OAR 836-020-0235: Testimonials or Endorsements by Third Parties

(1) Testimonials used in advertisements must be genuine, represent the current opinion of the author, be applicable to the policy advertised and be accurately reproduced. The insurer in using a testimonial makes as its own all of the statements contained therein, and the entire advertisement including such testimonial is subject to all the provisions of this rule. (2) If the person making a testimonial, an endorsement, or an appraisal has a financial interest in the insurer or a related entity, as a stockholder, director, officer, employee or otherwise, this fact shall be disclosed in the advertisement. If a person is compensated for making a testimonial, endorsement or appraisal, this fact shall be disclosed in the advertisement by the phrase “paid endorsement” or its equivalent. This subsection does not require disclosure of payment of “union scale” for TV or radio performances. The payment of substantial amounts, directly or indirectly, for travel or entertainment or similar expenditures for filming or recording of TV or radio advertisements requires disclosure. (3) An advertisement shall not state or imply that the insurer or the policy has been approved or endorsed by any individual, group of individuals, society, association or other person, unless such is the fact and unless any proprietary relationship between such person and the insurer is disclosed. If the person making the endorsement or testimonial has been formed by the insurer, or is owned or controlled by the insurer or the persons who own or control the insurer, this fact shall be disclosed in the advertisement. (4) When a testimonial refers to benefits received under a policy, the specific claim data, including claim number, date of loss and other pertinent information, shall be retained by the insurer for inspection for a period of four years or until the filing of the next regular report of examination of the insurer, whichever is the longer period of time.