BISMARCK, N.D. – A Fargo insurance agent is fined $136,500 and his license to sell insurance in North Dakota has been placed on probation for four years for violating the state’s rebating laws prohibiting insurance agents from giving gifts valued at over $100 per year to clients or potential clients.
The North Dakota Insurance Department says Tyler Bjerke gave 182 pub-style tables to clients and potential clients worth $213.95 each. Investigators say he gave clients and potential clients free tickets to a Sawyer Brown concert.
Bjerke’s $136,500 fine is the largest the North Dakota Insurance Department has given to a licensed agent.
“Licensed agents are prohibited from providing high-value gifts to consumers because it essentially boils down to bribing clients for business. Insurance should only be sold based on the competitive coverage options and premiums offered by an agent, not by those who can offer kickbacks in exchange for business,” North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread said.
