Advertising Regulations
Advertising is “any material designed to create public interest in Principal Life Insurance Company, Principal National Life Insurance Company, our products or services, agents or brokers“, based on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model rules. It includes everything from prospect letters to sales brochures and presentations to policy illustrations and renewal letters.
A variety of materials qualify as advertising, including but not limited to:
Employer, broker and employee level marketing material: group proposals, brochures, broker mailers, prospect letters, pre-approach letters, newsletters, employee enrollment and re-enrollment materials, enrollment meeting presentation materials, audiovisual scripts, telemarketing scripts, and PowerPoint presentations.
Some standard letters to current customers: renewal letters, other stored, systems generated or newly created letters that will get broad distribution and where an invitation to inquire about an additional product, service, or benefit is discussed or promoted; or if a benefit reduction is mentioned.
Other promotional materials: magazine ads, yellow page ads, trade-show booths, association newsletter, and Internet applications.
These materials must go through the formal review and approval process established before printing and distribution. If you alter an already approved piece, you must resubmit it for review and approval.
Why Advertising Compliance Review Is So Important
Advertising Compliance Review is important to Principal because it ensures that our advertising materials are clear and accurate. The insurance industry is heavily regulated. Part of our company obligations are making sure that materials we produce are clear, accurate, and in compliance with state and federal laws. Keeping our marketing materials in compliance helps us avoid fines and penalties from regulators.
Copyright Rules
It is against the law to copy the legally protected work of others or to use that work without permission. Obtain written approval from the publisher and/or author before sharing or releasing copies. Prior to obtaining reprint permission, you also need compliance approval from the home office. Please contact AdReview@principal.com. Copyrighted materials may include:
- Company manuals
- Videos
- Training materials
- Software
- Marketing materials
- Articles
- Other materials
Know and follow license agreements for software used. It is against the law to copy, or use without permission, legally protected or copyrighted software. This includes software from outside vendors as well as computer software and systems of Principal.
Company supported software
The only software packages that can be installed and/or used by Principal Advisor Network, managers and staff members are those provided by the home office or included on the approved software list. For more information on approved software options, reach out to DTS @ DTS@Principal.com, 800-786-4461, or visit their website www.principal.com/technology. Software packages that are not included on the approved software list:
- Have not been compliance-approved by Principal
- Are not technically supported by USIS.
- Have not been tested for compatibility with system applications