Bogus ‘Auto Bonds’ Discovered

The Kentucky Office of Insurance in Frankfort reported a Washington state company is selling Kentuckians bogus “auto bonds,” claiming that the product is a viable substitute for mandatory automobile insurance. The practice was uncovered after an employee from a Louisville lending institution contacted KOI.

The Global Healings Society, owned by Joseph-Michael Gardinier, offers products via its Web site to those who pay a membership fee. For a $300 annual payment, purchasers were issued a “financial responsibility agreement” that buyers are told serves as a replacement for auto insurance. Under the terms of the bond, the group promises to pay the auto claims of any member. The bonds may be marketed as “The Auto Bond” or “Community Financial Bond.”

Regulators in other states have charged the group with unauthorized, unlicensed and fraudulent insurance sales. In June, the Florida attorney general’s office charged Gardinier and Global Healings $550,000 in fines and restitution to affected consumers. Other states, including Nevada, Oregon, Montana and Washington, have taken action against the group.