La. Shuts Down Agent for Multiple Violations

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Robert Wooley announced that a former insurance agent (producer) in Haynesville, La., was ordered to cease and desist from all activity in the business of insurance in the latest investigation of insurance fraud across the state.

Department of Insurance Fraud Unit investigators served former insurance agent Andrew J. Coleman with a cease and desist order and a summary suspension of his insurance license.

The order enumerates a number of violations of the insurance code including failing to remit insurance premiums, operating without a valid insurance license, endangering the public and misappropriation of funds. It prohibits Coleman from engaging in any activity relating to the business of insurance. The Louisiana State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors has already revoked his embalmers and funeral directors license for violations associated with pre-need burial funds.

Coleman first received a life and health license in 1962, let it lapse in 1996, and renewed it in 1999. The license was current at the time of the summary suspension.

“Most agents (producers) are honest, hardworking people, but a few of them are not. We will continue to investigate and shut down dishonest insurance agents anywhere we find them,” Wooley said.

“Insurance agents, company officials and other insurance industry professionals are required by law to report all suspected fraudulent insurance activity to the Department of Insurance,” Wooley added. “However, consumers are one of our best sources of information. We urge policyholders who feel uneasy about any insurance-related transaction to call the Fraud Division here at the Department of Insurance. They can request that their calls be kept confidential.”