Commissioner Stewart Addresses Teen Driving Safety As Prom Season Approaches

Dover, DE–Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart suggests that parents set aside time to discuss the importance of safe driving practices, especially in regards to attending prom and related after-parties, as motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year olds in the U.S (1). Safe driving practices are important to enforce year-round but parents can help their teens make better decisions by discussing specific driving guidelines, and the consequences of violating those rules, especially when it comes to attending special events like prom.

Many teen drivers simply lack the experience to recognize and respond to hazardous driving situations and are thus more likely to engage in dangerous practices like speeding and becoming distracted by passengers in their car. Teens are more likely to be in an accident if other teens are present in the vehicle. It’s important to set clear limits on how many occupants are allowed in your teen’s car.

It should also be noted that under Delaware’s Level One Learner’s Permit restrictions the law states, “No passengers other than an adult supervisor and 1 other passenger can be in the vehicle during the entire first 12 months of valid driving authority. However, the passenger restrictions of this paragraph do not apply to immediate members of the driver’s family as long as the adult supervisor is in the car.” The law further states, “During the second 6 month period of unsupervised driving, when a supervisor is not present, only 1 other passenger in addition to the driver can be in the vehicle.”

Commissioner Stewart added, “One of the biggest distractions of all is often a driver’s cellphone. Delaware law forbids the use of handheld cellphone use and texting while driving for drivers of all ages. Nationally, 20% of teens and 10% of adults admit that they have extended text message conversations while driving (2). Nobody should text and drive, no matter their age.” Young drivers on the Level One Learner’s Permit are forbidden from cellphone use entirely. In 2011, 11 percent of all drivers age 15 to 19 involved in fatal accidents were distracted at the time of crash; 21 percent of those drivers were distracted by their cellphone (3).

In 2011, 32 percent of drivers aged 15 to 20 involved in a fatal automobile crash were drinking (4). In a study by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), it was found that when parents used clear “no use” messages, teens were 80 percent less likely to drink(5). Parents should discuss specific plans for where their teen will be going after the prom and confirm with other adults that alcohol and drug-use will not be allowed in any of those settings. Parents are encouraged to set a curfew as well, and many require that their son or daughter call them before they drive home, or are driven home, to ensure that no drivers have been drinking.

One of the most important, and easy, safety practices to follow is to always use a seatbelt. In 2010, 56% of drivers age 15 to 20 who were killed in car crashes after drinking and driving were not wearing a seat belt(6). Seat belts should always be worn by anyone riding in a vehicle, no matter what.

Commissioner Stewart added, “Going to the prom is a fun and exciting occasion for teens, and parents can help make sure that their sons and daughters will make it home safely at the end of the night. Taking just a few minutes to discuss your teen’s after-prom plans, curfew and driving expectations can have a large, positive impact on their decision making process.”

Parents are encouraged to visit the “Parents Are the Key” website run by the Centers for Disease Control, at www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey/. This website has a “Parent-Teen Driving Agreement” that you can print out and review with your teen. It’s a great tool for guiding a discussion about safe driving expectations and the consequences of breaking the rules that you put in place.

(1) Source: National Center for Health Statistics
(2) Source: Univ. of Michigan Transportation Research Institute
(3) Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(4) Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(5) Source: MADD online survey, September 2013
(6) Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Delaware Department of Insurance: “Protecting Delawareans through regulation and education while providing oversight of the insurance industry to best serve the public.”


Consumer Alert: Commissioner Stewart Provides Recommendations for Confirming New Health Insurance Coverage

Dover, DE – Complications within health insurance marketplaces have created challenges for some new enrollees who have not yet received proof of their insurance coverage. As a result, some consumers are unsure if their medical treatments are covered. If you recently purchased a plan, but still haven’t received proof of insurance from your insurance company, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Delaware Department of Insurance have some tips for confirming coverage.

Since open enrollment began on October 1, insurance companies have encountered multiple problems that have prevented the companies from being able to enter new members into their systems. Some companies received incomplete or incorrect information from the insurance marketplaces. Other companies were overwhelmed with the number of applications they received and were unable to process them by the time the new plans went into effect. This delay in providing proof of coverage has many consumers worrying if they really have insurance and wondering what to do next.

Contact the Company
The first thing you should do is contact your insurance company to verify that you do have insurance coverage. Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart stated, “The insurance company will be able to verify if you are indeed enrolled in a plan or not. Some people signed up for a plan but never paid the premium so be sure to discuss your payment. And, of course, ask your insurance company for proof of coverage, such as an insurance card or identification numbers. Many insurance companies have a website, which, after setting up your account, will allow you to print a temporary ID card.”

When you speak to your insurance company, take detailed notes of the conversation. Include the date and time that the conversation took place, and the name of the representative. Hold on to copies of any written communication you received from your insurance company such as emails or letters as you may need these materials later. You should also verify that you have paid your first premium on time. Some insurers have permitted late payments for coverage that is retroactively effective to January 1, 2014. Find out your insurer’s deadline and keep any records that can serve as proof of payment.

If you have yet to purchase coverage but are planning on buying insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace, www.healthcare.gov, print out any paperwork or confirmations that you receive during the enrollment process. If you do not have a printer save digital copies of forms or take “screenshots” of any confirmation numbers or account numbers. It never hurts to e-mail those digital forms to yourself so you can access them from anywhere or in case something happens to your computer.

Payment Options
You may need to get a prescription filled or see your doctor before you receive your insurance card. Your provider (hospital, doctor, pharmacy) may be able to verify your coverage by contacting your insurer directly. If verification of coverage cannot be obtained, you still have options. One option is to pay for expenses out of pocket. Once your insurance coverage is established, your insurance company should reimburse you to the extent that the service or medication is covered under your policy. You may also be able to work with your doctor’s office, hospital or pharmacy to delay payment or set up a payment plan until they can verify that you’re insured. Keep your receipts and any bank statements that show that you’ve paid for the services. It can sometimes be easier to track purchases made with a debit or credit card as opposed to cash.

More Information
If you have questions about your health insurance options visit www.delawareinsurance.gov for more info and links. You can also visit Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace, www.choosehealthde.com. Individuals have until March 31, 2014 to enroll in a health insurance plan in order to meet the Affordable Care Act’s “individual mandate” without incurring a penalty, or fee, from the IRS. For more info about penalties and subsidies please visit www.healthcare.gov.

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Contact: Marla Blunt-Carter
(302) 577-5259
Marla.Blunt-Carter@delaware.gov

Delaware Department of Insurance: “Protecting Delawareans through regulation and education while providing oversight of the insurance industry to best serve the public.”


Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart Announces $320,331.29 in Settlement Agreements with Three Companies

Dover, DE— Today, Insurance Commissioner Stewart announced that the Delaware Department of Insurance has entered into settlement agreements with various insurance companies and other state regulatory agencies. All three settlement agreements related to multi-state examinations of carriers with respect to their practices and procedures for identifying and paying proceeds owing under life insurance policies, annuity contracts and retained asset accounts. The insurance companies involved in these 3 cases, along with the settlement amounts to be received by the Department, are listed below.

 

1. Midland National Life Insurance Company and North American Company for Life and Health Insurance. Delaware Settlement Amount: $25,785.62

2. Aviva Life & Annuity Company and Aviva Life & Annuity Company of New York. Delaware Settlement Amount: $12,724.67

3. New York Life Insurance Company, New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, and New York Life Insurance Corporation of Arizona. Delaware Settlement Amount: $281,821.00

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Mission of the Department of Insurance: Protecting Delawareans through regulation
and education while providing oversight of the insurance industry to best serve the public.


Consumer Alert: Insurance Commissioner Stewart Recommends Reviewing Your Policies This Holiday Season

Dover, DE – Much of Delaware has already seen snow this year, ahead of the official start of winter. “Winter weather and its impact on our vehicles and homes is a good reason for consumers to review their insurance policies and make necessary updates, if needed,” says Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart. The Delaware Department of Insurance has some tips and suggestions to help ensure peace-of-mind during the Holidays and in the year ahead.

 

Driving in a Winter Wonderland: As mentioned, many Delawareans have already had to deal with driving in snow and slush this December. Check your auto policy to confirm that it is appropriate for your needs. A new luxury vehicle will require a different level of coverage than an older car. You should also check your liability limits to make sure you have adequate protection against injury or damage if you cause an accident. Some discount policies do not cover uninsured motorists. If you aren’t sure if your policy has you covered for situations such as this call your agent or insurance company to find out if you should enhance your coverage.

 

Do you know what to do if you are involved in an accident? Always keep a copy of your insurance card and your insurance provider’s contact information in the car. To take the stress out of filing a claim after an accident, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) created WRECKCHECK, a free smartphone app that walks you through the process of gathering information following an accident. You can then email the report directly to your insurance agent. WRECKCHECK is available for iPhone and Android devices. There is also a PDF version available for download. Visit the Department of Insurance website at www.delawareinsurance.gov for links to download the apps.

 

Home for the Holidays: Your homeowner’s or renter’s policy can protect you against common holiday debacles, so check your policy before you deck the halls. If someone slips and falls on your icy driveway, your homeowner’s policy will pay for some medical expenses, but ask your insurance provider if you have adequate liability limits. In addition, in the unfortunate event that your gifts are stolen, check to see if they are covered by your policy.

 

When you’re reviewing your policy you should confirm if you have “actual cash-value” coverage or “replacement cost” coverage. With actual cash-value coverage you will only be reimbursed for the current cost of the property at the time of the claim, minus the deductible. If you have replacement cost coverage, you will be reimbursed for the full value of the replacement item, minus the deductible.

 

A standard homeowner’s policy will also provide coverage, subject to your deductible, if your home suffers damage during a winter storm or a house fire. Some policies offer additional living expenses if you are unable to live in your home during repairs. Check with your insurance provider to determine what your policy covers. If you heat your home by woodstove or fireplace and haven’t had your chimney inspected or cleaned recently you should consider having a qualified chimney sweep confirm that yours is safe for use for the season.

 

Insurance Commissioner Stewart expressed that, “Anyone with a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy should have a home inventory, but numerous surveys show that 45% to 55% of consumers do not track their belongings. The holidays are a great time to create your first home inventory or update the one you have currently.” This will help ensure your homeowner’s or renter’s policy provides enough coverage for your belongings, as you may need a separate rider for high-cost items like jewelry, art or electronics. The NAIC’s free smartphone app, myHOMEScr.APP.book, makes the process of creating a home inventory quick and easy. You can download the app for Apple devices in iTunes and Google Play, or you can download a PDF version. Include as much information about your items as you can, such as receipts, photos and serial numbers.

 

In the unfortunate event that any of your Christmas gifts are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase and you bought the item(s) with a credit card call the card issuer to see if you qualify for a free purchase protection program. The benefits offered vary widely but some cards will provide 60-day or 90-day returns on items that are damaged or stolen. The per-incident dollar amount varies by card and you must follow all requirements for filing claims but there are numerous stories of consumers saving hundreds of dollars by utilizing these benefits. These services could potentially save you from filing a claim on your homeowner’s or renter’s policy saving you money on the deductible and potential premium increases.

 

Health: It’s important to do an insurance check-up on your current health plan – especially if you are considering new options, such as updated plans offered by your employer or your state marketplace. Make sure to check provider lists and take note of your co-pays for in- and out-of-network providers. Once you have decided on a plan, read through your policy and keep your insurance card handy in the event of winter illnesses or accidents. Your health insurance may offer alternatives to waiting at the doctor’s office or a trip to the emergency room. Ask your insurance provider if they have a nurse help hotline that can answer questions about your symptoms or if your pharmacy has an urgent care center that will accept your insurance.

 

If you are traveling over the holidays, review your policy and make a list of pharmacies, urgent care centers and hospitals that accept your insurance in your destination city. Prior to leaving town, it is also a good idea to check with your insurance company about in-network healthcare providers at your destination. If you receive care from an out-of-network provider, you could pay more for treatment. Bring this information and health insurance cards for all family members with you when you travel.

 

More Information: If you have questions about your insurance options or insurance coverage, contact the Delaware Department of Insurance at 1-800-282-8611 or visit our website, www.delawareinsurance.gov. For tips on picking the best insurance coverage that fits you and your needs, visit www.InsureUOnline.org.

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Mission of the Department of Insurance: Protecting Delawareans through regulation
and education while providing oversight of the insurance industry to best serve the public.


Insurance Commissioner Stewart Announces an Agreement with Carriers in Delaware to Extend Cancelled Policies

DOVER – As a result of President Obama’s federal waiver, Commissioner Stewart entered into a dialogue with the health insurance carriers in an effort to provide earlier renewals of existing health insurance plans. The Commissioner is pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached with the carriers to offer early renewals for current policies whose term of coverage was to end on or before March 31, 2014. Commissioner Stewart is very concerned with individuals that may be in a position of being without any coverage as a result of the inability to renew these policies. Commissioner Stewart stated that she is, “very happy that the carriers have agreed to provide an early renewal opportunity for these policyholders.”

Consumers that are affected by this agreement and take advantage of this option must renew their policy on or before December 31, 2013. All policies with an effective date after January 1, 2014 must be in compliance with Delaware law. The carriers have indicated that individuals with questions regarding their policies should direct those questions to their agent or broker.

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“Protecting Delawareans through regulation and education while
providing oversight of the insurance industry to best serve the public.”

http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/

Contact: Marla Blunt-Carter
(302) 577-5259
Marla.Blunt-Carter@delaware.gov