Avoid Buying Fake Insurance

Each year, numerous consumers and small-business owners discover that the insurance policies they have purchased are not legitimate, and are then left with thousands of dollars to pay out of pocket. Insurance scams are quite common, and today's Tools & Tips column on NFIB.com details how to recognize and avoid a scam. Advice includes:

• Stop before signing anything or writing a check


• Call the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance in your state


• Confirm the broker is legitimate and licensed to do business in the state


• Work with an organization like NFIB that researches insurance offers before making them available to members