Insurance Consumer Tips

• Use Caution! When receiving phone calls after an accident. It could be someone trying to involve you in a fraud scheme.
• If a life insurance sales pitch comes at a time when there is no apparent need to change insurance coverage, such as a marriage, a new child, or similar life change.
• If an agent offers to replace your old life insurance policy, which has a high cash value, with a new 'better' one. Carefully review the premium schedule, benefits and restrictions on benefits, such as pre-existing conditions. Always! Make sure you receive a written policy within sixty (60) days after you have paid your first premium.
• Compare prices and options before purchasing insurance, especially if a price being offered is substantially lower than others
• Make sure you receive and review your detailed billings for all services.
• When buying or renewing insurance coverage, check with the Division of Insurance Regulation to make sure you are dealing with a licensed agent and a licensed insurance company.
• Protect your insurance identification numbers as you would a credit card number. Never! Write a premium check to an agent. Checks should be written to the insurance company or insurance agency.
• Never sign blank insurance forms.

Report Fraud

1. Consumers: click here
   
   
2. Insurance Company click here
   
   

Additional Links

1. Check out your Agent click here
   
   
2. Consumer News click here
   
   
3. Ask any Insurance question (Library) click here

Florida Insurnace Guides
(PDF format) You Must have Adobe Reader click here

Life

1. Annuity Rack Card: Answers common questions buyers have regarding the purchase of an annuity. click here

2. Life & Annuities Guide: When considering purchasing an annuity, it is important that you understand your needs and the products that are available to meet them. This guide is designed to point out the differences between life insurance and annuities as investments, and how to find the plan that is right for you. click here

3. Viatical & Life Settlements Guide: Viatical settlements provides a life insurance policyholder a cash benefit for a life policy before the death of the insured. This booklet helps define terms used in such settlements and offers guidelines to see whether such an investment is right for you.
   click here

Health

1. Health Insurance Guide: Health insurance is an important coverage that can protect you and your family from the devastating financial effects of unexpected health problems or catastrophic illness. Health insurance, whether provided by your employer or purchased by you, can be expensive. Please review the Health Guide for ways to control and manage costs. click here

2. Health Maintenance Organizations Guide: HMOs offer an alternative to health insurance that has become increasingly popular. Learn how they differ from standard health insurance, and how to choose a program that is right for you. click here

3. Long Term Care Guide: Long-term care encompasses a wide range of medical, personal and social services. People may need this care if they suffer from prolonged illness, disability or cognitive impairment.
   click here

4. Medicare Supplement Guide: Medicare is an essential health care program for people age 65 and older and people with disabilities. This guide will help you evaluate your health care insurance needs.
   click here

5. Medical Discount Program: Medical discount cards and plans are being increasingly advertised and promoted. It is essential that you understand their benefits and conditions. click here

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