Nationwide Insurance, ID Theft Assist Grows Availability of Coverage

In conjunction with National Consumer Protection Week (Feb. 5-11), Nationwide Insurance and Washington, D.C.-based ID Theft Assist are expanding availability of their identity theft protection and recovery service. Over the next several months, the insurance/restoration service will be available to anyone who wishes to purchase it, not just Nationwide homeowner policyholders.

With more than 9 million victims in 2004, identity theft is America’s fastest-growing crime. Unlike other crimes, its victims are guilty until they prove their innocence. A 2005 Nationwide Insurance survey shows once people have their identity stolen, they can have a tough time getting it back.

“Identity theft is a problem seriously affecting Americans, and we believe our product provides the necessary support consumers need when faced with such a situation,” said Guillaume Deybach, president and CEO of Worldwide Assistance-headquarters for the ID Theft Assist service. “We are pleased that Nationwide is offering our ID theft resolution services to even more people.”

One in four identity theft victims indicate they have not been able to restore their identities, despite averaging more than a year trying. Results of the survey conducted by MarketTools, Inc., also show victims pay $587 in out-of-pocket expenses, such as lost wages.

ID Theft Assist provides a full-service, broad identity recovery system as part of Nationwide’s effort to combat the devastating effects of identity theft. These recovery services include 24-hour, seven-days-a-week access to an emergency call center; instantaneous access to credit reports – customers will not have to pay extra, as with some other products on the market; worldwide service that includes language translation and limited emergency cash advances; and legal support to help restore your identity.

* Nationwide’s ID Theft product is not available in Florida.