Seniors Win More Protection with New Annuity Disclosure Requirements
July 25, 2014 by Targeted News Service
SACRAMENTO, Calif.,July 23 — The California Department of Insurance issued the following news release:
California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today thanked Governor Brown for signing into law AB 2347 (Gonzalez) which extends important consumer protection on annuity products that are commonly marketed to seniors. The Commissioner also thanked Assembly member Lorena Gonzalez for authoring AB 2347.
The new law requires disclosure language on the front of the policy jacket or on the coversheet for an immediate annuity that aligns with the disclosure language already required for the more common deferred annuity products. Immediate annuities are purchased with a single lump-sum payment and pay a guaranteed income which starts almost immediately.
“The new disclosure requirements provide important consumer protections for seniors and those purchasing annuities,” said Insurance Commissioner Jones. “AB 2347 ensures consumers have the necessary information when considering these long-term investment products, which can tie-up a senior’s money for decades.”
Consumer protection and helping seniors avoid possible financial hardship is paramount to the mission of theDepartment of Insurance.
Under this law those getting immediate annuities are guaranteed a 30-day free look period giving consumers time to ensure the product is right for them. These changes will simplify and clarify disclosures and provide clarification to insurers which will assist them in their compliance efforts.
