Hartford, CT – Insurance Commissioner Susan F. Cogswell joined several 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 National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), of which the State of Connecticut Insurance Department 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 Commissioner Cogswell, "and we will be implementing its educational components throughout the coming year to help the citizens of Connecticut 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 Connecticut Insurance Department prior to purchasing a policy to confirm that they are dealing with a real insurance company licensed to do business in Connecticut. The spot ends with an on-camera tag by Commissioner Cogswell. 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 Connecticut Insurance Department at 860-297-3800 or toll free in Connecticut at 1-800-203-3447.

The State of Connecticut Insurance Department is responsible for regulating the Insurance industry and its compliance with all Connecticut Laws and Regulations with regard to the business of insurance. The mission of the Insurance Department is to protect the consumer by administering and enforcing the insurance laws in the most responsive and cost effective manner to ensure the financial reliability and responsibility of all regulated entities.

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 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.