Making a Complaint

If you're not happy with the insurance policy you have bought, or the way your claim has been handled, the best way to initially deal with it is to contact the insurance company. This often leads to the problem being resolved or explained straightaway. They should have a proper complaints procedure, and should tell you how they will handle your complaint. They should you let you know the job title or the name of the person who will deal with your complaint.

There is no federal regulatory agency in the US that oversees insurance companies, and they are primarily regulated by the individual states. The name of the insurance regulatory agency is generally called something such as 'Insurance Bureau', 'Division of Insurance,' or 'Department of Insurance' and is headed by a state government official known as the 'Director of Insurance', 'Commissioner of Insurance' or a similar title.

Most states have laws that regulate the conduct of insurance business to make sure that the companies deal with applicants for insurance and policyholders fairly. The Division of Insurance can investigate complaints of 'unfair trade practices' and 'unfair claims practices' by consumers and take action by imposing penalties for violations. The Division of Insurance also reviews and approves the policy forms used by insurance companies and ensures that the rates charged for various types of insurance comply with state laws.