PSI Ohio Insurance Practice Exam

A producer who makes false statements about the financial condition of an insurer may be found guilty of what?

1. Fraud

2. Defamation

3. Misinformation

4. Negligence

The correct answer is: Defamation

When a producer makes false statements about the financial condition of an insurer, this act can fall under the category of defamation. Defamation involves making false statements about an individual or entity that harm their reputation. In the context of insurance, if a producer falsely claims that an insurer is financially unstable, this misleading information can damage the insurer's reputation and business potential. The key element in this scenario is that the producer's statements are not merely untrue but are damaging and misleading assertions presented as fact, which aligns precisely with the definition of defamation. Other terms like fraud, misinformation, and negligence do not capture the essence of making false statements specifically aimed at harming another party’s reputation, which is the core of defamation. Fraud typically involves deceit for personal gain, misinformation refers to incorrect information provided without malice, and negligence includes a failure to exercise reasonable care, but none directly address the specifics of harming reputation through false statements about financial status.