Commissioners Warn AIG Policyholders To Be Cautious

September 30, 2008

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California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and Washington Commissioner Mike Kreidler reaffirmed that insurance companies owned by AIG continue to have the risk-based capital needed to operateand warned policyholders of AIG-owned insurance companies to beware of possible cancellation costs if they are approached about switching insurance companies.

“Don’t worry and don’t make any rash decisions if you have a policy issued by an AIG insurance company,” Kreidler said. “All of AIG’s insurance companies are strong and solvent.”

“While I encourage consumers to shop around when their insurance policies come up for renewal, they should be wary of incurring fees if they switch in the middle of a policy,” said Commissioner Poizner. “My department is carefully monitoring the situation and all of AIG’s insurance companies continue to meet the requirements to operate in the state.

“If you have a life insurance or annuity policy and someone tells you to replace it because of the troubles at AIG’s parent company and you have additional questions, you should call the 800-927-HELP. Replacing or liquidating a life insurance policy or an annuity can have heavy hidden costs and tax consequences. Also, there may be a cancellation penalty if you cancel your automobile or homeowners policy.”

As Commissioner Poizner said earlier this month, AIG’s financial difficulties stem from the parent company and other non-insurance affiliates, not its subsidiary insurance companies. The AIG-affiliated insurance companies remain solid.

Source: CDI, OIC

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Latest Comments

  • October 1, 2008 at 6:27 am
    Fred DiMeo says:
    As an agent/broker you do have a certain amount of fiduciary responsibility to do something - at least give your clients some options and education about what is going to happ... read more
  • October 1, 2008 at 3:17 am
    Fred DiMeo says:
    No fees for Travelers, Kemper, Safeco, Allied or Hartford. CA brokers who use general agencies seem to bear most of the cancellation fees. The directly appointed agents rarely... read more
  • October 1, 2008 at 3:14 am
    SP says:
    I live in CA. Every company I work with will charge a fee for a midterm cancellation.
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