Following a criminal investigation by the California Department of Insurance (CDI), California Insurance Commissioner Harry W. Low has issued a cease and desist order against New Life Christian Care Society Inc., a company that is not licensed to sell insurance in California.

According to the CDI, the New Life Christian Care Society uses an Internet site to advertise "financial responsibility programs." Calling itself a "Christian group," the company sells national liability and comprehensive auto insurance for motorists.

Additionally, it sells burial, health, personal property, and structure insurance in California and many other states. The Web site was not working on July 26, 2002, a day after the company was ordered to shut down.

CDI investigators say the exact number of New Life's policyholders in California and other states is not yet known, but that consumers "are exposed to possible loss without coverage if they have paid for insurance provided by New Life Christian Care Society."

All concerned consumers are urged to contact the CDI consumer hotline at (800) 927-4357 to report problems with the unlicensed insurer and to verify the license of any company or agent/broker before signing an insurance contract.

New Life Christian Care Society is operated by the same person who ran Puget's Sound Agricultural Society Limited, also known as Jesus Christ Administrators. On Aug. 30, 2000, the CDI issued a cease and desist order against Puget's Sound Agricultural Society for selling insurance without a license.