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HEALTHCARE
CONSUMER INFORMATION ALERT |
PROTECT YOURSELF:
BUYING
INSURANCE ON THE INTERNET
The accessibility and ease
of the Internet has revolutionized the shopping world.
Everything from pet food to furniture is available 24
hours a day, seven days a week, from the comfort of your
home. That same convenience now extends into the insurance
industry. Here are some tips from the National Association
of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to help you protect
yourself when buying insurance on the Internet.
1. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH
Research is by far your best protection. Fortunately,
the Internet
is also a great research agent. Determine which insurance
coverage best fits your needs, then shop around for companies,
agents,
premiums and coverage.
Go to Compare
Health Insurance to begin your research on health
insurance plans & companies.
2. DOUBLE-CHECK THE COMPANY
AND AGENT
In order to sell insurance in your state, the company
and the agent must be licensed. To confirm the credibility
of a company or agent, check with your state insurance
department for the following the facts:
- Is the company licensed
in your state?
- Is the company licensed
to sell the line of insurance you are interested in
purchasing?
- Is the agent licensed
in your state and a legitimate representative of the
company?
- Does the company have
a good record of handling policy complaints?
- Your state insurance
department can provide a list of companies and agents
that are licensed in your state.
Consumer
Advice:
Because of the risk of buying insurance from a unlicensed
company or agent, we strongly recommend consumers to purchase
through our partners. They ONLY provide insurance quotes
from the best licensed companies.
Go to Free
Health Insurance Quote for Quotes Now!
3. PURCHASING ON THE INTERNET
Once you’ve checked your facts and found the company,
agent and policy that suits your needs, you’re ready
to purchase. At this point, security is the name of the
game. Take some extra precautions to protect your personal
information:
- Update your browser.
The newer browsers are equipped with more current
security measures. One way to check if you are transmitting
across a secure site is by checking the address. A
secure site address may begin with https:// instead
of the usual http://. Or, the site may have a small
key or closed lock icon located somewhere in the bottom
left or right corner of the screen.
- If you cannot confirm
the security of the browser, contact the company or
agent and submit your paperwork via fax or mail.
- Take extra precautions
when paying with a credit card. Some credit cards
may be equipped with antitheft protections. Review
your credit card agreement for antitheft provisions.
