Insurers remind consumers of Life Insurance Awareness Month in September

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, and insurers such as Northwestern Mutual, which has been named the Fortune magazine “World’s Most Admired” life insurance company for 2011, is witnessing a growth in the interest consumers have for their long term protection, as the insurer reminds people across the United States about the importance of life insurance to planning financial security. According to the vice president of life products at Northwestern Mutual, Dave Simbro, “Life Insurance Awareness Month is a great reminder for everyone to consider their life insurance needs”. He…

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Study shows online purchases of life insurance on the rise

The results of a study performed by the LIFE Foundation and LIMRA have indicated that Americans – particularly those in younger age groups – would rather make their life insurance purchases online, through the mail, or by phone. Though the majority – 64 percent – of consumers continue to make their life insurance purchases from an insurance agent, that number is rapidly decreasing when compared to the 1996 statistics. In that year, 80 percent of people were buying their insurance in person. According to president and CEO Marvin H. Feldman,…

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Nationwide answers probing questions in Florida

Representatives from Nationwide Mutual Insurance where called upon by Florida officials to testify on how insurers handle life insurance payouts in the state. Several of the state’s insurance companies have been the target of controversy lately after being accused by regulators of holding back payouts. Allegedly, these companies withhold funds despite having full knowledge that a policyholder has passed away. According to regulators, these funds may be being held in safekeeping until they are designated as unclaimed, at which point the insurer is no longer liable for payouts. Nationwide assured…

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Unclaimed billions from life benefits…who will get it?

Lawmakers in the U.S. are battling over billions of dollars in unclaimed life insurance benefits. A number of states have stepped into the legal arena, hoping to lay claim to the money. Technically, the money belongs to beneficiaries, but states have laws that impose statutes on how long benefits can go unclaimed. The money presents an enticing opportunity for states that have dangerously thin wallets. California, in particular, has been aggressive in their pursuit of these funds. The state, after meandering through the legal process, is now pressuring insurance companies…

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