California's insurance commissioner, John Garamendi, has filed suit against a broker and four major insurers, accusing them of participating in secret commission and kickback schemes that netted millions of dollars. Garamendi is seeking to end the unethical practices that he believes have harmed consumers.

"Employers and consumers put their trust in brokers to help them find the best insurance at the best price," said Garamendi, "but that trust has been broken. This lawsuit is one of many steps I will take to ensure that insurance consumers don't suffer because of back-room kick-back deals."

MetLife, Cigna, Prudential Financial, and Unum Provident have been accused of colluding with Universal Life Resources. The complaint charges the companies with violating state law by withholding from clients information about agreements with ULR. According to the complaint, ULR steered clients to the four insurers, regardless of whether the insurance products were the best available.