Jolted by high gas prices this year, car owners are at least getting some insurance relief. Auto policies are basically flat or falling for many Americans. This year, the cost of auto insurance on average will rise only 0.5% — the smallest increase in six years, according to an estimate of the Insurance Information Institute out Monday. It predicts a 0.5% decline for auto rates next year, the first drop since 1999.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Workmen rolled up their sleeves at American International Group Inc this weekend to take down the most prominent sign at the downtown Manhattan offices of the embattled insurer that has become the scorn of America. A spokesman said the company had decided to replace the large AIG sign -- outside the entrance to its property-casualty offices, American International Underwriters -- as part of its plan to change that operation's name to AIU Holdings Ltd.

Cash-strapped families might be tempted to let insurance policies lapse or, at the very least, reduce auto, home and life insurance coverage. That may be possible in some cases, but making dramatic changes may not be necessary to save money. "Families should consider whether a short-term saving is worth the long-term risk," says Roger Sevigny, president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Keith Stonebraker Ins Agcy Inc 9000 Ming Ave Ste B2 | Bakersfield, CA 93311 PH: (661) 664-9663 | FX: (661) 664-1729

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