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Utah Administrative Code (Current through November 1, 2019) |
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R590. Insurance, Administration |
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R590-130. Rules Governing Advertisements of Insurance |
| R590-130-1. Authority |
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This rule is adopted pursuant to Subsection 31A-2-201(3), which authorizes rules to implement the Insurance Code, and Section 31A-23a-402, which authorizes the commissioner to define unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the business of insurance. |
| R590-130-2. Purpose |
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This rule is designed to help assure the clear and truthful disclosure of the benefits, limitations and exclusions of policies sold as insurance. This is intended to be accomplished by the establishment of guidelines and standards of conduct in the advertising of insurance in a manner which prevents unfair, deceptive and misleading advertising and which is conducive to accurate presentation and description to the insurance buying public through the advertising media and material used by insurance producers and companies. |
| R590-130-3. Applicability |
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A. This rule shall apply to any insurance "advertisement" as that term is defined herein unless otherwise specified in these rules, which the licensee knows or reasonably should know is intended for presentation, distribution or dissemination in this state when such presentation, distribution or dissemination is made either directly or indirectly by or on behalf of an insurer or producer, as those terms are defined in the Insurance Code of this state. B. Advertising materials reproduced in quantity shall be identified by form numbers or other identifying means. Such identification shall be sufficient to distinguish an advertisement from any other advertising materials, policies, applications or other materials used by the insurer or advertiser. |
| R590-130-4. Definitions |
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A (1) An "Advertisement" for the purpose of this rule shall include: (a) printed and published material, audio or visual material, and descriptive literature of an insurer used in direct mail, newspapers, magazines, radio scripts, TV scripts, websites, emails, billboards and similar displays; and (b) prepared sales talks, presentations and material for use by producers and solicitors whether prepared by the insurer or the producer or solicitor, when used for members of the insurance buying public, whether mailed or delivered in person. (2) The definition of advertisement includes promotional material included with a policy when the policy is delivered as well as material used in the solicitation of renewals and reinstatements. B. "Institutional Advertisement" for the purpose of this rule shall mean an advertisement having as its sole purpose the promotion of the reader's, viewer's or listener's interest in the concept of insurance, or the promotion of the insurer as a seller of insurance. C. "Invitation to Contract" for the purpose of this rule shall mean an advertisement regarding a specific insurance product and which describes one or more of the provisions of the contract for that product. D. "Invitation to Inquire" for the purpose of this rule shall mean an advertisement having as its objective the creation of a desire to inquire further about insurance and which is limited to a brief description of coverage, and which shall contain a provision in the following or substantially similar form: "This policy has (exclusions) (limitations) (reduction of benefits) (terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued). For costs and complete detail of the coverage, call (or write) your insurance agent or the company (whichever is applicable)." E. "Preneed funeral contract" shall mean an agreement by or for an individual before the individual's death relating to the purchase or provision of specific funeral or cemetery merchandise or services, which is funded, at least in part, by insurance. |
| R590-130-5. Method of Disclosure of Required Information |
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All information required to be disclosed by this rule shall be set out conspicuously and in close conjunction with the statements to which such information relates or under appropriate captions of such prominence that it may not be minimized, rendered obscure or presented in an ambiguous fashion or intermingled with the context of the advertisements so as to be confusing or misleading. |
| R590-130-6. Form and Content of Advertisements |
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A. The format and content of an insurance advertisement shall be sufficiently complete and clear to avoid deceiving or misleading the reader, viewer, or listener. Whether an advertisement is misleading or deceiving shall be determined from the overall impression that the advertisement may reasonably be expected to create upon a person of average education or intelligence within the segment of the public to which it is directed. B. Advertisements shall be truthful and not misleading in fact or in implication. Words or phrases, the meaning of which is clear only by implication or by familiarity with insurance terminology, may not be used without a clear explanation of such words or phrases. C. An insurer must clearly identify its insurance policy as an insurance policy. A policy trade name must be followed by the words "Insurance Policy" or similar words clearly identifying the fact that an insurance policy or, in the case of health maintenance organizations, prepaid health plans and other direct service organizations, a health benefits product is being offered. D. No insurer, producer, solicitor or other person may solicit residents of this state for the purchase of insurance through the use of a name that is deceptive or misleading with regard to the status, character, or proprietary or representative capacity of such person, or the true purpose of the advertisement. |
| R590-130-7. Advertisements of Benefits Payable, Losses Covered or Premiums Payable |
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A. Deceptive Words, Phrases or Illustrations Prohibited: (1) No advertisement may omit information, or use words, phrases, statements, references or illustrations if the omission of such information, or use of such words, phrases, statements, references or illustrations has the effect of misleading or deceiving purchasers or prospective purchasers as to the nature or extent of any policy benefit payable, loss covered, or premium payable. The fact that the policy offered is made available to a prospective insured for inspection prior to consummation of the sale or an offer is made to refund the premium if the purchaser is not satisfied, does not negate this requirement. (2) No advertisement may contain or use words or phrases such as "all," "full," "complete," "comprehensive," "unlimited," "up to," "as high as," "this policy will help fill some of the gaps that Medicare and your present insurance leave out," "the policy will help to replace your income" (when used to express loss of time benefits), or similar words and phrases, in a manner which exaggerates the extent of any policy benefit when the policy is viewed as a whole. (3) An advertisement which also is an invitation to join an association, trust or discretionary group must solicit insurance coverage on a separate and distinct application which requires separate signatures for each application. The separate and distinct applications required shall be on separate documents. The insurance program must be presented so as to disclose to the prospective members that they are purchasing insurance as well as applying for membership, if that is the case. Refundability of a membership fee must be fully disclosed, as well as the complete identity of the underwriter. (4) An advertisement may not contain descriptions of policy limitations, exceptions or reductions, worded in a positive manner to imply that it is a benefit such as describing a waiting period as a "benefit builder" or stating "even preexisting conditions are covered after two years." Words and phrases used in an advertisement to describe such policy limitations, exceptions and reductions shall fairly and accurately describe the negative features of such limitations, exceptions and reductions of the policy offered. (5) No advertisement of a benefit for which payment is conditional upon confinement in a hospital or similar facility may use words or phrases such as "tax-free," "extra cash," "extra income," "extra pay," or substantially similar words or phrases because such words and phrases have the capacity, tendency or effect of misleading the public into believing that the policy advertised will, in some way, enable them to make a profit from being hospitalized. (6) No advertisement of confinement indemnity benefits shall advertise weekly or monthly benefits without also, with equal prominence, explaining that these benefits are based upon an accumulated daily pro rata benefit, if that is in fact the case. (7) No advertisement of a policy covering only one disease or a list of specified diseases may imply coverage beyond the terms of the policy. Synonymous terms may not be used to refer to any disease so as to imply broader coverage than is the fact. (8) An advertisement for a policy providing benefits for specified illnesses only, such as cancer, or for specified accidents only, such as automobile accidents, shall clearly and conspicuously in prominent type state the limited nature of the policy. The statement shall be worded in language identical to or substantially similar to the following: "THIS IS A LIMITED POLICY," "THIS IS A CANCER ONLY POLICY," or "THIS IS AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ONLY POLICY." (9) An advertisement for the solicitation or sale of a preneed funeral contract, which is funded or to be funded by a life insurance policy or annuity contract, shall adequately disclose the fact that a life insurance policy or annuity contract is involved or being used to fund such arrangement. (10) An advertisement may not use as the name or title of a life insurance policy any phrase which does not include the words "life insurance" unless accompanied by other language clearly indicating it is life insurance. B. Exceptions, Reductions and Limitations (1) An advertisement which is an invitation to contract shall disclose those exceptions, reductions and limitations affecting the basic provisions of the policy. (2) When a policy contains a waiting, elimination, probationary or similar time period between the effective date of the policy and the effective date of coverage under the policy or at a time period between the date of loss and the date benefits begin to accrue for such loss, an advertisement which is an invitation to contract shall disclose the existence of such periods. (3) An advertisement may not use the words "only" "just," "merely," "minimum," "necessary" or similar words or phrases to describe the applicability of any exceptions, reductions, limitations or exclusions in any way so as to minimize the apparent effect of such exceptions, reductions, limitations, or exclusions. C. Preexisting Conditions: (1) An advertisement which is an invitation to contract shall, in negative terms, disclose the extent to which any loss is not covered if the cause of such loss is traceable to a condition existing prior to the effective date of the policy. The use of the term "preexisting condition" must be accompanied by a description or definition. (2) When a accident and health insurance policy does not cover losses resulting from preexisting conditions, no advertisement of the policy may state or imply that the applicant's physical condition or medical history will not affect the issuance of the policy or payment of a claim. This rule prohibits the use of the phrase "no medical examination required" and phrases of similar import, but does not prohibit explaining "automatic issue." If an insurer requires a medical examination for a specified policy, the advertisement, if it is an invitation to contract, shall disclose that a medical examination is required. (3) When an advertisement contains an application form to be completed by the applicant and returned by mail, such application form shall contain a question or statement which reflects the preexisting condition provisions of the policy immediately preceding the blank space for the applicant's signature or preceding the statement regarding the truthfulness of information provided in the application. For example, such an application form shall contain a question or statement substantially as follows: Do you understand that this policy will not pay benefits during the first (insert period of time) after the issue date for a disease or physical condition which you now have or have had in the past? YES. Or substantially the following statement: I understand that the policy applied for will not pay benefits for any loss incurred during the first (insert period of time) after the issue date on account of disease or physical condition which I now have or have had in the past. |
| R590-130-8. Necessity for Disclosing Policy Provisions Relating to Renewability, Cancelability and Termination |
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An advertisement which is an invitation to contract shall disclose the provisions relating to renewability, cancelability and termination, and any modification of benefits, losses covered, or premiums, in a manner which may not minimize or render obscure the qualifying conditions. The terms "noncancelable" or "noncancelable and guaranteed renewable" may be used only to advertise a policy in which the insured has the right to continue in force by the timely payment of premiums set forth in the policy at least to age 65 or to eligibility for Medicare, during which period the insurer has no right to unilaterally make any change in any provision of the policy while the policy is in force; provided, however, any disability or accident only policy which provides for periodic payments, weekly or monthly, for a specified period during the continuance of disability resulting from accident or sickness may provide that the insured has the right to continue the policy at least to age 60 if, at age 60, the insured has the right to continue the policy in force at least to age 65 while actively and regularly employed. The term "guaranteed renewable" may be used only to advertise a policy in which the insured has the right to continue in force by the timely payment of premiums at least to the age of 65 or to eligibility for Medicare, during which period the insurer has no right to unilaterally make any change in any provision of the policy while the policy is in force, except that the insurer may make changes in premium rates by classes; provided, however, any disability or accident only policy which provides for periodic payments, weekly or monthly, for a specified period during the continuance of disability resulting from accident or sickness may provide that the insured has the right to continue the policy at least to age 60 if, at age 60, the insured has the right to continue the policy in force at least to age 65 while actively and regularly employed. |
| R590-130-9. Testimonials or Endorsements by Third Parties |
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A. A person shall be deemed a "spokesperson" if the person making the testimonial or endorsement: (1) Has a financial interest in the insurer or a related entity as a stockholder, director, officer, employee or otherwise; or (2) Has been formed by the insurer, is owned or controlled by the insurer, its employees, or the person or persons who own or control the insurer; or (3) Has any person in a policy making position who is affiliated with the insurer in any of the above described capacities; or (4) Is in any way directly or indirectly compensated for making a testimonial or endorsement. B. The fact of a financial interest or the proprietary or representative capacity of a spokesperson shall be disclosed in an advertisement and shall be accomplished in the introductory portion of the testimonial or endorsement in the same form and with equal prominence thereto. If a spokesperson is directly or indirectly compensated for making a testimonial or endorsement, such fact shall be disclosed in the advertisement by language substantially as follows: "Paid Endorsement." The requirement of this disclosure may be fulfilled by use of the phrase "Paid Endorsement" or words of similar import in a type style and size at least equal to that used for the spokesperson's name or the body of the testimonial or endorsement, whichever is larger. In the case of non-print advertising, the required disclosure must be accomplished in the introductory portion of the advertisement and must be given prominence. C. An advertisement may not state or imply that an insurer or an insurance policy has been approved or endorsed by any individual, group of individuals, society, association or other organizations, unless such is the fact, and unless any proprietary relationship between an organization and the insurer is disclosed. If the entity making the endorsement or testimonial has been formed by the insurer or is owned or controlled by the insurer or the person or persons who own or control the insurer, such fact shall be disclosed in the advertisement. If the insurer or an officer of the insurer formed or controls the association, or holds any policy making position in the association, that fact must be disclosed. D. When a testimonial refers to benefits received under an insurance policy, the specific claim data, including claim number, date of loss and other pertinent information shall be retained by the insurer for inspection for a period of three years after the last use of said testimonial in any advertisement. The use of testimonials which do not correctly reflect the present practices of the insurer or which are not applicable to the policy or benefit being advertised is prohibited. E. An advertisement may not imply that approval, endorsement or accreditation of policy forms or advertising has been granted by any division or agency of any state or federal government. "Approval" or filing of either policy forms or advertising may not be used by an insurer to state or imply that a governmental agency has endorsed or recommended the insurer, its policies, advertising or its financial condition. |
| R590-130-10. Use of Statistics and Exaggerations |
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A. An advertisement may not represent or imply that claim settlements by the insurer are "liberal" or "generous," or use words of similar import, or that claim settlements are or will be beyond the actual terms of the contract. An unusual amount paid for a unique claim under the policy advertised is misleading and may not be used. B. The source of any statistics used in an advertisement shall be identified in such advertisement. |
| R590-130-11. Identification of Plan or Number of Policies |
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A. When a choice of the amount of benefits is referred to, an advertisement which is an invitation to contract shall disclose that the amount of benefits provided depends upon the plan selected and that the premium will vary with the amount of the benefits selected. B. When an advertisement which is an invitation to contract refers to various benefits which may be obtained only through two or more policies, other than group master policies, the advertisement shall disclose that such benefits are provided only through a combination of such policies. |
| R590-130-12. Identity of Insurer |
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A. The name of the actual insurer shall be stated in all advertisements. The form number or numbers of the policy advertised shall be stated in an advertisement which is an invitation to contract. An advertisement may not use a trade name, any insurance group designation, name of a parent company of the insurer, name of a particular division of the insurer, service mark, slogan, symbol or other device without disclosing the name of the actual insurer if the advertisement would be misleading or deceiving as to the true identity of the insurer. B. No advertisement may use any combination of words, symbols, or physical materials which by their content, phraseology, shape, color or other characteristics are so similar to combination of words, symbols or physical materials used by agencies of the federal government or of any state, or otherwise appear to be of such a nature that it would confuse or mislead prospective insureds into believing that the solicitation is in some manner connected with an agency of any municipal, state or federal government. C. Advertisements, envelopes or stationery which employ words, letters, initials, symbols or other devices that are so similar to those used in governmental agencies or by other insurers are not permitted if they may lead the public to believe: (1) that the advertised coverages are somehow provided by or are endorsed by a governmental agency or such other insurers. (2) that the advertiser is the same as, is connected with, or is endorsed by a governmental agency or such other insurers. D. No advertisement may use the name of a state or political subdivision thereof in a policy name or description, unless the company name contains the same state or political subdivision name. E. No advertisement in the form of envelopes or stationery of any kind may use any name, service mark, slogan, symbol or any device in such a manner that implies that the insurer or the policy advertised, or any producer who may call upon the consumer in response to the advertisement is connected with a governmental agency, such as the Social Security Administration. F. No advertisement may incorporate the word "Medicare" in the title of the plan or policy being advertised unless, where ever it appears, said word is qualified by language differentiating it from Medicare. Such an advertisement, however, may not use the phrase "( ) Medicare Department of the ( ) Insurance Company," or language of similar import. G. No advertisement may imply that the reader may lose a right or privilege or benefit under federal, state or local law if he fails to respond to the advertisement. H. The use of letters, initials, or symbols of the corporate name or trademark that would have the tendency or capacity to mislead or deceive the public as to the true identity of the insurer is prohibited unless the true, correct and complete name of the insurer is in close conjunction and in the same size type as the letters initials or symbols of the corporate name or trademark. I. The use of the name of an agency or "( ) Underwriters" or "( ) Plan" in type, size and location so as to mislead or deceive as to the true identity of the insurer or advertiser is prohibited. J. The use of an address that is misleading or deceiving as to the true identity of the insurer or advertiser, its location or licensing status is prohibited. K. No insurer or advertiser may use, in the trade name of its insurance policy, any terminology or words so similar to the name of a governmental agency or governmental program that will confuse, deceive or mislead the prospective purchaser regarding governmental sponsorship, endorsement, or connection with the insurance policy or the insurer. |
| R590-130-13. Group or Quasi-Group Implications |
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A. An advertisement of a particular policy may not state or imply that prospective insureds become group or quasi-group members covered under a group policy and as such enjoy special rates or underwriting privileges, unless such is the fact and renewal rates are also given special or preferred status. B. This rule prohibits the solicitations of a particular class such as governmental employees, by use of advertisements which state or imply that their occupational status entitles them to reduced rates on a group or other basis when, in fact, the policy being advertised is sold only on an individual basis at regular rates. |
| R590-130-14. Enforcement Procedures |
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Advertising File. Each insurer or advertiser shall maintain at its home or principal office a complete file containing every printed, published or prepared advertisement of its individual policies and typical printed, published or prepared advertisements of its blanket, franchise and group policies hereafter disseminated in this or any other state, whether or not licensed in such other state, with a notation attached to each such advertisement which shall indicate the manner and extent of distribution and the form number of any policy advertised. Such file shall be subject to regular and periodic inspection by this Department. All such advertisements shall be maintained in said file for a period of three years from date of last use. |
| R590-130-15. Enforcement Date |
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The commissioner shall begin enforcing the revised provisions of this rule on the effective date. |
| R590-130-16. Severability Provision |
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If any provision or clause of this rule or the application of it to any person or situation is held to be invalid, that invalidity shall not affect any other provision or application of this rule which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provision of this rule are declared to be severable. |
| R590-130-17. Filing for Prior Review |
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The commissioner may, at his discretion, require the filing with the department, for review prior to use, of advertising material, for informational purposes only. |