(An agent who makes an incomplete comparison of policies to encourage an insured to cancel...

Twisting occurs when an agent uses misleading or incomplete comparisons to persuade a policyowner to lapse, surrender, or replace an existing insurance policy with a new one. This practice is unethical and prohibited because it may result in the consumer losing valuable benefits such as cash values, favorable policy provisions, or lower premiums. Rebating involves offering something of value not stated in the policy. Coercion involves force or threats. Defamation concerns false statements damaging another’s reputation. Since the agent is encouraging replacement through misleading comparisons, the act is twisting.