- Keep detailed records.

Get all rate quotes, correspondence, payment receipts and key information

in writing for your files. You should receive a copy of your new policy

within 30 to 60 days of purchase. If you don't, contact the insurance

company.

- Is there a high-pressure

sales pitch?�If a particular group or agent has contacted you repeatedly

with a "limited-time" offer that makes you uncomfortable, trust

your instincts and steer clear.

- A sales pitch similar

to the one above may be urging you to change your current policy to one

of theirs. They may try to convince you to change coverage quickly without

giving you the opportunity to do adequate research.

- Unwilling or unable

to prove credibility.�A licensed agent will be more than willing to show

adequate credentials.

- If it seems to good

to be true, it probably is.

If you suspect fraud, report

it to my office immediately at the above numbers.�In Georgia, insurance

fraud is a felony, punishable with a sentence of two to 10 years in prison

and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Please send your insurance

questions to Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, 716 West Tower, 2 Martin

Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA�30334. Or call 404-656-2070 (toll free

at 1-800-656-2298), from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, for assistance with

an insurance question. TDD services available at 404-656-4031. Web site

www.gainsurance.org.