Be firm with telemarketers

THE Consumers’ Association of Penang would like to address the public on the issue of the telemarketing of insurance policies.

Based on the complaints we have received, we find that many consumers are caught in the trap of unknowingly purchasing insurance policies that are being promoted through telemarketing.

In light of these complaints, CAP took up the matter with Bank Negara Malaysia to say that we believe insurance companies should not be allowed to sell insurance policies through telemarketing because of the following reasons:

> Consumers are being pressured into agreeing to purchase insurance policies;

> Non-committal replies may be taken as a form of agreement; and

> Consumers do not receive their policies and therefore do not know that they are “covered”.

However, Bank Negara stated that the telemarketing of insurance policies is allowed and legal. Bank Negara also assured us through written correspondence that the telemarketing of insurance policies cannot be done on an “anything goes” basis. There are certain things that telemarketers and insurance companies must adhere to, including:

> A telemarketer while promoting the insurance policy must provide key information such as the product name, features, underwriting insurer, benefits and coverage, method of premium payment and consequences of non-payment;

> The telemarketer cannot assume that the consumer wants to purchase the product being sold. They must get the consumers’ express agreement before they can consider an insurance policy sold;

> The insurance company must send the consumer a copy of the Product Disclosure Sheet (PDS) together with the policy contract for insurance products (insurance policy); and

> There is a 15-day “free look” period after the delivery of the policy to return the policy to the insurance company (reject the policy) and get a refund on the premium that has already been paid. (Alert the insurance company if your insurance policy does not arrive within the time stipulated by the telemarketer.)

Finally, we advise consumers to speak clearly during a conversation with a telemarketer.

Since no written contract is needed for the sale of an insurance policy over the phone, the telemarketing conversation itself becomes the legally binding contract between you and the insurance company.

If a dispute arises between the two parties, the telemarketing conversation is what will be referred to.

If you do not want to purchase the insurance policy then say “No”. Be assertive.

S.M. MOHAMED IDRIS

President

Consumers Association of Penang