Downloading music, software applications and video has become commonplace, reducing the need for consumers to drive their cars to buy DVDs, CDs and the like.  This ConsumerGram focuses on the positive environmental impact of buying online and finds that just downloading music has resulted in 6.5 billion fewer miles driven each year.  Less driving benefits [...]

Insurance companies use consumer credit scores as one factor in determining consumer insurance premiums.  Overwhelming research finds that credit scores are highly correlated to insurance claims, which helps insurance carriers align premiums with expected losses.  However, some policymakers have questioned the “fairness” of credit scores as a partial determinant of insurance premiums.  This ConsumerGram finds [...]