What does twisting refer to in life insurance practices?

Twisting in life insurance refers specifically to the unethical practice of inducing a policyholder to switch from one insurance policy to another through misrepresentation or false information. This tactic often involves misleading the consumer about the benefits of the new policy while downplaying or hiding the drawbacks of canceling their existing coverage. For example, an agent might exaggerate the advantages of a new policy or falsely claim that the existing one no longer provides adequate coverage.

This practice is considered detrimental not only to the individual insured but also undermines the integrity of the insurance industry as a whole. Regulations are in place to prevent twisting, as it can lead to financial loss for consumers who end up with policies that do not suit their needs or have unfavorable terms. Therefore, this definition captures the essence of twisting as it relates to life insurance practices.