How to File a Complaint and Research Complaints Against Insurance Carriers

If you’re dissatisfied with the actions of your insurance company or insurance agent, you can file a complaint with your state department of insurance (DOI). Delays, denials, and unsatisfactory settlements are among some of the most common reasons for consumers to file complaints.

To file a claim, there are specific steps you’ll need to take:

From there, you’ll be able to select your state and navigate to its consumer complaint page. Your state’s DOI takes complaints seriously and is prepared to help you. Before you contact them, you will need to:

• Be prepared to fill out either a paper or online form with information like your name, address, type of insurance, and the reason for the complaint.
• Gather supporting documents and photographs. You should include email correspondence and a log of phone calls with your agent or company.
• Write a detailed account of what happened and the reason for your complaint.

What you should know about complaints against insurance carriers:

The NAIC compiles closed, confirmed complaint information about insurance carriers from state insurance departments. That information is available to state insurance regulators and consumers.

To access the information, visit the Consumer Insurance Search page. You can look up information by state, company, and insurance type for the past three years.

This will help you determine if the company is a good fit for your specific insurance needs.

There are things you should know when using the complaint index:

• You should not use just one factor to decide which insurance company to use.
• You should compare the complaints, financials, and direct premiums written of several companies.

• You can view the insurance carrier’s financial condition, how long it has been in business, and its complaints over the past three years.
• A company’s complaint index can vary not only due to fluctuations in the company’s complaints or premiums but also due to fluctuations in the complaints or premiums of the U.S. market for the type of insurance being sold by the companies.

Here are links that will help you research complaints:

About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners

As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.