re: SSN
It's against federal law for most companies or organizations to use the SSN for identification. This has to be one of the most ignored laws ever. The IRS uses the SSN for identification, so it follows that those companies that have to report financial information to the IRS (employers, banks, etc.) would need it. It doesn't make any sense for other companies like insurance agencies other than their own laziness. I'm going to demand a non-SSN identifier number for my medical insurance card and pilot's license, too. One battle at a time.
Some good info is available here.