Insurance Co. Leaves 1,000's Uncovered
 When George Winchell's truck rear-ended another car, the impact bent his bumper, cracked the lights and deployed the airbags. More than 6 months later, insurance hasn't covered the repairs.
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Free Tax Service for Low-Income People
It's tax season. Many of us dread this time of year, but for some people, it's an opportunity to get a little windfall money. The money we're talking about is called "earned income tax credit," and now, there's a very easy way for qualified people to get that money.
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Get On National "Do Not Call" List
People who want to banish telemarketers from their lives can take a big step toward doing that as of today. Californians can now go online and pre-register to be part of a national Do Not Call list.
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Hybrid Cars Gain Popularity
Hybrid cars are gaining popularity and getting better. The cars are similar to gas-engine models and get around 50 miles to the gallon.
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Contact 4 Finds Low Gas Prices
Gas prices have remaind high, but Contact 4 has found you can still get gas for less than $2 a gallon.
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SARS Prompts Pricey Trip Cancellations
The deadly flu-like outbreak in Asia is adding to the travel slowdown in the world. The CDC is advising travelers to postpone non-essential trips to China, Hong Kong and Hanoi.
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Airlines Cut Flights, Fares Amid War
With the outbreak of war, airlines are seeing more and more empty seats as travelers opt to stay home, and that in turn is forcing airlines to layoff workers and cut back flights.
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United Frequent Flier Worries
United's Mileage Plus program has been around for years but some customers worry that now - as the airline faces increasingly hard times - redeeming those hard-earned miles may be more difficult.
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Iraqi War Affecting US Gas Prices
Since the war in Iraq began, the price for a barrel of oil has fluctuated, but for the most part this last week it's gone down.
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Free Tax Help for Military & Low Income
The war in Iraq happens to come during tax season, but Uncle Sam is offering plenty of tax relief for military families. Low-income families can also qualify for free help.
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Gov't Benefits Await Military Families
Duty personnel are entitled to interest rate caps for credit cards, car loans even mortgages at 6% interest!
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Many Stores Refuse Gas Mask Returns
Make sure you want that gas mask before buying, many places selling these special items are not accepting returns.
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Are Gas Masks A Waste Of Money?
Israel ordered its citizens to carry gas masks in case Iraq attacks there. Gas masks are also selling well in this country, but are they something you should buy?
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Complaints Over Comcast "Bundling"
AT&T Broadband is now Comcast. That's the new name of the company that provides cable and digital television, as well as high-speed Internet access. But, some are upset with their pricing changes.
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Biz Using Many Names Causes Confusion
When you need a plumber in the Bay Area, there's a chance the business you're calling is not the name of the business that arrives at your door.
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Pro Organizers' Fixes Stick After Year?
Being disorganized is not only unsightly, it can drain precious time when hunting for items. A whole new industry of clutter-busters is tackling the problem. They can be expensive. Do the results last?
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"Secret" Warranty Policy Baffles Drivers
Millions of drivers have felt the frustration of paying for car repairs, only to discover that the manufacturer should have been footing the bill. But automakers have been getting away with it for years.
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War Risks, Benefits to Int'l Travel
With war looming, you'd better know what you're doing if you're making plans to travel overseas. Contact 4 tells you what you need to know to protect yourself, financially and otherwise.
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Can You Pass Our Consumer Rights Quiz?
How well do you know your consumer rights? Take our quick Contact 4 quiz to find out.
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Phone Service, Air Service, Recall News
Contact 4 reports on the latest about phone service problems, airline on-time performance ratings and product recalls.
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War Travel; Car Safety; Gas Monopoly?
The potential for a showdown with Iraq is prompting some airlines to give customers a little more leeway with their travel plans. Citing uncertainty in the Middle East, Delta Airlines has introduced
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Beware of Extended Warranty Promises
Contact 4 helps one consumer with an extended warranty problem. He purchased it at Best Buy, which has a history of warranty issues.
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Affordable Healthcare Exists for Jobless
It’s scary enough to be out of a job, but worse is having to deal with health care expenses on your own. But there are affordable options out there to cover you until you get another job with benefits.
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Airlines, Delivery Co's Add Fuel Charges
Gas prices are so high, you've got to have second thoughts about any weekend driving trips. But now, we're also being hit by other businesses which are passing on their fuel costs to us.
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Long Distance Phone Deals Can Be Found
MCI/Worldcom's legal and financial troubles have not only impacted it's customers, but changed long distance rates across the board.
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Gas Price, Rental Car News
We've found some of the cheapest gas around the Bay Area, and also have some good advice if you are going to rent a car.
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Difference in Cheap vs. Brand Gas?
Gas prices are hitting near-record highs causing motorists to be more price-conscious than ever. But does going with the cheapest brand mean you're shortchanging your cars with a lower quality gas?
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Rising Gas Prices Slowing
The gasoline price boom may be slowing down. After two weeks of near record levels several factors could soon reel in the amount we're paying for a gallon of gas.
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Homeowners Question Terror Insurance
The deadline for calculating the cost of terror came Monday for insurance commpanies. A November law gave them until Monday to set prices for policies to cover attacks on cities.
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Test Drive Appliances Before Buying
It's a fairly new concept - customers interested in buying high-end kitchen appliances are allowed to test-drive appliances by bringing in dirty laundry, recipes or pots and pans.
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Finding the Cheapest Gas
We've found you the best deals on gas in the Bay Area. Plus, you've heard of getting a loan on your tax refund so you can get the money sooner, but is it worth the price?
» INTERACTIVE: Post Cheap Gas Prices
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Credit Card Offer Worse Than Appears
The offer starts out promising, a Visa gold card, a credit line up to $800, just senda $49 fee. A decent deal, until you turn it over and read the fine print.
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