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MAINE BUREAU OF INSURANCE
34 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0034

Tel. (207) 624-8475 Fax (207) 624-8599 TDD 1-(888)-577-6690

Maine’s Superintendent of Insurance Alessandro A. Iuppa Helps Launch Insure U
National Public Education Program to Help Consumers Get Smart About Insurance

March 28, 2006

Contact: Alessandro A. Iuppa, Superintendent
Tel: 207-624-8401

Augusta, Maine - Maine Superintendent of Insurance Alessandro A. Iuppa, who is also president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), joined other state insurance commissioners in New York City today to launch an ambitious national public education program on insurance issues under the banner of Insure U.

Developed by the NAIC, of which the Maine insurance bureau is a member, Insure U has two objectives: to help consumers get smart about insurance as their life stage needs change, and to educate them about ways to avoid being scammed by fake insurance companies. The program includes an online education site, public service announcements in English and Spanish and community educational presentations.

Insure U’s curriculum, available at www.insureUonline.org, includes a basic introduction to the four major types of insurance – auto, home, life, and health – as well as special considerations for young singles, young families, established families, and empty nesters/seniors. Consumers can test their knowledge about insurance by taking an online quiz. Upon successful completion, they can download an Insure U diploma.

“We enthusiastically support the NAIC’s Insure U initiative,” said Superintendent Iuppa “and we will be implementing its educational components throughout the coming year to help the citizens of Maine better understand insurance products and how they fit people’s needs at different life stages.”

The campaign’s TV public service announcement (PSA) warns consumers about the growing threat of fake insurance policies and encourages them to call the Maine Bureau of Insurance prior to purchasing a
policy to confirm that they are dealing with a real insurance company licensed to do business in Maine. The spot ends with an on-camera tag by Superintendent Iuppa. A radio PSA in Spanish will carry the same message.

Consumers who want to check on an insurance company before purchasing a policy or who have other questions about insurance should contact the Maine Bureau of Insurance at 800-300-5000 (in state) or 207-624-8475.

The Bureau of Insurance is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation which encourages sound ethical business practices through high quality, impartial and efficient regulation of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine. Consumers can reach the Bureau through its web site at www.MaineInsuranceReg.org; by calling 800-300-5000 in state; or by writing to Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta ME 04333.

ABOUT THE NAIC
Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is a voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The association’s overriding objective is to assist state insurance regulators in protecting consumers and helping maintain the financial stability of the insurance industry by offering financial, actuarial, legal, computer, research, market conduct and economic expertise. Formed in 1871, it is the oldest association of state officials. For more information, visit NAIC on the Web at: http://www.naic.org/press_home.htm

 

 

Last Updated: May 24, 2011