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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Delinquent life insurance pay outs being investigated

As insurance companies from around the nation begin to crack down on fraud, some are finding themselves accused of the very thing they are trying to expunge. Such is the case with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. The insurer is accused by the state of California of not paying life insurance benefits after finding out that the policyholder had passed away. The state is getting ready to investigate the practices of the company in an effort to determine whether these allegations are true or false. Earlier this week, Insurance Commissioner Dave…

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