i recently moved and my health insurance agent asked for my passport. when i asked why, he said it’s just how things are done nowadays. this seems odd to me since a passport doesn’t show an address. has anyone else experienced this? what should i do?
edit: i’ll call him tomorrow to let him know i’m not comfortable providing my passport without understanding why it’s needed. i’ll also ask if another document can be used. i’ll update this post once i know more.
i work for a major insurance carrier and have never asked anyone for their passport.
a passport doesn’t show your address. they might need a driver’s license, utility bill, or something similar to verify your address.
do you have a driver’s license or state ID? unless you moved to another country, there’s no reason for them to ask for a passport. most americans don’t even have one.
ask questions! it’s not confrontational if you say you’re trying to understand. insurance companies sometimes ask for proof of residency, but a passport doesn’t make sense. are you still in the same state?
they don’t need your passport. it doesn’t have the info they’d need.
i’ve owned an insurance agency for 40 years and have never needed a passport.
find a new agent.
tell him you don’t have a passport and ask if another form of ID will work.
passports don’t show your address, so this request makes no sense.
if they need to verify your address, a utility bill or ID should be enough. there’s no scenario where a passport is necessary unless you’re buying travel insurance.
how did this even come up? i can’t think of a valid reason for them to ask for a passport.
don’t give them your passport. this feels scammy.
i work in car insurance and have never needed a passport. does this have to do with a specific type of health insurance?