Car Rental Agency From Hell

Above, the car rental agency office from hell. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one should ever visit Houston, Texas and are in need of a rental car, one place they should never use is York Car Rental.

They are not included in the regular car rental companies that have bus service at the George Bush International Airport. They have their own shuttle van that is black.

After waiting a considerable amount of time for the van, we were taken to their business that is several miles from the airport. Upon arrival, customers have to wait in line as they have only three booths for arranging for a rental. One does not talk to a live person, but to someone in a television monitor. Frankly, I think their whole business model is a scam to force people to take their insurance.

Here's what I posted at Yelp (be sure to read all of the posted reviews):

Horrible business. They try to gouge people to take their insurance if you don't have your car insurance declaration page. Who keep their policy declaration pages with them? Their cars in shoddy condition. One tire had a cut in the sidewall an another tire had a bubble/blister forming. 

We ended up canceling and headed to a name-brand car rental agency at the airport with Uber. 

Besides the above, the representatives are unprofessional and are televised from some unknown location. Also, they are so bad that most from our van group ended up going ballistic on them and walking out. The average time people are in the booths were around an hour. 

Posted by Brian D. at Yelp:

This is an absolutely terrible business model for an airport rental car company. The amount of time it takes for someone to get a rental car at this location exceeds an hour. It is worth it to pay the extra price for an Avis or Hertz or some kind of a reputable car company rather than deal with the object incompetence of this system. The people may be very nice, but when it takes this long to rent a car the weight is not worth the decrease in price. They lure you in with a cheap price and then double the price of the car rental insisting you take their insurance. This is a bait and switch scam that the FBI and local law-enforcement should look into.

Customers are made to jump through so many hoops that it is a wonder that they didn't ask for a pint of blood to get a car. Maybe I shouldn't give them any ideas.  

House To Get A New Roof

Above, an aerial view of the property. 

Due to homeowners insurance issues, I have to re-roof the house. I had to change insurers due to area wildfire hazards and the inspector for the new insurance company came out to inspect the property.

In preparation, I did a lot of yard work to clear brush. Apparently, they didn't complain about the trees on the property as only a couple are near the house and the land was clear of brush hazards.

But, they did find that the roof was in need of replacing and they sent me a cancellation notice. I called my agent and he said that the cancellation would be rescinded if the roof was taken care of. I have until March 21 to do so.

So, I had to get a home improvement loan at my bank to get the roof replaced. It was a cinch getting the loan as I had a good credit score. 

The roofers will be starting tomorrow morning. 

Clearing The Backyard

Above, the backyard directly behind the house. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I finished a little task that was prompted by the notification by my homeowners insurance company that an inspection of my property was imminent.

Word has gotten around in the community that the county has elevated wildfire alerts. We had a meeting on this last summer.

My main concern was the brush that filled the backyard. I was looking into getting a brush hauler to come and clear it. But I then got the idea that I could do it myself with my zero-turn lawnmower.

So, on Sunday I started with the yard directly behind the house. Then, yesterday, I did the section of the yard behind the garage. The is an area that is steeply sloped that couldn't accommodate the mower. But, I least cleared about 30 feet from the garage.

The main concern in the area is for possible wildfires. It should be okay now that the brush was cut down along with the buffer of the utility access road behind my property and that the second acre (Barking Spider Acre) has been cleared for several years.  

Knock on wood!

Winter Two Days Away

Above, the toys yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two more days from today, winter solstice will kick in. 

Thus far, autumn has been relatively dry. It is hoped that we get more snow this year than last. We can use the water.

This also means that Six Mile Canyon is closed to vehicles. The forest service closes the canyon each year on December 15. So now I have to confine my Jeep driving to the community, down to the Flying J and the area near the shooting range. This is what I have been doing this week since returning from the Iowa to California trip.

Since my Christmas trip to Lake Havasu is coming up next week, I didn't bother to put the motorhome into its barn after returning home.

I got some not-so-good news in the mail yesterday. My homeowners insurer is not renewing my policy claiming there is heightened risk for wildfires in the area. Now I have to find an insurer by the end of January. I have been with this insurer for eight years and have filed no claims during that time.

The weather for Jamestown next week is shaping up as follows per the National Weather Service:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 60. West wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 57. West wind 5 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 35. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 59. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 35.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 61.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Tuesday

Partly sunny, with a high near 61.

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Wednesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 38.

Christmas Day

A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 55.

Democrats Refuse To Fix NM Medical Malpractice Insurance Problem

Doctors are fleeing New Mexico due to the high cost of medical malpractice insurance or are unable to renew their existing policies. 

You can thank the Democrats for this debacle. They are refusing to fix the problem.

 

You need to listen to this New Mexico Doctor who can't renew his insurance.

Exactly what I said would happen back in 2023.

“A sad day for health care. Democrats stopped a bill, dead in its tracks, to fix a medical malpractice bill they passed years ago that will force… https://t.co/ZmnzHoTkzY

— Rep Stefani Lord (@Lord4NM) September 3, 2025

Are You Required To Carry RV Insurance?

Above, at Blackstone North RV Park in Fresno, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV Life has posted an article titled, "Are You Required To Carry RV Insurance?" 

After having been an insurance adjuster, I find the question kind of silly. As an RV is a big investment, one would be stupid not to. A friend recently had his new-to-him fifth-wheel trailer totaled by a tree branch. Luckily, he had insurance on it.

But there's more to it than that, according to the article.

It begins with:

If you just bought an RV for the very first time, you likely have plenty of questions. You may wonder how to operate everything in the rig, or where to find the best campsites. Or even how to properly maintain your new trailer or motorhome. Another common question: Are you required to have RV insurance on a camper?

The answer to this is a little more complicated than you might imagine. There are a few different factors to consider. And, the answer will not be the same for all RVers. Lucky for you, we have all the information you need right here!

Let’s jump right in.

To read more, go here. 

Should You Cancel Your RV’s Insurance While Storing It?

Above, with snow on the ground, my RV is tucked away in its barn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Having insurance on one's RV is important and, in most cases these days, legally required (particularly liability insurance). 

The question arises, should one cancel their insurance coverage while storing the RV during the winter months?

That is the topic of an article by Gail Marsh at RV Travel. 

She begins with:

We all agree that having RV insurance is a good idea. You never know what dangers await when traveling down the road. A tire suddenly goes flat. You hit a giant pothole. Another car attempts to cut in front of you and, just like that, you’re calling your insurance company! Honestly, who could relax if they traveled without insurance? Not me!

So, you bring the rig home. You winterize it and take it to storage. Then you get out your checkbook and get ready to pay monthly fees on an RV you don’t even use. Should you keep paying for RV insurance on a rig that simply sits for months at a time? Does that make financial sense? Maybe you store your camper in your own backyard. Is it safe to drop insurance if the rig sits there, unused, for up to half the year? These are questions many RVers wonder about – especially as the summer camping season comes to an end.

To read further, go here. 

Money Magazine's Review of Progressive RV Insurance

Above, camping at Lake Cachuma. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are looking to change their insurance carriers on their RVs or who are new (or about to be new) to become an RV owner, the following should be put under consideration.

It is Money magazine's review of Progressive RV insurance, including pros and cons.

I insure my motorhome through Progressive and have done so for the five years since I've owned it. I find the premium to be reasonable. So far, I have had no need to file any claims. (Knock on wood.)

The review begins with:

Progressive is the largest motor insurance carrier in the U.S. and provides some of the best RV insurance because of its different coverage types. The company also offers numerous add-ons that allow you to customize your policy. Read our Progressive RV insurance review below to learn about its coverage, pricing, customer satisfaction and the pros and cons of buying a policy with this company.

To read the review, go here. 

Hurricane Hilary: Catastrophe For Insurers?

Hurricane Hilary (or rather, Tropical Storm Hilary) has made its way through Southern California. 

Reuters reported:

LOS ANGELES, Aug 21 (Reuters) - The first tropical storm to hit Los Angeles in more than 80 years unleashed floods across parts of Southern California more accustomed to drought, as officials urged the public to stay safe as they began to count the cost of damage.

The National Weather Service downgraded the hurricane to a tropical depression but not before California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for much of Southern California, with flash flood warnings until at least 3 a.m. (1000 GMT) on Monday.

I would not be at all surprised if the insurance claims industry assigns a catastrophe status to this event, along with a catastrophe code number, in the days ahead or have done so already. Major events such as this usually are assigned catastrophe status for anticipated high damage claims. Insurers will be hiring additional claims staff to handle the increased numbers of claims. I served on several catastrophes, the last being the Northridge Earthquake in 1994.

The Insurance Services Office (ISO) defines a catastrophe as an event that causes. $24 million or more in insured property losses and affects a significant number of. property/casualty policyholders and insurers.

It is possible that retired property adjusters, such as myself, are called up to join catastrophe teams. Good money is made in joining catastrophe claim teams.

To read more, go here.

Required RV Insurance Coverage

Above, the Beast at Petrified Forest National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Like having a trusty firearm, having RV insurance is one of those things where it is better to have it and not need it than needing it and not having it.

States require liability insurance for all vehicles, but having coverages specifically made for RVs fall under a different category.

RV Life discusses what coverages are required in a new article for recreational vehicles.

They begin it with:

Paying for RV insurance can be a pain in the neck, but you’ll be glad you have it when disaster strikes! In addition to protecting yourself and your vehicle, vehicular insurance is a requirement in every state. RVs can be a bit of a gray area, especially because motorhomes and towable models have their own rules. We’re here to help you navigate this situation though!

At the end of the day, you’ll need at least a basic level of insurance for your vehicle. Sometimes you can extend the existing liability coverage of your tow vehicle or get a separate plan for your RV. Both options have pros and cons. On the other hand, motorhomes will always need their own insurance plans.

Insurance coverage comes in all shapes and sizes. RVs are expensive, so you’ll want to protect your investment. Begin by covering the legal necessities, then branch outward from there. The more insurance you have, the better off you’ll be.

To read more, go here.

Reminds Me of the Mortgage Meltdown

Above, at Monument Valley last October. I am better off during these
 uncertain times than I was 16 years ago during the Mortgage Meltdown.

The bank collapse, inflation and financial uncertainty in recent weeks (actually in recent years, at least since Biden started occupying the White House) is reminding me more and more of the mortgage meltdown of 2008.

It affected me in a couple of ways. First, I was working for David Morse & Associates, a third-party insurance claims administrator, for a number of non-standard insurers. We handled claims for several of them. 

Trouble started in late 2007. We were getting plenty of claims work, but like a Chinese water torture, co-workers were getting laid off over several weeks. Finally, it was my turn. It was explained to me that the company got a percentage of the premium monies the insurers received as payment for administering their claims. But as the mortgage meltdown started, fewer polices were being underwritten by those insurers. Therefore, our company's income became less and less. So they had to lay off workers.

Next, I had a 401k retirement account. When the meltdown got worse, I started losing money in my account. 

While I was working for the third-party administrator, my supervisor wondered why I would do my periodic shoots to maintain my security gun permit. I told him that it was my hedge in case of job loss in insurance and one gets better pay in security if they have a gun permit. When I got laid off, he then fully understood.

After the lay-off, I worked in security mainly for the medical benefits. I also worked for an independent adjuster, but that job had no benefits. (This was just prior to ObamaCare, which really screwed things up.)

I worked the adjusting job during the day and wrote my reports while at my security posts in the evening or during the graveyard shifts.

In 2015, I decided to retire at age 62. I was financially secure with the work I was doing and from farm income I was receiving (that I inherited in 2010 after my mother passed away). Social Security benefits kicked in during the spring of 2016. 

Now that I am retired and own my own home, I don't have to worry about getting laid off. The house has no mortgage and I am getting my Social Security payments, which covers my monthly living expenses just fine since I don't have rent or house payments to make. I am in full control of my investments, so I have no worries there (I recently made some adjustments to protect them).

On the current situation, Forbes wrote:

Layoffs, return-to-office mandates, hiring freezes and reduced compensation will be results of Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse,

It looks like the country might be in or a wild ride...again!

How Likely Will Your RV Be Stolen?

Above, The Beast at the Meteor City Trading Post in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Insurance covering all kinds of recreational vehicles is relatively cheap in comparison to regular auto insurance. The theory is that one does not drive an RV quite as often as a passenger car, thus reducing risks to the vehicle.

One part of RV insurance, like regular auto insurance, is theft coverage. RVs do on occasion get stolen. Even though a stolen RV is covered by insurance, it is a pain to have to deal with the red tape in the claims process.

RV Travel posted an article on how likely it is that one's RV will be stolen. It is interesting to read as it also tells of the kinds of RVs preferred by thieves and where it will most likely be stolen. 

They begin with:

Every week, RVtravel.com publishes news of stolen RVs in its Sunday newsletter. The hope is, with your help, we may be able to reunite a stolen RV with its owner. It got us thinking: Just how likely is it that a given type of RV will be stolen? And where are the most likely places for an RV to be stolen?

To read the full article, go here. 

Japan: Americans Now Need A $28 Visa To Enter

Above, the Rainbow Bridge that spans across Tokyo Bay to Odaiba. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before the pandemic, American travelers to Japan did not have to obtain a visa to enter the country.

All that has changed since the pandemic and Japan is taking baby steps (I refer to them as "Timid Japan" over this) in reopening the country to foreign tourists. 

What else is now required to enter Japan?

From Travel Noire:

Japan is the latest country to ease its borders for at least 98 countries. If you’re heading to Japan from America, you will now need a visa to enter.

Before the pandemic, Americans didn’t pay as they were exempted from leisure travel. But all that has changed and it will cost you $28 for a single visa entry.

And it’s more than obtaining a visa to gain access to the country.

Foreign travelers will also have to obtain private medical insurance that covers medical expenses related to COVID-19. Masks are required, and travelers must be supervised by an organized tour group.

To read more, go here. 

Japan To Ask Foreign Tourists To Wear Masks and Get Insurance

Above, the good ol' days before the pandemic at Toho Studios in Setagaya.

Here's the old "good news, bad news" thing rearing its ugly head.

The good news is that foreign tourists can travel to Japan (with a group tour) again starting Friday. But the bad news is that they will have to follow guidelines of such things as wearing masks and taking out insurance.

Kyodo News reported:

The government said Tuesday it will ask foreign tourists to wear face masks and take out insurance to cover medical expenses in the event they contract COVID-19 as Japan restarts accepting visitors in stages later this week.

The tourism ministry has compiled guidelines for travel agencies and hotels ahead of Friday's resumption of accepting arrivals for the purpose of tourism. Entry will be initially restricted to guided tours from 98 countries and regions presenting the lowest risk of infection, including the United States, Britain, China, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand.

"Understanding of the guidelines and compliance will lead to the smooth resumption of inbound tourism and its expansion," Tetsuo Saito, minister of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism, told a press conference.

Under the guidelines, travel agencies will gain the consent of tour participants to comply with the measures by explaining upon sales or reservation of tours that they will not be penalized for failing to comply but may not be able to take part in tours.

To read more, go here. 

Road Trip Travel Insurance

Above, St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center, where I was air ambulanced
 during an RV trip to Wells, Nevada in 2018. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel insurance. Most people, including me, think of it as coverage for unexpected incidences that could occur while traveling overseas.

But, there is also travel insurance for domestic travel by car or RV as well. It could have come in handy when I had my medical emergency four years ago in Wells, Nevada. Luckily, I had medical coverage that covered everything, including the air ambulance. If I had paid for any RV parks or attractions in advance, road trip travel insurance would have reimbursed me if I had it.

The Points Guy takes a look at this kind of insurance and tells why travelers should purchase it.

They begin with:

If you’re planning to pack up a car or RV this summer for your version of the Great American Road Trip, consider adding one thing to your packing list: road-trip-specific travel insurance.

Throughout the pandemic, many people have been purchasing travel insurance, most commonly used for high-ticket foreign-travel journeys in order to cover potential medical emergencies or protect high-cost trip investments.

However, an increasing number of people are considering travel insurance for domestic, land-based vacations.

“People tend to only think about travel insurance when they’re flying abroad — but when you’re on the road, perhaps hundreds of miles away from home, there are things that can go wrong that could wind up costing you a lot of money,” said Carol Mueller, vice president at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection. “Road-trippers should be thinking about protecting their investment in their vacation.”

The Points Guy looked at some travel insurance companies to explore the latest insurance options on the market. Here’s a guide to why these products might be a worthwhile addition to your summer road trip.

To read more, go here. 

ANA To Introduce Travel Insurance For Passengers

Above, ANA jets at Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my travels to Japan (8 of them), I have only purchased travel insurance once. That was for the 2004 G-TOUR sponsored by G-FAN magazine through Sita World Travel. It came in handy for one of out group who got seriously sick and had to be hospitalized.

The pandemic has sparked more interest in travel insurance. However, right now, Japan's borders are closed to tourists. They have yet to reopen the country to foreign visitors.

When that happens, eventually it will, All Nippon Airways (ANA) will be providing access to travel insurance to make things easier for tourists.

According to Japan Today:

TOKYO - All Nippon Airways (ANA) will provide access to a travel insurance referral website in cooperation with Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co Ltd for customers visiting Japan from abroad.

The website provides access to travel insurance provided by members of the Tokio Marine Group and its affiliated companies (1) to customers residing overseas who have already booked and purchased ANA international flight tickets on both ANA operated flights and codeshare flights to Japan. The introduction of this service is designed to simplify the travel preparation process, improve the customer experience, and offer added reassurance during the trip. ANA and Tokio Marine & Nichido will continue to work together as international travel resumes to ensure that travel is as comfortable and convenient as possible.

To read more, go here. 

Medical Insurance and RVing

Above, the St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I had my medical emergency four years ago at the Wells Fun Run in Wells, Nevada, I had to be flown by helicopter to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put into a coronary artery.

Along with the procedure of putting the stents in and the stay in the hospital, I also had to be flown by air ambulance. The air ambulance alone cost around $55,000+. (I now have air ambulance coverage since I live in a rural area and usually patients are transferred from Gallup to Albuquerque. The coverage is good anywhere,)

Above, the air ambulance helicopter that took me to Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Fortunately for me, I had Medicaid at the time which covered all the aforementioned costs. 

Does your medical insurance coverage also include out-of-network medical treatments while RVing?

RVer Insurance Exchange has an article comparing insurance coverages with different scenarios on what each insurance covers and what they don't.

They begin with:

Improper Insurance Coverage Can Have Devastating Financial Repercussions

Have you secured health insurance coverage for the year yet? If you have, congratulations! You are among the over 297 million Americans who have some type of health insurance coverage. You have taken the first step in mitigating financial risk and giving yourself peace of mind. But, do you understand how your health insurance plan works? Does it have network restrictions that could leave you vulnerable while you’re on the road? What does it (or you!) pay for a specialist’s visit, urgent care visit, or ER visit?

Understanding your plan’s benefits is almost as important as having coverage itself. If you do not use your plan properly, you will be on the hook for outstanding medical bills, causing stress and major financial burden. As a licensed health insurance agent working with the RVer Insurance Exchange, it is my job to not only provide health insurance options, but to help RVers and travelers understand how the plan they are purchasing actually works.

To read more, go here. 

Western General Insurance Co. In Liquidation

Well, this couldn't have happened to a better company.

Western General Insurance Company has been placed into liquidation by the California Superior Court. It really doesn't come as a surprise to me as I worked there back in 2002 to 2004. It was a Mickey Mouse operation from the get-go and they worked its employees to death with their procedures and by tyrannical managers who ran the company's departments into the ground. It became a hell-hole run by assholes.

According to the Conservation & Liquidation Office of the Department of Insurance:

On August 5, 2021 the Insurance Commissioner was appointed Liquidator of Western General Insurance Company ("WGIC") by the California Superior Court for the County of Los Angeles. After months of effort to seek a buyer for the company or its book of business with no acceptable proposal received to date, the Commissioner deemed the company to be operating in a hazardous financial condition and sought statutory protection of WGIC through a consensual liquidation of the company.

 To read more, go here.

Travel + Leisure: 5 Great Travel Insurance Policies For Pandemic Travel

Above, a cruise ship about to depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel has been on the rebound, even with the outbreak of the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

People are looking into financially protecting themselves while traveling in case they get infected with the virus. They are looking more seriously in getting travel insurance, especially for international travel.

Some travel insurance excludes coronavirus and some are are coronavirus specific. As the article states, "read the fine print."

Travel + Leisure takes a look at five "great" travel insurance policies for 2022 pandemic travel.

They begin with:

When COVID-19 first brought travel to an abrupt halt in 2020, travelers were shocked to learn that their insurance didn't cover changes due to an epidemic or pandemic, even one on a global scale. Many who were in the midst of their travels ended up having to shell out their own money, while those with future plans suddenly lost out on non-refundable bookings. Nearly two years into the new reality with variants spreading and ebbing, travel bookings are being made with more caution — with a major uptick in protecting those plans with travel insurance. 

"We can't predict every new variant that arises, so for the foreseeable future, you have to expect some sort of COVID-related effect on your travel plans," NerdWallet's credit card and travel expert Sara Rathner tells Travel + Leisure. "Not every vacation needs travel insurance — refundable flights and hotel bookings you can easily back out of can be enough for you. But for very expensive trips, especially if you're going abroad, you'll want to think of additional ways to protect your investment."

 To read more, go here.

Travel Insurance For Trips To Japan

Above, yours truly at the Great Buddha of Kamakura during G-TOUR in 2004.

Taking a vacation trip to Japan is down the road, just how far down the road is anyone's guess. Right now, Japan is not allowing any tourism in the country thanks to the pandemic. 

However, when it does reopen to vacation travelers, there's one thing vacationers should consider: travel insurance.

Forbes.com has posted an article on travel insurance for trips to Japan.

I purchased travel insurance for Japan only once, and that was for the 2004 G-TOUR. I've been to Japan eight times total.

When I go again, I will probably purchase travel insurance, given my, um, "advanced age".

Forbes begins their article with:

With so much to see and do, planning a trip to Japan can involve as much research, organization and attention to detail as preparing a chanoyu orchado, the country’s traditional tea ceremony. You likely will include stays in Tokyo and Kyoto to eat world-class cuisine and visit centuries-old temples and perhaps plan to experience the hot springs in Hakone and go white-water rafting on the Oboke Gorge on Shikoku Island.

Make sure to check the current visitor entry requirements for Japan so that you’re prepared for the necessary Covid testing and quarantine requirements.  Also know that buying a travel insurance plan to protect your trip investment is a smart move.

“For virtually any international destination, I would recommend purchasing a travel insurance product that includes coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption, trip delay, medical expense, medical evacuation and baggage,” says Scott Adamski, spokesperson with AIG, which offers Travel Guard policies.

While you can buy travel insurance up to 24 hours before you leave, waiting until the last minute means you forgo important benefits.To get the most protection from a travel insurance policy, Adamski recommends you buy coverage within 15 days of the initial deposit date for the trip. That way you can get features that depend on an early purchase date. These include pre-existing medical condition waiver exclusion and “cancel for any reason” coverage.

Here’s what you should consider when buying a travel insurance policy for a trip to Japan.

To read more, go here.