Death Master Report

Dave Jones Insurance Commissioner Dear California Consumer: The Death Master File Multi-State Examination is one of the most successful and far reaching investigations and enforcement initiatives that helped beneficiaries to rightfully receive life insurance benefits. I am proud to share this report, which discusses the history and outcomes of this effort led by the California Department of Insurance and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Nearly $10 billion in life insurance benefits have been paid to beneficiaries across the United States as a result. The California Department of Insurance played a critical leadership role in the Death Master File effort as a lead state. I would like to thank the hard working men and women of the California Department of Insurance who have worked so diligently to make sure life insurance beneficiaries received the benefits they were owed. Thanks especially to the leadership of Lisbeth Landsman, Attorney IV, Legal Branch, and Pamela O’Connell, Division Chief, Market Conduct Division, and to former General Counsels Adam Cole and John Finston, former Deputy General Counsel Patricia Staggs, Legal Division staff Raquel Cano and Ron Reyna and Market Conduct Division staff including Don McKinley. Thanks also to our contract examiner, Verus Analytics LLC. There is perhaps no better example of the benefits of the strong consumer protection provided by the California Department of Insurance and the benefits of the Department’s leadership nationally than the Death Master File Examination. DAVE JONES California Insurance Commissioner December 2018