What is the term for publishing maliciously critical statements about an insurer?

The term that refers to publishing maliciously critical statements about an insurer is "Defamation." Defamation is a broad legal term that encompasses any statement that unjustly harms the reputation of an individual or entity. In the context of insurance, if someone were to make false allegations about an insurer that could damage its standing or credibility in the market, that would be classified as defamation.

Libel specifically refers to defamation that occurs in a written or published format, which aligns closely with the question's focus on publishing. Slander, on the other hand, pertains to verbal statements made in a spoken format. Denigration generally refers to speaking about someone or something in a way that suggests that they are of little value, but it does not specifically encompass the legal implications of harming a reputation through published statements. Thus, while libel could be seen as a subset of defamation, the broader term is more appropriate for discussing the overall concept of damaging an entity’s reputation.