The ripple effect of uncertainty among consumers in the wake of AIG's problems - once the world's largest insurer - runs deep and wide.

More than two-thirds of Americans own life insurance policies. Nearly 85 percent of Americans have health insurance. About 70 million are homeowners, and more than 200 million people in the United States have auto insurance.

The Better Business Bureau offers some answers to questions about what happens to coverage if an insurance company goes out of business:

- Who regulates the insurance industry? Insurance companies are regulated by state departments of insurance, which monitor the financial well-being of insurance companies headquartered in their states. If a company is at risk of going under, the department, or commissioner, will step in to save the company from going bankrupt. If a company cannot be saved, the department will oversee the liquidation process.

- Will I still have insurance coverage? Insurance guaranty associations have been established in every state and are designed to protect policy-holders if their insurance company becomes insolvent. An insurance company must be a member of the guaranty association for every state in which it does business. If a company becomes insolvent, the insurance guaranty association ensures continuation of coverage either by taking on the policy directly or by transferring the policies to a financially stable insurer.

- What about any claims? The laws vary from state to state. However, most life and health guaranty associations provide coverage at limits of at least $300,000 for life insurance death benefits, $100,000 for life insurance cash surrender values, $100,000 for annuity withdrawal or payment values, and $100,000 for health insurance benefits.

Most property/casualty guaranty associations provide coverage on a per-claim basis for personal injury and property damages up to $300,000 and provide full benefit coverage for workers' compensation claims.

- Where does that money come from to cover claims? If an insurance company goes bankrupt, any amount of coverage that cannot be achieved from the company�s liquidation is borne by other insurers in the state according to the amount in premiums those insurers earn from that state.

- Should I switch insurance companies? Before making any changes, consumers should consider several factors. There may be cancellation fees when changing auto or homeowners insurance firms. And there may be higher premiums associated with any new life insurance policy.

- How can I be sure my insurance company is safe? Several businesses rate insurance companies on their financial strength and creditworthiness, including Moody's, Standard and Poor's, and A.M. Best.

For more information, visit the Web site {M3www.wynco.bbb.org{M3 or call 800-564-0371.