State returns nearly $6M to insurance consumers

In the first six months of the year, $5.9 million was returned to consumers who filed complaints with the Missouri Department of Insurance, the state announced last month.

Health insurance had the most complaints, followed by homeowners' and life, according to a news release.

In the first six months of 2009, the department took more than 2,700 formal complaints and helped more than 2,000 consumers in writing and another 14,000 via telephone, the release said.

The most popular reasons for complaints were denial of claim; delay of claim processing; unsatisfactory settlement offers; and sales and marketing practices.

"Our department has helped put a million dollars a month back in the pockets of Missouri consumers, and that should encourage anyone who feels unfairly treated by an insurance company to file a consumer complaint," said John M. Huff, director of the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration, in a news release.

"Missourians who diligently pay their premiums expect their insurance companies to follow their legal obligations, and our department is here to help make sure that happens for Missouri consumers."

Complaints can be filed at www.insurance.mo.gov; consumers also can ask questions about claims and policy provisions by calling (800) 726-7390.