Sliding in Insurance: Understanding the Basics

Sliding in insurance is a practice that has been prevalent in the insurance industry for many years. It involves selling unnecessary insurance coverage to customers without their knowledge or consent. This practice is often used by insurance agents to increase their commission, and it can harm unsuspecting customers who may end up paying for coverage they don’t need.

What is Sliding in Insurance?

Sliding in insurance occurs when an insurance agent sells additional coverage to a customer without informing them or getting their consent. This can happen when a customer is buying a policy, and the agent adds a coverage option that the customer doesn’t need.

The additional coverage may be relatively small and might not seem like a big deal, but it can add up over time. For example, if an agent slides in an extra $10 per month of coverage that a customer doesn’t need, that customer will end up paying an additional $120 per year. Over time, this can add up to a significant amount of money.

Sliding in insurance is illegal, and insurance agents who engage in this practice can face legal consequences. It’s important for customers to be aware of this practice and to read over their policies carefully to ensure they’re not paying for unnecessary coverage.

How Does Sliding in Insurance Work?

Sliding in insurance typically works like this: a customer goes to an insurance agent to buy a policy. The agent then adds an additional coverage option to the policy without telling the customer. The customer signs the policy without realizing that they’ve been sold additional coverage.

Customers may not realize that they’ve been sold additional coverage until they receive their policy documents or when they file a claim. At that point, they may notice that they’re paying for coverage they don’t need or didn’t want.

Insurance agents who engage in sliding may use a variety of tactics to convince customers to buy additional coverage. They may use high-pressure sales tactics, or they may make it seem like the additional coverage is required by law or is necessary for the customer’s protection.

Why Do Insurance Agents Slide in Coverage?

Insurance agents slide in coverage because it can increase their commissions. The more policy options they sell, the more money they make. Additionally, some insurance agents may not disclose the additional coverage because they believe it’s in the customer’s best interest.

However, this is not a valid excuse for engaging in sliding. Insurance agents have a responsibility to act in the best interest of their clients, and that means being upfront and transparent about the policy options they’re offering.

How to Avoid Sliding in Insurance

There are several steps that customers can take to avoid sliding in insurance:

Step
Description
Research
Do your research before meeting with an insurance agent. Understand the types of policies available and the coverage options that you need.
Be upfront
Be upfront with the insurance agent about your coverage needs. Let them know the types of coverage you’re looking for and the budget you have available.
Read the fine print
Read over your policy carefully before signing it. Look for any additional coverage options that you didn’t request or that you don’t need. If you’re unsure about anything, ask the insurance agent to explain it to you.
Get a second opinion
If you’re unsure about the coverage options you’re being offered, get a second opinion from another insurance agent. They can help you determine if the coverage is necessary and if the cost is reasonable.

FAQ

What are some common types of unnecessary coverage?

Some common types of unnecessary coverage include accidental death and dismemberment insurance, credit life insurance, and critical illness insurance.

Can I sue an insurance company for sliding in coverage?

Yes, you can sue an insurance company or agent for sliding in coverage. If you believe that you’ve been sold unnecessary coverage, speak with a lawyer to learn about your legal options.

What should I do if I’ve been sold unnecessary coverage?

If you’ve been sold unnecessary coverage, contact the insurance company or agent and ask them to remove the coverage from your policy. If they refuse, contact your state’s insurance regulator to file a complaint.

What are the consequences of engaging in sliding in insurance?

Engaging in sliding in insurance is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including fines, license revocation, and imprisonment.

What should I do if I suspect that an insurance agent is sliding in coverage?

If you suspect that an insurance agent is sliding in coverage, report them to your state’s insurance regulator. You can also contact the National Association of Insurance Commissioners to file a complaint.

In conclusion, sliding in insurance is an unethical and illegal practice that can harm unsuspecting customers. By understanding how sliding works and taking steps to avoid it, consumers can protect themselves and ensure that they’re only paying for the coverage they need.