What does 'twisting' refer to in insurance practices?

Twisting in insurance practices specifically refers to the unethical practice of inducing a policyholder to replace their current insurance policy with a new one, which ultimately results in a disadvantage for the insured. This often occurs when an agent or insurer misleads the client or misrepresents the benefits and costs associated with the new policy, thereby hindering the insured's interests.

The concept of twisting is particularly concerning because it tends to exploit the insured's lack of knowledge about the terms of their existing policy compared to the new one being offered. Such practices can lead to unnecessary increases in costs or the loss of valuable benefits. Understanding this term is vital for both professionals in the insurance industry and policyholders to ensure they are not misled when making decisions regarding insurance coverage.