Accusations of Anti-Competitive Practices in Insurance Industry

The National Insurance Institute of Costa Rica is under investigation for price reductions that could constitute a violation of the Law on Promotion of Competition.

Monday, December 5, 2011

The open procedure by the Commission to Promote Competition (COPROCOM) is the only one that has been presented since the opening of the insurance market in 2008.

"If it is shown that there have been monopolistic practices, the INS could be fined up to 410 times the minimum wage.

Where the commission considers that there has been particularly serious conduct, it may impose a penalty equal to 10% of sales or up to 10% of assets. Of these two options, whichever is higher.

According to the Commission, the INS has filed an appeal for reconsideration against the filing of this regular procedure", reported Nacion.com

More on this topic

Walmart Accused of Monopolistic Practices

May 2012

The Commission to Promote Competition has opened an investigation into the international company, which has been accused by pork producers in Costa Rica of setting the prices of pork cuts below the market price.

The Commission to Promote Competition (COPROCOM) agreed to initiate a preliminary investigation against the supermarket chain Wal-Mart for alleged monopolistic practices, reported Nacion.com.

Appeal Against Fine for Monopolistic Concentration

January 2012

The company Mabeca has filed an appeal citing unconstitutionality with the Sala IV (Constitutional Court) of Costa Rica, claiming disproportionality in the fine of $2.3 million that has been applied to them.

In August 2011, the Commission to Promote Competition under the Costa Rican Ministry of Economy, found that after the acquisition of Atlas Eléctrica by Mexican company Mabe in 2008, there was a "prohibited concentration" according to the law for promoting competition and consumer protection, and imposed a fine of $2.3 million.

Costa Rica: Reforms to Anti-Monopoly Law

August 2011

The recent fine imposed on Mabe has revived controversy over the nature of the regulations.

Two bills relating to monopolies, under analysis in the Legislative Assembly, might be reactivated earlier than expected, after the Commission for the Promotion of Competition (COPROCOM) decided to fine the company Mabe for unlawful concentration in the market.

Limitations of Insurance Privatisation in Costa Rica

May 2012

The total exclusivity requirement imposed by the National Institute of Insurance on agencies who sell their insurance, is an anticompetitive mechanism that is making it difficult for the market to open up.

In his blog " Mercado Seguro " in Elfinancierocr.com, attorney and insurance specialist Said Breedy analyzes the criteria issued by the Commission to Promote Competition (COPROCOM) on the exclusivity clause in agency contracts with the National Institute Insurance (INS) in place since 2007.

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