First, what exactly is a HomeWork-Hangover?
With the manifest of Covid19, countless people have been, gratefully or not, required to work from home. HomeWork-Hangover (our newly created term), by definition, is remote workers who are tired of being cooped up at home working without an office environment and peer socialization. The Top 5 Symptoms: weight gain, irritability, loneliness, anxiousness and fear.
(our complete “Top 10 Symptoms of HomeWork-Hangover” list is available per request)
…First Remedy: Have a “HomeWork-Happy-Hour …with your printer”
No, it’s not having an affair or even chugging sudz during office hours. HomeWork-Happy-Hour (our other newly created term defining our first remedy) is utilizing your home office color printer to temporarily escape and mentally fresh yourself while remaining seated at your desk.
Click. Print. Playoffs… With the NBA Playoffs upon us, here is our first-in-the-series & best tip of “How-to Avoid HomeWork-Hangover”: a newly published ebook/board game for basketball (on Amazon) – 100% inspired by Covid19s persistence and compatible w/NBA court images.
The musical band from Netherlands who believes music has no language, recently released “Invest In You” – announced the ‘Winner – Best Of Asia’ at the Intercontinental awards 2020. ‘Invest In You‘ was also the 2020’s First Raga of the Week broadcasted by BBC & Honored by GLOBAL MUSIC Awards.
Invest in You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORnIfJ3Uzqg
Since being formed in 2017, they have become one of the most recognized bands in the world. The pan Indian band continue to produce hit after hit and break barriers with their music. When listening to their music, you close your eyes and for a few minutes you are transformed to another world, a world where there is no war, no COVID19, and no worries, a world which can only be described as heaven.
File Pic: H.E Venu Rajamony – Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Appreciating Madras Chorus.
From the right side: Priya Ravish (cofounder), Vinayak Desai (Event Host – STP), H.E Venu Rajamony – Ambassador of India, Vinod Sehdev (Promoter of Madras Chorus), Mithun Hariharan (cofounder), Ravish Pattabi (cofounder), Prashanthi Subramaniam (Wife of Mithun), Surmeet Lamba (Event Host – STP)
We decided to sit down with Madras Chorus and learn what makes this band so special, and why they have transformed the music world forever.
1. When was Madras Chorus formed?
Madras Chorus had its official launch in January 2017 .
2. Who decided to put the band together?
The idea to officially form a band was decided by a group of local music enthusiasts . We have been performing as a group at various forums for different gatherings across India and hence came up with the idea to form a band which is PAN Indian and not defining a particular community or state or country. And together to organize shows which caters to everyone .
The Management team consists of Myself(Mithun Hariharan), Ravish Pattabi & Priya Ravish. Local artists like Harikrishnan Kesavan (Singer), Sreekanth Madhavan (Percussion) , Arun Veerakumar (Singer), Supriya Sreeram (Singer), Sarath Sasidharan (Drummer), Sangeetha Jayaram ( Singer) were the first ones with whom we thought to form the band and later there were many who joined.
3. Madras Chorus is from the Netherlands but you are an Asian band, has coming from the Netherlands influenced your music in anyway?
Yes , it has had a great influence in helping us bring the world together under one musical roof . We customized our compositions based on western music style ; at the same entertaining and making the Europeans aware of the rich Indian musical heritage both classical and bollywood styles.
Clearly this has helped us in embracing the world music, combining them with our traditional indian and bollywood styles.
4. You were announced as the Winner as the Best Of Asia at the Intercontinental awards 2020, to be nominated is amazing, but to win is very exciting, how did it make you all feel?
Excited, totally out of the world feel it is!It gives us the confidence to contribute more passionately to the musical world with a belief that perseverance , patience and hardwork always pays off. Believe in yourself and sky will be the limit.
5. You talk about music has no language, can you explain more about that?
Team Madras Chorus’ mantra is ‘Music has no language’ and we believe it’s the only language which can connect people and unite the world. Our shows have music of all genres , styles and languages and we have our audience spread across nationality . Our audience seem to just enjoy and most importantly enjoy the music together laughing and dancing all through .The word ‘ Madras’ is just an emotion to connect people across the globe musically .
Mayhem in 60 Seconds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkAGuHXE-9o
6. Mithun Hariharan, as the Co-founder of Madras Chorus, who have been instrumental in the success of the band, but you only got the love for music at the age of 31. Why did it take you so long to find your passion for music?
I assume it had to happen at 31 only ,perhaps !Well, the first step was supposedly to identify that musical talent in me. This could have been spotted by someone else early in my life or it had to be me ,at the right opportunity .In my case, this didn’t happen in the earlier stages because of different priorities and challenges. Though I did mixing and arranging of tracks for local events and their videos , this specific part of that inherent passion for music in me went unnoticed.Thanks to Madras Chorus for helping me rediscover and better myself with each passing day .
7. You have gained worldwide success, so what is your secret?
Teamwork !We are not professional musicians but we are extremely passionate about music and start with a clear end in our mind for all our productions . We are musicians at night! I have to thank each and everyone – the Madras Chorus team ,my Guru, various musicians who have executed their part so well, our media team and most importantly my family who has always been there to encourage and inspire me to get better !
The secret is – this is not a one man show. Without the team and each one executing their part we would remain unnoticed. Though none of us are fulltime music professional’s, we start with a clear end in our mind for all our productions. Musicians’, Media team, support from family, bringing them all together is the key to our success.
8. The Awakening – which was the Winner : Global Music Awards, ICMA, Akademia, is so smoothing. It makes me feel like I am walking through a forest feeling relaxed and happy, how long did it take you to compose the music?
Thank you! Happy to hear once again , that my music creates such an impact on your mind.
The composing part was easy! A beautiful sunny autumn morning walk inspired me, which is when I got that spark to compose something as beautiful , as fresh , as calm as that autumn morning . I went back home and was easily able to play on my keyboard this track in one go however the next phase (production) was a difficult one !
For someone who had discovered his intense passion for music just a few years ago and started learning it very late in his life , it was hard to convince everyone about the beauty of my first composition. We recorded the first rough draft, had to shoot the visual’s within 45 minutes as apparently that very morning happened to be the last sunrise of Autumn for the year.In that limited early morning hours , we had to do several things in parallel. Aswathy Arun with choreography, Arun working on various locations to shoot the visuals , and finally me with the heavy work of editing, and it all together took several weeks to finally get to the final result that we see now! A beautiful musical composition with the visuals aptly suiting the track is indeed very challenging . And then keeping the confidence in my abilities ,believing the fact that it is never too late to bloom and self motivating myself fighting against various challenges and obstacles as indeed another big challenge.
The Awakening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucZXGs2zhNE
9. Your music has also been played on the BBC, how did that happen?
We launched the Album “Spirit of Life” on 7th Dec 2019, and “Invest in you” was the first track to be released. We have been extremely fortunate that this beautiful track got noticed and was aired as the first raaga of the year 2020. It is always a joy when your hardwork gets appreciated.
10. You have a huge Indian following, but you also have followers from all over the world who speak different languages and have different beliefs, do you believe at a time of trouble that music can bring everyone together?
Music is one language which can bring people together .
In the difficult times we have been facing now , we have been able to bring different people together in the Netherlands virtually in a recreated magical track -’ Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’ , sending in a message of ‘Unity In Diversity’ . Only music can unite & heal the world and make it a better place to live in.
Mile Sur Mera Tumhara: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8zXUkXV0rk&t=66
11. You have played at lots of different venues, but what is the one venue you would like to play at and why?
Royal Albert Hall – the world’s leading artists from many performance genres have appeared on its stage. Would like to follow the footsteps of the legends.
From a local venue perspective – Duycker in Hoofddorp has been outstanding, that’s where we created the magic.
12. You have a large fan base in the UK, so when can we expect you to visit the UK and perform?
We would love to perform across the world , especially in the UK spreading lots of love, happiness and positivity. Once this pandemic comes to an end , we will be there to make people dance and sing together with us .Looking forward to being there soon in our musical mission to unite the world.
13. When you are writing one of your hits, how does it all begin. What is your technique in putting your music together?
Listening to the director, hearing various other compositions which have been liked by the listeners and executing the inputs parallely in a smart way is the key !
To cater to the likes and tastes of the listeners is very important as they are the ones who decide or give their verdict . Though we follow some of the mandatory items in a sequential way, the overall production runs in parallel. It is very important to have a good team synchronization in the way we think and execute the entire musical cycle.
OAKLAND, CA – July 28, 2020 – In an effort to help new clients connect with the company in a more streamlined manner, The Shop Design Build, a design build firm in Oakland, CA has launched a newly redesigned website.
“As a design build firm we are always working on a wide variety of exceptional projects, and we have been trusted by many large brands to take on their projects,” said Justin Barnes, a co-founder of The Shop. “That said, we wanted to make our new website easier to navigate and more streamlined for new clients to reach out,” he added.
The new website is sleek and streamlined. Visitors can easily find information on the company’s service offerings: 3D Modeling and Design, Custom Fabrication, Scenic and Sets, and Remodel and Compliance. Further, the new call-to-action buttons make it extremely easy to connect with the company. The new design also allows new customers to request a detailed quote directly from the website. This feature will allow busy brands or event hosts to simply input their project requirements and receive a detailed proposal within 24 hours.
The new layout is highly optimized for accessing on mobile devices. This will make it much easier for local clients to find The Shop on the Internet and connect with the company with just the touch of a button on any device.
When asked if he is happy with the new website, Justin responded, “Definitely! We knew it was time to get make our website easier to use for clients, and I’m super happy with the results.” He also added, “We feel like now our website actually tells the true story of our design build firm; highlighting our services, portfolio and contact information really pulls it all together.”
The Shop Design Build is a trusted design build firm by some of the most well known businesses and brands. The company has launched their new website in an effort to make it easier for more customers to learn about their services.
The Shop’s approach to design and custom fabrication starts by listening, then asking questions. Based on a client’s creative needs and functional goals, The Shop is a design build firm that exceeds project requirements.
Media Contact Company Name: The Shop Design Build Contact Person: Media Relations
Phone: (510) 457-1206 Address:976 23rd Avenue City: Oakland State: California Country: United States Website:https://theshopdesignbuild.com
A new car seat which is lightweight and portable is set to hit the market. The Taxie Professional car seat is designed for children from 15 months and older. Since it was announced that the new car seat was due to hit the market, it has gained huge exposure around the world.
A new car seat that has changed the child car seat industry for good is causing huge excitement around the world with the media and parents alike. Unlike other child car seats on the market, this one is portable and easy to store. The Taxie professional car seat is the smallest and the lightest ECE-R129 child car seat designed for all children over 15 months old.
We care about child safety.
If only child car seat small enough to store on every car, then children will be well protected. That is the reason for us to develop Taxie. Our design allows transportation like Taxi and Uber to carry a child car seat all the time. Children between 15months to 12 years old will be protected at the latest ECE-R129 standard.
What is the problem?
After our study, we know there are three reasons to stop a taxi driver from providing a child safety seat:
1. Different ages of a child require a different type of seat
2. A child safety seat is too big to store in a car boot
3. Child seat’s logistics waste time and fuel
Our award-winning Taxie is designed to solve all these problems! Now there are three types of child safety seat – one for infants, one for toddlers and another for children four years and above. And because parents usually transport the infant carrier, we do not need to concern ourselves with that here.
As a taxi driver picking up families, you face a problem – you can’t carry two sizes of the child safety seat to accommodate every fare requirement. Imagine you are a taxi driver who has received a call from HQ, asking you to pick up a family with a small child from the airport and take them to a hotel in the town centre. So, what you might have to do is: go to HQ and collect the correct size child safety seat. Then travel to the airport, collect the family, and take them to their hotel. After dropping them off, you need to go back to HQ to return the child safety seat, before you can be available.
Taxie by Trafold was created to help drivers provide a better service. Taxie was designed for children of 76cm and above with a scalable product the size of a piece of hand luggage. Just unlock the base, flip it over, adjust the headrest, and you are good to go. When you finish, simply fold it back up and store it in the boot – leaving plenty of room for passenger luggage.
Now in this new scenario, the driver can accept the fare, go straight to the airport, collect the family, and take them to their hotel.
Save time and save fuel by reducing downtime by half.
Taxie is world’s smallest+lightest ECE-R129 professional child car seat.
We address the three concerns that professional drivers usually have. Moreover, we see there is growing concern about the hygiene of public transport, and that lead us to develop Safe-T Shield protection.
Safe-T Shield
Taxie’s unique Safe.t Shield application on child car seats. Keeps taxi drivers and passengers safe. Trafold has developed Safe.t Shield and incorporated it into the Taxie child car seat.
But how can this work?
1. The integral bacterial and fungal protection
Safety.t Shield is based on Zinc Pyrithione and applied to cloth during the dyeing process. It will first destabilize the bacteria and fungi cell membrane, then inhibit the generation of energy and finally prevent the storage of energy, which prevents bacteria and fungi from multiplying and spreading on its surfaces.
2. Easy clean coating
A splash-proof layer, applied to the cloth cover, prevents liquids passing through the cloth cover, thereby keeping the car seat structure clean. It also means that dirt cannot cling to the cloth cover surface, making it much easier to wash or wipe clean.
3. Night Safety Feature The reflective element added to the cloth cover makes the safety seat visible in a darkened situation. Increased visibility at night means an increased safety level for the driver and the passengers. Furthermore, the seat designed for children of 1 year and above, which, when folded, is the size of a piece of hand luggage. Just unlock the base, flip it over, adjust the headrest, and you are good to go. When you finished, just wipe it down, fold it back up and store it in the boot – germ-free – with plenty of room for passenger luggage.
Safe-T Shield Sanitized hygiene seat stops bacteria and fungi spreading, and it’s very easy to clean.
Taxie is an award-winning product by an award-winning team.
Taxie just received Red-dot design award 2020. This year, a total of 4,170 entries from 52 countries were submitted. Upon the conclusion of the adjudication, the Red Dot was awarded to 230 concepts. Only 5.5% of the entries win an award, making our achievement in the Red Dot Award an outstanding feat of accomplishment.
The team is working hard to launch Taxie professional car seat on a crowdfunding platform IndieGoGo. More details will be released in August. And if you want to know more information, please visit www.trafold.co.uk
Media Contact Company Name: Trafold Contact Person: Media Relations
Each year tens of millions of people try and make money on the trading world markets. Some of those people will pay a six-figure fee to learn the tricks of the trade. The majority of those people are disappointed with the course they went on, and the majority fail to make any money or even break even.
Trying to make money on the trading world markets is not an easy task. It was recently reported that 90% of people who try and make money fail. Many of those people don’t even break even. These are shocking figures. So why do so many people fail on the trading world markets. There are many reasons behind this but some of those reasons include the lack of knowledge, and another good reason way people fail is not knowing when to sell. Some people lose so much money because they fail to cut their losses and believe if they carry on then their losses will become small or they could break even. Now, thanks to the Veteran Wealth Management, those people wanting to make money on the trading world markets can do so with experts by their side.
Veteran Wealth Management have gained huge exposure around the world for their positive results. They can give anyone with or without experience the opportunity to make money. Sounds simple enough, and according to all the reviews it is.
Someone looking to test the waters can invest from as little as $100. With that investment, they can achieve results. It is not about the amount of money you invest; it is about who you have at your side and the reputation of that company and the results they achieve. Veteran Wealth Management make profitable trading easy.
We wanted to learn more about Veteran Wealth Management and find out why they have become a success story, and how they are helping people to make a positive return on their investment.
You are the founder of Veteran Wealth Management; can you explain more about the role of the company? I am Head and Top trader
Why did you feel there was a need to launch your platform? Over the past 20 years so much wealth has been created with that being said so many people didn’t participate or left behind giving everyone the opportunity to participate is important. Our platform allows people to participate in financial markets with a low barrier to entry.
Your website says that you can auto trader your money anywhere in the world, what do you mean by that? In essence since they’re actually just copying the trays that are algorithm would be taking once they have an account set up they could be anywhere in the world and the trades are going to be placed whether they’re home or not. It allows people to let their money work for them so they can go and live their life.
Trading the financial markets can be very lucrative, but let’s be honest, it is also very complicated and can be off putting, how can your platform help? Our platform gives people the confidence to let the trades work out the algorithm is searching for patterns for longer-term trends not intraday scalping which can be riskier.
So, to use your platform, do I need any experience? No, we made the set up pretty easy open up an account deposit funds send us your information and will get you set up that day trading. Whole process takes five minutes.
Is there a minimum investment people need to use your platform? Yes, you can open up an account with as little as $100.
90% of traders when they trade on the market on their own, they lose money. What is that? Most traders don’t have a strategy or lack the emotional discipline or the discipline if they have a strategy to actually follow the plan which can be difficult when real money is on the line risk management is also an issue with traders always swinging for homeruns singles count to.
You have more than 2800 active members with so many success stories, what is the secret to Veteran Wealth Management success? We make them money. We are good at what we do and that is why we gain so many new customers through word of mouth.
So, how does your platform work and why does it stand out? The algorithm is identifying the patterns that I have noticed in markets over my years of trading these Pattison repeat themselves over and over and over again there are other conditions but that’s about all I can tell you.
I have read lots of great reviews about your platform with many saying how easy it is to trade, how have you managed to launch an easy to use trading platform when lots of others have failed? I think others were marketers or salesman and I’m just a trader. I think that comes through in the end.
To learn more about Veteran Wealth Management and see how they are helping people achieve investment success, please visit https://machinetrading-autotrading.com/
Media Contact Company Name: Veteran Wealth Management Contact Person: Media Relations
Now, the Atlanta-based rockers are set to rack up a couple million more listens as they ride the wave following their release of not one, not two, but THREE electrifying new hard rock singles: ‘Cold’, ‘Gauntlet’ and ‘All You Offer’.
Released in early 2020, all three high-octane singles were recorded and engineered by the iconic Jeff Tomei, a producer known for his work with artists like The Smashing Pumpkins and Matchbox Twenty, at Cock the Walk Studio in Atlanta, Georgia.
“We’re a high energy, heavy-hitting, heart-pumping, radio-ready hard rock band with a modern sound that pushes our listeners not to accept the status quo.” – PISTOLS AT DAWN
Formed in 2015 by drummer Adam Jaffe, guitarist Devin White, guitarist Mike Buffa, and bassist Billy Sullivan, Pistols At Dawn has been hailed as one of the best new hard rock bands in America – and the best from Atlanta since Mastodon and Sevendust. Virtuoso guitarist Buffa died tragically in 2018; the band reunited in 2019 with its first worldwide releases in early 2020. Vocals are led by elite frontman and former VH1 Rockstar Supernova finalist Chris Pierson.
The world is ever-changing, but hard rock music is constant and unassailable. Few bands epitomize the intensity, energy, power, and vintage creativity out of the gate like Pistols At Dawn. Go on — see if their tracks don’t ruffle your feathers!
‘Cold’, ‘Gauntlet’ and ‘All You Offer’ are now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Media Contact Company Name: MTS Management Group Contact Person: Michael Stover Phone: (412) 445-5282 City: Nashville State: Tennessee Country: United States Website:http://www.mtsmanagementgroup.com
Readers are taken on a journey through the accounts of a young lady that survived the Spanish Flu. There are details of hand washing, lockdowns, wearing of facemasks, and care for the sick!
Denise D’Angelo Jones is proud to announce the release of her book, “Spanish Influenza: Nineteen Days in 1919”. The literary work is an account of events over 100 years ago, during the Spanish Flu.
The book contains information recorded by Hilda Dorothea Zapf, who lived in Mendota, Illinois from 1899-1994. For 88 years, she recorded detailed accounts of her life in volumes of diaries hidden away in one of the closets underneath the steps of her Indiana Avenue home.
When Denise’s mother passed away in 2019, she left her aunt’s diaries to her care. During the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, Denise revisited the diaries and found similarities in the Spanish Influenza and COVID-19 pandemic which is currently ravaging the world.
The book contains details of events about hand washing, lockdowns, masks wearing, and visits from Dr. E.P. Cook, Jr. There are also accounts of gossip – and a few giggles, along with information of how Hilda’s family survived the pandemic, making the book an exciting read.
For more information on how to purchase the book, please visit here.
Denise D’Angelo Jones is a writer, retired chiropractor, and award-winning songwriter. She is a lover of adventure and commits her time to exploring the depth of human imagination. Over the past few years, she has written three books. This book is the first one she has published, and it’s already gaining traction among her fans.
Spanish Influenza: Nineteen Days in 1919, is an insightful read for those who want to learn about how people survived the Spanish Influenza about a hundred years ago.
The book is not only informative, but also educative, and provides an appealing perspective to surviving the current pandemic. Readers will be able to go back in time, to experience life during the Spanish Flu, and will then be able to connect these revelations with what is going on today.
New York, NY – It’s fair to say COVID-19 has taken a toll in one way or another on pretty much everyone. Recent studies find fitness regimens and activity levels are on a notable decline – especially in bustling urban areas like New York City, where people were accustomed to being on-the-go. Yet, one “gym” in Manhattan has seen a notable uptick in clients in recent weeks among those who want to build muscle and sculpt their bodies in a safe, discreet and exclusive location. That place is the medical gym – i.e. office – of Darren M. Smith, MD.
Dr. Smith has earned a stellar reputation among colleagues and patients for his high level of experience and training in plastic surgery and his patient-centric approach. He is one of the only board-certified plastic surgeons in the country to complete advanced fellowship training in both aesthetic surgery and craniofacial surgery. His offices are now home to two non-invasive procedures that help men and women contour their physique, build muscle – and even relieve incontinence.
EMSCULPT dissolves fat and increases muscle mass in the treated areas via “supramaximal” muscle contractions – which are the type experienced at the highest level of exertion. More so than with more typical exercises like sit-ups or crunches. EMSCULPT can be used for almost any muscle group — the abdomen (“core”) and buttock regions are the most popular.
EMSELLA, on the other hand, uses the same technology as EMSCULPT but to strengthen the pelvic floor entirely noninvasively and while the patient is clothed, yielding a breakthrough in women’s intimate health. Additionally, EMSELLA treats urinary incontinence by strengthening the patient’s pelvic floor to rehabilitate weak pelvic muscles – which is especially significant due to the prevalence of the problem. According to the American Urological Association, one-quarter to one-third of men and women in the United States experience urinary incontinence.
According to Dr. Smith, the powerful muscle contractions experienced during the procedures are not otherwise achievable through voluntary contractions. Therefore, the muscle tissue is forced to adapt to extreme conditions, resulting in muscle building and body sculpting. The procedures have likewise been found to work well in tandem with more and more patients coming into the office for EMSCULPT, finding they are candidates for EMSELLA. Employing EMSCULPT and EMSELLA together, Dr. Smith is able to provide complete “core to floor” conditioning.
“I am a big proponent of both EMSCULPT and EMSELLA because I have seen them quite literally change people’s quality of life by making them more confident, more active, and more focused on their health for the long-term,” said Dr. Smith. “Seeing the results of the EMSELLA procedure, though, has been especially meaningful to me. I’ve watched patients who had given up on activities they loved and avoided social gatherings, return to living their best lives.”
In addition to EMSCULPT AND EMSELLA, Dr. Smith is an expert in cosmetic injectables and aesthetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. His office provides innovative virtual consultations for patient convenience and safety during COVID-19 and prides itself on strict adherence to overall advanced patient safety protocols, personalized aftercare, and patient satisfaction.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – July 27, 2020 – Local children’s book writer and adult fiction book writer, Athena Goodman, releases the first episode of her seven-part book series, The Seventh Riddle, online through Just Believe Publishing Inc. Goodman, who started writing at the age of 9, is a writer of children’s books as well as adult fiction books. She also has her share of poems and she has written a play called “Thanksgiving to Remember”, which she produced and choreographed back in 1999. She has also released a book called Fragile Destiny, Bunnyland of Crisis, a series written in multiple languages on Amazon, alongside the first episode of The 7th Riddle.
Set in the busy city of New York, the first episode of The 7th Riddle goes into the life of a 15-year-old girl and how she gets sucked into the vortex of hurt and revenge. It also introduces Charles Deveaux, the main character where everything in the series revolves in and how he stumbles upon a party that will change his life forever.
Fans of suspense thrillers such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Cairo Diary will definitely enjoy this. A unique aspect is an accompanying game that allows readers to play and solve the puzzles from each book winning prizes on each level. It’s a book where “Every clue comes from you.”
Athena Goodman is available for interviews and appearances. For inquiries, you may reach her at justbelieveinc@gmail.com.
The global pandemic that has brought the world economy to a complete shutdown isn’t a net negative for all industries. Some are prospering but it is perceived to be at the expense of consumers.
The novel coronavirus and the lockdown that has followed in its wake have upended business practices around the world. As many industries struggle to stay afloat, one segment is reaping huge profits while everyone stays at home and that is the auto insurance industry.
Their profits are so healthy, in fact, that some consumers are wondering if an auto insurance refund would be appropriate since insurers’ collective risk was vastly reduced while most people weren’t driving around.
In response to that, some insurers did offer their customers rebates or some form of an auto insurance refund, but consumer groups say the amount given falls way short of the funds collected by those same companies. While there is a question of fairness there is also a question of how much insurance is needed if no one is driving around on the roads. Not only are risks seemingly lower but if consumers aren’t driving, why would they need insurance.
And it isn’t just conjecture, either. There are real numbers to pack up the assertions that it is safer to drive during the lockdown than ever before. Consumer activist group Texas Appleseed noted that car accidents are down by nearly half when compared week by week with this time last year. Of the top 40 auto insurers in the state of Texas, the same group reports that at least one third aren’t offering any kind of auto insurance refund whatsoever.
While Texas Appleseed notes that these insurers cater to the high-risk, bad-credit market niche, there is still the implication that customers of all backgrounds deserve some kind of break during the unique economic conditions all drivers are facing. After all, the economic impact of COVID-19 has not only led to decreased business for most industries but also job losses. Another problem identified by Texas Appleseed is that insurers are often tying these rebates and auto insurance refunds to renewing the customer’s policy that eliminates the consumer’s option to shop around for a better rate.
That last aspect of the auto insurance refund/rebate being offered by insurers is what is really bothering consumers as many of them note that they would prefer having a lower monthly premium than a one-time discount or payment. Looking ahead, however, auto insurers aren’t so sure that these conditions will hold in perpetuity. When the lockdown ends and the pandemic’s impact begins to wane, business should return to normal as far as traffic goes.
Of course, the pressure from consumer interest groups is unlikely to cool down anytime soon. Whether or not this will have the impact that Texas Appleseed would like remains to be seen. But, if the pandemic continues and people refrain from driving, insurers could have a serious issue on their hands when it comes to how to deal with premiums now and in the future.
Now is a good time to review your auto insurance policy. You should make sure that you have the appropriate coverage. You should also check with other companies by getting auto insurance quotes because some are offering better rates due to COVID-19. Some auto insurance carriers have adjusted premiums during this crisis, so, you might be able to save.
