Insurance department fines Fargo agent for violating state rebating laws – InForum

FARGO — A Fargo insurance agent has been fined for providing gifts to clients in violation of state rebating laws.

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The North Dakota Insurance Department fined Tyler Bjerke $136,500 and placed his license to sell insurance in the state on probation for four years, according to a Monday, Jan. 6, release.

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The fine was the largest ever levied on a licensed agent, the department said in the release.

“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,” Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread said in the release.

Bjerke violated North Dakota’s rebating laws that prohibit insurance agents from providing gifts valued at over $100 per year to clients or potential clients, the release said.

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A department investigation found Bjerke gifted 182 pub-style tables to clients and potential clients, a calculated retail value of $213.95 per table, and hosted a Sawyer Brown Band concert in February 2023 with free admission to clients and potential clients, exceeding the $100 limit, the release said.

As part of a settlement agreement, Bjerke was penalized for gifting the tables. Prosecution of the actions relating to the free concert was deferred under conditions of Bjerke’s probationary license, the department said.

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