We understand that, In December 2009, one of the structured settlement annuity insurance companies has terminated the appointments of 5 structured settlement general agencies. The purported reason for the terminations was to assure the continuation of a higher level of service amidst staffing cutbacks.
While it is possible that such terminated structured settlement agencies will be able to establish "pipeline agreements" with other appointed general agencies. on the date of termination it became inappropriate for the terminated general agencies to advertise that they are directly appointed with (a list of life) insurance companies" that includes the one that they have been terminated from. To continue to say so would be inaccurate in light of the developments.
Plaintiffs and plaintiff lawyers must also be aware of and seek a disclosure from these companies that confidential medical information submitted for rated age determinations from the terminating annuity issuer must see an additional set of eyes in order to happen. In other words the terminated broker will no longer be able to submit the information directly to the annuity issuer and must instead submit these documents through its pipeline partner.
This author looks to the relevant company or companies to update their websites forthwith, to bring them in compliance with state insurance advertising statutes, the code of ethics of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association and the Standards of Professional Conduct of the Society of Settlement Planners.
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