, with lowest price first. You can then plough through the results simply selecting the right cover for you!

There are a number of price crunching web sites online. To provide you with a rate, they will ask you some basic information about yourself, what level of cover you need, and then request quotes from various different car insurance companies in a single search.

With car insurance premiums climbing higher each year, particularly for learner drivers, students and young drivers, make the insurers work for your business.

If you are in a statistically higher risk driver group, for motor insurance, the more money you will save if you shop around. By using a comparison website, you only have to enter your details once but get a vast number of quotes to select from, saving time and money in your search for car insurance cover.

Where to Look?

With a plethora of car insurance comparison sites to choose from, where do you start? Why not check out the UK's fastest growing car insurance comparison website - Car Insurance Megastore with over 317 insurers and schemes to choose from. With some of the lowest prices on the internet. The only Compare.com Website you will ever need to browse for car insurance.

Press Contact: ANDY BIGGS
Company Name: Car Insurance Megastore
Phone: 0796 000 3186
Website: http://www.carinsurancequotes.uk.com/compare.com.php

 

Asbestos Contaminated Housing Project Crews Hid Asbestos Leak

LegalView Releases News on Asbestos Contaminated Housing Project Where Crews Hid Asbestos Leak with Dirt

LegalView reported on its mesothelioma blog about an asbestos contamination that occurred in Miami during the construction of an affordable housing project. The project, now likely to cost five times the original estimate, was contaminated after crews clearing the area hid an asbestos leak with piles of dirt.

Denver, CO  -  April 12 -- LegalView.com updated its mesothelioma blog with reports of an asbestos contamination that was concealed with piles of dirt by construction crews who were clearing the area for an affordable housing project. The contamination not only increased the risk of exposure to asbestos and thus development of mesothelioma for individuals in the area, but increased the cost of the affordable housing project by five times the originally estimated amount. Individuals living in the area may have been exposed to asbestos fibers and are urged to contact a medical professional as soon as possible. Additionally, Americans who may have been exposed to asbestos should also contact an experienced mesothelioma law firm.

Asbestos is derived vermiculite, a mineral that was heavily mined in the 20th Century. Asbestos was prized for its ability to insulate buildings with a decreased risk of catching fire. It was used for all types of constructions including schools, offices, homes and apartment buildings. However, after discovering that asbestos exposure caused a deadly lung disease among exposed individuals, mining stopped and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was charged with the task of cleaning up any asbestos. Mesothelioma cancer, which is an untreatable form of lung cancer, is often the outcome for individuals who were previously exposed to asbestos. Those who feel they are at risk for this illness should locate an attorney to explore the possibility of a mesothelioma lawsuit.

The area known as North Miami's Pioneer Gardens was expected to house 136 units for low-income individuals. However, when a contractor began digging, it was discovered that workers who had previously cleared the site had inadvertently caused an asbestos leak when underground pipes containing the contaminant were broken. The workers allegedly covered the leak with piles of dirt and it was left until just recently when digging began. It can take years to develop the cancer and even then a mesothelioma diagnosis is often overlooked, causing the cancer to spread among its victim. To learn about the potential for monetary compensation, individuals are advised to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer for an attorney consultation on their individual case.

Other issues that are covered on LegalView's Web site, which have largely negatively impacted thousands of Americans recently, include several prescription drugs - Chantix, Singulair, as well as Vytorin and Zetia. Chantix is a smoking cessation drug that is prescribed to millions of Americans struggling to quit their tobacco addiction. In late 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began receiving reports from patients taking Chantix that the drug was linked with instances of depression, erratic behavior and suicidal tendencies and thoughts. Overall, nearly 400 individuals reported this behavior and the drug was also allegedly linked to 37 suicides among patients. The FDA quickly began investigating the drug and are currently studying the Chantix side effects to determine the drug's dangers.

Similar to the dangerous side effects that have been associated with Chantix, are those that have been linked to Singulair, also a prescription drug, which is given to patients who suffer from severe asthma and allergy symptoms. However, in March 2008, reports began to surface about Singulair's potentially dangerous side effects, which may include mood and behavior changes including suicidal behavior among adults and children. The FDA is currently investigating the Singulair risks that may exist with taking this drug.

Vytorin and Zetia are similar in that both are prescription drugs used to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease among patients. Often Vytorin and Zetia are used in combination of each other and both are manufactured from Merck/Shering-Plough. Recently, the company made headlines because of an extensive study that was completed in 2006 on the two drugs, which detailed the benefits, or lack thereof, of the medications. However, the Zetia and Vytorin manufacturer allegedly delayed the release of the study to the public because findings that Vytorin and Zetia were not as effective as cheaper alternatives. This information has prompted many patients to consider a Vytorin lawsuit.

About LegalView:

LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.LegalView.com.

Press Contact: Katie Kelley
Company Name: LegalView
Phone: 720-771-3246
Website: http://mesothelioma.legalview.com

UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s Earnings Guidance and Settlements Generates Comments

A.M. Best Comments on UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s Earnings Guidance and Settlements

OLDWICK, N.J.-- July 03, 2008 --A.M. Best Co. has commented that the ratings of UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UnitedHealth) (Minnetonka, MN) (NYSE: UNH) and its subsidiaries remain unchanged following the company's release of a revision to earnings guidance and reduced second quarter and full year 2008 earnings. UnitedHealth also announced a settlement in the federal securities class action and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) lawsuits.

On July 2, 2008, UnitedHealth announced a revision to its earnings outlook for 2008 following an assessment of preliminary second quarter 2008 results and recent business trends. The company's risk-based commercial business produced a lower level of gross margin than expected due to increased pressure on premium yields, which are resulting from a competitive commercial business environment. Furthermore, UnitedHealth is experiencing a decrease in the gross margin for Medicare Part D and Medicare Chronic Special Needs Plans.

Additionally, UnitedHealth announced that it had reached an agreement to settle both the federal securities class action and ERISA lawsuits. Both lawsuits arose from UnitedHealth's historical stock option practices. As a result of the settlements, UnitedHealth will pay $895 million pre-tax into a settlement fund for the benefit of class members of the federal securities class action lawsuit and $17 million into a settlement fund for the benefit of ERISA class members. UnitedHealth's insurance carriers will cover the majority of the ERISA settlement.

A.M. Best expects UnitedHealth to continue to experience pressure in the commercial market, which may result in lower margins. The result of these announcements and the subsequent payment for the settlements are expected to increase UnitedHealth's debt-to-capital ratio above 40%, should the company use debt for the payment. While A.M. Best is not comfortable with an increase in the debt-to-capital ratio above 40%, A.M. Best expects the ratio to remain less than 45% and for this ratio to return to 40%by second quarter 2009. A.M. Best also expects UnitedHealth's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) interest coverage to remain at 10 times or greater. Additionally, A.M. Best would like UnitedHealth to scale back its share repurchase program until the debt-to-capital ratio decreases to 40%.

On January 29, 2008, A.M. Best issued a press release announcing a downgrade to the ratings of UnitedHealth Group and select subsidiaries. At that time, A.M. Best considered the change in the company's capital structure and increase in debt-to-capital ratio in the rating action.

If UnitedHealth's debt-to-capital ratio increases above 45% or if the company announces another negative revision to earnings (including any additional settlements or fines), a negative rating action may occur. Additionally, A.M. Best would take into consideration the magnitude of the amount of any settlement or fine in any rating action. A.M. Best will continue to monitor the financial results and risk-based capitalization of UnitedHealth and its insurance subsidiaries, as well as continue its ongoing dialogue with company management.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Contacts

A.M. Best Co.
Analysts:
Sally Rosen, 908-439-2200, ext. 5280
sally.rosen@ambest.com
or
Kenneth Frino, 908-439-2200, ext. 5012
kenneth.frino@ambest.com
or
Public Relations:
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com