Take time to double-check your insurance coverage!

Recent studies by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) show few Americans understand the details of their insurance policies to the extent they should, and some aren't even aware they are dealing with a false policy altogether.

Luckily, this unfortunate - and often costly - information gap is completely avoidable. When it comes to insurance, knowledge is your best policy, and the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) is your best resource for insurance-related questions. That's why OCI and the NAIC are encouraging consumers to get smart about their coverage during the fourth annual Get Smart About Insurance Week, January 24-28, 2005.

"The main idea behind Get Smart About Insurance Week is educating consumers, not about selling or buying insurance policies," said Jorge Gomez, Commissioner of Insurance. "The NAIC and OCI are here to give consumers objective insurance information in order to make sure their families are properly covered."

There are several steps Wisconsin consumers can take to get smart about their insurance coverage:

• Call us or search this Web site for free tips and up-to-date information prior to purchasing health, life, auto, home, or other insurance coverage.
• Schedule a routine "check-up" with your insurance providers at least once a year. Inquire about the cost benefit of opting for higher deductibles.
• Ask specifically about discounts for good driving records, good health, good grades, special education, or training.
• Shop around for identical products and services. Not every company charges the same rate.
• Remember an insurance policy is a legal document. Read it carefully.

Created by the legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs. The office publishes over 30 consumer guides and responds to insurance questions and complaints via phone and e-mail.

Phone: 1-800-236-8517
E-mail: information@oci.state.wi.us

More information: (Note: You will need an Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print the publications in p d f format listed below, which you can download at no cost from Adobe .)

• Get Smart About Insurance Week: Tips to Help You Select the Right
  Insurance Coverage (p d f format)
• Make Sure Before You Insure: Protect Yourself Against Insurance Fraud (p d f format) (NAIC publication)
• Get Smart About Insurance Quiz (test your insurance knowledge)
• Glossary of Insurance Terms
• Frequently Asked Questions
• OCI Consumer Publications