Insurance

The Insurance Division aims to maintain affordability and availability of insurance for Vermonters while certifying that insurers can meet their contractual obligations. It ensures reasonable and orderly competition within the industry and protects Vermont consumers against unfair and unlawful business practices. All insurance policies sold in Vermont are reviewed and approved by the Insurance Division to ensure they provide protections mandated by Vermont law. The Division conducts annual and periodic audits of health insurance plans to ensure compliance with Vermont regulations.   

Interim Deputy Commissioner Mary Block

Backed by an extensive career in the insurance and securities industry, Mary Block brings to her new role more than 30 years' experience that includes serving as lead counsel, investigations chief and other leadership positions. Prior to joining the Department in March 2021 as a senior life insurance specialist, Ms. Block worked for MassMutual Financial Group as Head of Investigations and Lead Counsel, Litigation where she managed investigations, drove policy change, provided training and education and worked closely with senior management, regulators and law enforcement on regulatory, compliance, legal and administrative matters. In November 2022, Interim Deputy Commissioner Block became DFR Director of Insurance Regulation and was responsible for providing advice and guidance on all facets of the Insurance Division’s work, with a particular focus on regulatory and policy drafting and interpretation, legislative activities, industry guidance and NAIC committees and working groups. In addition to supervising the Insurance Division Producer Licensing section, she continues to serve on behalf of the Commissioner as the IIPRC Product Standards Committee vice chair. Ms. Block earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Connecticut and her Juris Doctor degree from Western New England University School of Law.

Regulatory Oversight

Regulation of the insurance industry in Vermont and protection of the public in these general areas:

• Solvency Laws | insurance companies must operate in a fiscally responsible manner; so, after taking their customers' money (premiums), they can be counted on to pay claims down the road.
• Consumer Protection Laws | companies must sell legal insurance products through licensed producers, treat consumers fairly, and pay claims in a timely manner. 
• Health Insurance Laws | consumers must be afforded full disclosure of information, a full and fair review of a grievance, and health plans acquired by them must meet quality and access standards for care.
• The No Surprises Act | protects consumers with most types of private health insurance coverage against certain surprise medical bills.

Insurance Studies, Reports, Lists

• Insurance Information by Type
• Legislative Reports
• List of Insurance Licensees (Agency and Producers)
• Medical Malpractice Issues and Insurance Study
• NAIC Life Policy Locator (help locating life insurance policies and annuity contracts of a deceased family member or close relationship)
• Vermont Mandatory Reporting (Liquor Liability Report)