IN OCTOBER 2007, two insurance agents called on a 60-year-old farmer living alone, and sold him two health illness protection policies after convincing him his existing cover was inadequate. One agent stayed in the house while the other drove the man to the nearest ATM 12 miles away to get the cash for the balance of the €1,520 premium.
This was done under duress and the man was misled about the policies, according to the complaint.
The ombudsman found the action of the insurance agents "entirely inappropriate" and ordered the company to pay €1,500 in compensation. It had already returned the premium to the customer. The agents have received a formal warning from their employer.