Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision orders blocking of four unauthorised insurance intermediation websites

The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) ordered the cessation of insurance intermediation carried out through four websites that were offering insurance services without authorisation, and instructed providers operating in Italy to block access. The technical blocking process is under way and may take a few days to be fully effective. The sites named in the order are landing.unipolsaimacerata.com, www.sellabrokerassicurazioni.com, www.mta-co.it and brokerass.it. The cessation orders are published in IVASS’s “Defendiamoci dalle truffe” section, and the cumulative number of sites subject to such orders since IVASS began exercising its blocking powers in November 2023 has risen to 212. IVASS also reiterated consumer guidance to exercise caution when evaluating insurance offers made via internet, telephone or instant messaging, particularly for temporary motor third-party liability policies, and to verify before paying premiums that quotes and contracts relate to duly authorised insurers and intermediaries, including by checking IVASS’s online registers and lists.