Date: September 7, 2007
For more information contact: Mikaela Reck, Public Information Officer, (608) 267-9336 or mikaela.reck@wisconsin.gov

Governor Doyle declares September "Life Insurance Awareness Month"

Madison, WI—For the fourth year running, Governor Doyle has declared September as "Life Insurance Awareness Month" (LIAM). The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI), along with the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), encourages Wisconsin residents to take stock of their life insurance needs during the month of September.

"Research shows that over 70 million Americans know they don't have enough life insurance," said Sean Dilweg, Commissioner of Insurance. "The purpose of this campaign is to make consumers more aware of the essential role of life insurance in a sound financial plan."

This year's spokesperson for Life Insurance Awareness Month is comedian and actress Molly Shannon, who lost her mother, sister and cousin in a car accident at the age of four. Molly's mother, the family breadwinner, did not have life insurance. Life insurance is critical for consumers who are supporting individuals whose livelihood is dependent upon their income. Molly will share her story of loss and financial struggle throughout the month of September.

Commissioner Dilweg reminds consumers that OCI and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) have information and tools to help consumers decide what is right for them in terms of life insurance to help them avoid financial struggle.

"It can sometimes be hard to find clear and understandable information on insurance that isn't company specific," said Dilweg. "Insure U, the NAIC's ongoing consumer education program is a great place to start."

Insure U (www.insureuonline.org) is a Web-based program that is designed to educate consumers about all types of insurance. The Web site breaks consumers up into four life-stage groups - young singles, young families, established families and empty nesters. Within these groups is targeted information for each age group on all types of insurance, including life insurance. The consumer can navigate the Web site based on their own interests and insurance needs.

"Additionally, consumers should always feel comfortable discussing life insurance options with their agent or company to make sure they are getting what they need," Dilweg added.

Consumers with questions about life insurance are encouraged to contact OCI by calling toll-free 1-800-236-8517, writing OCI, P.O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873, or by visiting our Web site at oci.wi.gov.

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.