Agency determined Kuczaj misappropriated more than $40,000 in insurance premiums

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
August 6, 2010
Contact: Jason Moon 517-335-1700
http://twitter.com/miofir
http://www.youtube.com/miofir

LANSING - The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) has ordered Shelby Township’s Steven Kuczaj to cease and desist from the sale, solicitation, or negotiation of any line of insurance in Michigan. An OFIR investigation found that Kuczaj collected more than $40,000 in insurance premiums from a plastic surgery center and a dermatologist, cashed the checks at local party stores and then failed to forward the premiums to the appropriate insurance agency and company. In one instance no coverage was ever placed. OFIR also determined that Kuczaj was selling insurance without a license.

“Misappropriating premiums and selling insurance in Michigan without a license are illegal," OFIR Commissioner Ken Ross said. "A quick call to OFIR can determine if an insurance agent is properly licensed.”

If Michigan consumers have any questions about an insurance agent, agency, product or company, please contact OFIR toll-free at (877) 999-6442 or online at: www.michigan.gov/ofir.

Failure to comply with OFIR's order could subject Kuczaj to one or more of the following:

• A civil penalty of not more than $25,000 for each knowing violation, not to exceed an aggregate civil fine of $250,000.
• Complete restitution to all persons in the state damaged by the violation.

A copy of OFIR's cease and desist order can be found at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dleg/KUCZAJ___CD_329694_7.pdf

###