Avoid Insurance Scams

There are many so-called insurance companies out there who are just waiting to get someone like you into their hands. That’s why you must be prepared for fraudulent companies and the scams they will use to get your money.Part of maintaining your budget and managing your money is to protect it from financial predators, so here's how you can be prepared before they ever get to you.

Here the steps to avoid insurance scams :

1. Recognize the name of the company. Always read their pamphlets and research their web site in entirety to check for anything strange.
2. Check to see if the company has detailed explanations on their insurance claims forms. Never sign blank insurance claims forms.
3. Find out if the company is licensed. If it does not say anywhere on their documents if they are, then call the Insurance Commissioner's toll-free Consumer Hot line at 1(800) 562-6900 to find out.
4. Meet the salespeople in person and know that they are for real. Never do business with telephone salespeople.
5. Keep your personal information confidential. This mainly concerns your social security number. Give it out only when you are ready to make a purchase.
6. Be alert for bogus plans. This refers to information posted on fliers and ads you may receive in your email account.
7. Be suspicious if the insurance is too cheap. This could be a way to get you to enroll, and then they might charge you expensive fees later.
8. Find out what the company will charge you up front and how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket. You should never be charged unless you change your plan. Contact them directly if it is inconsistent.
9. Wait for the company to send you appropriate paperwork in the mail. Never give your credit card number to a representative over the phone.
10. Read everything. Never sign anything with unreadable or too small print. If you can’t read it, don’t sign it.
11. Review carefully their explanation of benefits statement. If it does not provide you with enough information, contact them.
12. Sign up for a plan that you'll actually use. Don’t sign up for ‘extras’ to your insurance policy that you know you’ll never use. It could be the difference between a high and low cost.