NAIC

NAIC Number: What It Is and How to Find out About It

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay 

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) was formed in 1871. Today it serves as an advisory body for the state insurance departments in the United States.

Its purpose is to regulate the insurance industry. It protects the public’s interests by promoting a competitive insurance market.

The organization provides a NAIC number to individual insurers. This number enables the larger organization to keep track of insurers within the industry. For example, even smaller subsidiaries of larger companies such as General.com must carry their own number.

RELATED ARTICLE: CRITICAL BUSINESS INSURANCE EVERY ENTREPRENEUR SHOULD HAVE

What Is the Purpose of the NAIC Number?

Like other industries, insurance companies are regulated. Regulations provide consumers with peace of mind. Because of regulations, consumers can rest easy, knowing that the policies they buy are legally binding and fair.

How to Find out Your Insurer’s NAIC Number

Insurance commissioners from each of the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories, participate in NAIC today. It’s easy to find out your insurance company’s NAIC number. Just go online and follow the steps below:

Here’s What to Do:

  1. Type “NAIC number” into the search bar, followed by your insurance company’s name. Alternatively, type “what is my NAIC number” and include the insurer’s name. Since this is public information, you’ll get an immediate result.
  2. However, keep in mind that insurers’ numbers may differ among branches. That’s because different branches can have different numbers. So make sure you’re searching for the branch that is relevant to you.
  3. You could also just look at your proof-of-insurance card. This is a card that your insurance company gave you when you purchased your policy with them. This card will have your insurer’s NAIC number printed on it. However, your insurer might not label this number as an NAIC number. Instead, they might call it your customer number.
  4. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, go to the NAIC website. Here you should be able to search for the specific branch of the insurance company you purchased your policy from.
  5. Once you have found the number, make a note of it for future reference.

NAIC Provides Protection

Ultimately, NAIC is important because it provides a way for state insurance commissioners and people in their departments to discuss common concerns and share resources. The organization’s oversight thus protects both insurers and consumers. That is, it gives insurers validity, and it gives consumers the confidence that they can safely purchase the insurance policies they need.