If you plan to look for or buy insurance on the Web, here are some things you should consider:
Do you understand the product (policy)? Insurance can be a very complex and confusing product. If you are planning on buying insurance on the Web, make sure you know what you are doing. Understand the kind of insurance you want to buy. The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) has many publications covering virtually all types of insurance, from auto and homeowner's insurance to life and health insurance. These publications are available electronically on the OCI's Web site or paper copies can be obtained by contacting the office. Since you are planning on making an insurance transaction without the use of an insurance agent, it is your responsibility to understand the policy you purchase beforehand.
Are the companies you are considering authorized to do business in Wisconsin? In order to do business in the State of Wisconsin, an insurance company must first be licensed by the OCI. You can check this out by visiting the OCI's Web site at http://badger.state.wi.us/agencies/oci/oci_home.htm and looking for the companies' names in the Insurance Company Directory. This is a list of Wisconsin-licensed insurers which is updated monthly.
Are the insurance products you are considering authorized for sale in Wisconsin? In order for insurance products to be sold in the State of Wisconsin, most must be filed with and approved by the OCI. The insurance-related Web site should have notices and/or disclaimers stating that a policy may not be available in all states or not allow you to complete an application for that policy if the policy is not available in Wisconsin. If you have any questions about a particular insurance policy, you can call the OCI at 1-800-236-8517 (in Wisconsin only).
Is the information you are supplying the insurance company secure? Every Web site should have a statement concerning its security. A secure site will protect the data recorded from visitors from electronic theft or tampering. Be sure to review this privacy policy before leaving your name, e-mail address or other personal information. Often you will be asked for personal information when you fill out an application for insurance.
Will your information be kept private? A privacy statement should inform you if your personal information will also be sold or used for marketing purposes. Some sites offer you a choice to share your personal information or restrict its use. If you do not want your personal information sold or used, you should make sure that the insurer will use it only for enrolling you for insurance coverage. Check the privacy policy.
Do you need to file a complaint? The OCI has a procedure for insurance consumers to file complaints about insurance companies, policies, transactions or agents. Call 800-236-8517 to speak to agency staff about possible complaints.
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