MEMBER SERVICES
Update
Current news for Costco members
New service
guards against
identity theft
PRACTICAL TIP
PICTUREQUEST
COSTCO MEMBERS in Washington state can take New driver’s first car
advantage of the new Credit Reporting & Monitoring service requires compromise
being tested there. Provided by
Identity Guard®, this program is HAVING A TEENAGER with a new driver’s license who’s eager
ARTVILLE designed to help members to grab the keys to his or her first vehicle can prove quite stressful.
SERVICES UPDATE routinely monitor their credit The age-old debate of cool versus practical will likely be at the center
Costco tests files, helping them to detect of car purchase discussions.
health insurance and stop fraud before irreparable We turned to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and amage is done. the Insurance Information Institute for a compilation of considera- in California Features of the program tions when purchasing a vehicle for the new driver.
A NEW COSTCO service pro- include access to a credit ■ Avoid vehicles that might encourage reckless driving, such as
viding Executive Members with report showing side-by-side sports cars and other high-performance vehicles.
individual and family health credit histories and credit ■ Don’t let a teen drive a vehicle that might be unstable for
insurance through PacifiCare scores from the three major inexperienced drivers. SUVs, small or large, can be unstable
Life & Health Insurance Com- credit bureaus. Daily monitoring in a case of abrupt steering and are more prone to roll over.
pany started as a Southern
California trial program in July. It ■ Pick a vehicle that offers good crash protection. Small vehicles
is being offered in Los Angeles, might offer far less protection in a crash. Mid-and full-size cars
Orange and parts of Riverside usually offer more adequate crash protection.
and San Bernardino counties. ■ Avoid older vehicles. The newer the car, the better designed it
This new program is should be to protect drivers and passengers in a crash.
designed to meet the needs A good way to find the most appropriate vehicle is through
of individuals and families who research, and the Costco Auto Program Web site is a great resource
do not have access to health for car research, providing important safety and recall information,
insurance through their road-test reviews, vehicle comparisons and much more. Visit
employer, or who are self- costco.com, click on “Services,” then on “Auto Sales.”
employed or do not otherwise Then let the Costco Auto Program help you save money by
qualify for group health insur- finding that perfect vehicle at a participating dealer with a no-haggle,
ance. PacifiCare has been of all three bureaus is provided, prearranged price. Why not teach your teen something about value
providing Costco small-busi- and a credit analyzer tool is as well as safety?
ness members in California included that can help members
with group health insurance learn how to manage their credit
since 2003, but this is the first scores to help secure
time individual and family favorable interest rates. Last month for
policies have been offered. Executive Members Passport savings
PHOTODISC
Costco expects that indi- pay only $7.99 per
viduals will see significant sav- month for this service, Be sure to check out the values in Costco’s Passport to
ings on premiums through this while Gold Star and Savings, which is due to expire at the end of August.
program versus comparable Business members You’ll find several coupons for service values through-
plans from other insurers. pay $9.99. out the Passport, including special offers in real estate,
For more information or For more informa- mortgage, home equity, money market, auto financing,
to apply, visit costco.com, click tion or to apply, visit check printing, online investing, conference calling and
on “Services,” then click on costco.com, click on phone service programs. All of those offers are available
“Individual & Family Health “Services,” then click until August 28, 2005.
Insurance,” or call toll-free on “Credit Reporting For more details, visit costco.com, click on “Services,”
1-866-324-8773. & Monitoring.” then click on “Passport Offers.”
All services are provided by third parties, may not be available in all areas and are subject to change without notice. Some restrictions apply. See “Services” at costco. com for applicable terms and conditions.
