(Washington, DC) Acting Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton of the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) yesterday joined several state insurance commissioners in New York City to launch an ambitious national public education program on insurance issues under the banner of Insure U.

Developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), of which DISB is a member, Insure U has two objectives: to help consumers get smart about insurance as their life stage needs change, and to educate them about ways to avoid being scammed by fake insurance companies. The program includes an online education site, public service announcements in English and Spanish and community educational presentations.

"DISB enthusiastically supports the NAIC's Insure U initiative," Hampton said, "and we will be implementing its educational components throughout the coming year to help District residents better understand insurance products and services and how they fit their needs at different life stages."

Insure U's curriculum, available online, includes a basic introduction to the four major types of insurance - auto, home, life and health - as well as special considerations for young singles, young families, established families, and empty nesters and seniors. Consumers can test their knowledge about insurance by taking an online quiz. Upon successful completion, they can download an Insure U diploma.

The campaign's TV public service announcement (PSA) warns consumers about the growing threat of fake insurance policies and encourages them to call DISB's Insurance Bureau before purchasing a policy to confirm that they are dealing with a credible insurance company licensed to do business in the District of Columbia. The PSA spot ends with an on-camera tag by Acting Commissioner Hampton. A radio PSA in Spanish will carry the same message.

Consumers who want to check on an insurance company or an agent before purchasing a policy or who have other questions about insurance should contact the Insurance Bureau at DISB at (202) 727-8000.