Insurance Regulations
Insurance is a highly regulated industry. Each state has its own insurance department to oversee all types of insurance. These departments are responsible for enforcing insurance laws and regulations and often provide the public with helpful information.

You can find the address, phone number and Web site for your state's insurance department here.

State Motor Vehicle Insurance Laws
Each state specifies the amounts and types of auto insurance coverage required to register a vehicle. Here is a chart showing the minimum requirements for each state.

Insurance Company Ratings
Insurance companies are reviewed and rated by independent companies such as A.M. Best Company, Standard & Poors Insurance Rating Services, Duff & Phelps, Inc., and Moody's Investor Services, Inc. These ratings are available to the public.

A.M. Best ratings are the most familiar. This company rates insurers on a scale of A++ (superior) to F (in liquidation). Always ask your insurance agent for the most recent A.M. Best rating of an insurance company.

Insurance and You
Insurance policies are legal contracts. As is the case with any contract, it is important that you read your policy and understand all of the provisions.

Don't be afraid to ask an insurance agent to fully and clearly explain anything. If you're not satisfied with the agent's response, ask for the number to contact someone at the insurance company.

Even after you buy an insurance policy, you generally have between 10 and 30 days, depending on your state's law or the insurance company, to return the policy and get your money back.

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