Virginia Insurance Virginia Life, Annuities, and Health Insurance Examination Series 1101 Exam - Topic 14 Question 10 Discussion

Twisting occurs when an agent uses misleading or incomplete comparisons to persuade a policyowner to lapse, surrender, or replace an existing insurance policy with a new one. This practice is unethical and prohibited because it may result in the consumer losing valuable benefits such as cash values, favorable policy provisions, or lower premiums. Rebating involves offering something of value not stated in the policy. Coercion involves force or threats. Defamation concerns false statements damaging another's reputation. Since the agent is encouraging replacement through misleading comparisons, the act is twisting.