Consumers and Debt Protection Products: Results of a New Consumer Survey

Abstract

Debt protection products help consumers pay off a debt or continue or suspend payments upon the occurrence of unfortunate and unpredictable events like death, disability, and involuntary unemployment. The products can be useful to consumers whose low levels of insurance leaves them vulnerable to such events. Critics, however, have alleged that the distribution method that takes place at the point of sale provides an opportunity for lenders to mislead consumers about the value of the debt protection or even coerce them into purchasing the product. This article reexamines consumer experiences with and attitudes toward debt protection products by reporting on new consumer survey results.