Recent studies by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) show few Americans understand the details of their insurance policies to the extent they should, and some are not even aware they may be dealing with a false policy altogether.

Now in its third year, Insure U - the Web-based program designed to educate consumers about their insurance needs, has expanded to include four new life situations. This year the NAIC - in conjunction with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and other state insurance departments - took the next step in the Insure U program by introducing tips and special considerations specially focused on the needs of domestic partners, single parents, grandparents raising grandchildren and members of the military.

"This is an important way for us to help consumers," said Sean Dilweg, Commissioner of Insurance. "The Web site breaks down what can be complicated insurance concepts into an easy to follow guide."

The Insure U Web site breaks consumers up into eight life situations - young singles, young families, established families, empty nesters, and the four new expanded life situations. Within these groups is targeted information for each age group on auto insurance, health insurance, homeowner's insurance and life insurance. The Insure U for Small Business Web site includes the following six categories: worker's compensation, group health and disability, business property and liability, commercial auto, group life and key person life, and home-based business insurance.

The consumer can navigate the Web site based on their own interests and insurance needs. At the end of each section, consumers can take a quiz on the particular life situation they learned about to test their knowledge.

"Many people are simply unaware of what is out there in terms of insurance," said Dilweg. "This is an accessible way for consumers to gauge their insurance knowledge and identify what they still need to learn."

The NAIC also emphasizes that consumers in all life stages need to protect themselves from insurance fraud, shop around before buying an insurance policy, and review their policies annually to make sure they still meet their needs.

The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) encourages consumers to visit the Insure U Web site at www.insureuonline.org. Consumers with further questions on their insurance needs can contact OCI by calling 800-236-8517 or visiting the OCI Web site at oci.wi.gov.

Created by the Legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.

More information:

• Article by Sean Dilweg, Insurance: A Vital Form of Financial Security at Every Life Stage
• Glossary of Insurance Terms
• Frequently Asked Questions
• OCI Consumer Publications
• Insurance Coverage for Small Employers
• Insure U for Life Stages (external site)
• Insure U for Small Business (external site)