The Missouri Department of Insurance (DOI) says consumers have complained about auto insurance the most in 2009.
In the first nine months of 2009, the department fielded almost 4,200 formal complaints and assisted nearly 3,000 consumers in writing and another 21,000 over the telephone.
The most common reasons for complaints to the department were: denial of claims, claims delays and unsatisfactory offers. The department recorded the most complaints in the following types of insurance: auto, group health, individual health and homeowners.
Consumers who filed complaints with the Missouri DOI received almost $10.7 million from insurance companies during the first nine months of this year. The money was returned as a result of the department’s mediation efforts on behalf of consumers who had filed complaints, the DOI said.
“We work to ensure Missourians are treated fairly by insurance companies. Our team takes each and every complaint seriously,” said John M. Huff, director of the Missouri DOI, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. “Returning almost $11 million to policyholders is a significant demonstration of our commitment to protecting Missouri consumers.”
More information:
• Missouri DOI Bars Auto Insurer from Writing New Business in State
