Friday, March 10, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
State Works to Educate Young Missourians about Insurance Needs
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt commends the Missouri Department of Insurance for their success at integrating technology to help educate young Missourians.
According to statistics compiled by the insurance department, there were 41,732 hits to the teen section of the department’s website last year. Hits in 2004 totaled 34,011. The 2005 total represents an increase of 7,721 hits from the year before. The department believes this is due, in part, to the increased initiative to promote insurance education for teens. Last year, the department included inserts in licensing renewals promoting the teen website.
“Insurance is one of the most important responsibilities we face as adults. It ensures that should something unexpected happen, we will be financially protected,” Blunt said. “Educating teens about the importance of insurance coverage helps them understand why this product is needed in so many facets of their lives.”
Auto insurance may be the type of insurance that is most thought of by teens, educating them on other types of insurance prepares them for life’s journey and the responsibilities that they will face in the future. The teen section of the website includes information on auto and health insurance, as well as renters and property insurance. A thorough explanation of insurance basics is also included for teens to read and use. Insurance consumers that have a basic understanding of insurance and the provisions of their individual policy are less likely to fall prey to scams in the industry.
The department also offers a link to the same information translated into Spanish. The teen section of the department’s website may be found at http://www.insurance.mo.gov/consumer/teens/index.htm.
For more information about the site call Matt Barton at the Department of Insurance at (573) 751-2562.
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