How to File a Complaint Against an Insurance Company

Whether it’s health, auto or homeowners insurance, every once in a while you may not agree with the way an insurance company handled a claim. If it’s a large claim or if the insurance company denies a claim that you believe should be covered, your first line of defense is to negotiate with the insurance company. If that fails, the next step is to file a complaint against the insurance company. Be prepared, however, filing a complaint against an insurance company is not a quick process.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Visit your state’s Department of Insurance website. Some states have a Department of Finance and Insurance. If you have difficulty locating your states insurance department website, visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. They have a map which links to the state insurance department for each state.

2. Search the site for a formal consumer complaint form. Some states such as New York and Connecticut have formal insurance department consumer complaint forms for their residents to complete. If your state doesn’t have a form you can download one from another state to use it as a guide for your complaint.

3. Complete the insurance complaint form as accurately as possible. Remember, the more information you provide, the easier it will be to process the complaint. Be sure to list the events in chronological order and review the information before you submit it. Better yet, have someone else read your complaint to see if it accurately explains the chain of events. Many times people become heated when disputing an insurance company. Don’t let your frustration and anger prevent you from communicating clearly.

4. Attach any necessary documentation. If you are submitting a complaint because an insurance company denied or did not pay the full amount of an insurance claim, be sure to attach copies of all documentation. Do not send the originals. Large bureaucratic offices have been known to lose paperwork. Hold on to the originals in the event you have to present them later.

5. Sign and date your complaint. This may seem like an obvious step, but sometimes accumulating all of the necessary documentation and writing out the lengthy complaint causes people to forget the simple things like signing and dating the form.

6. Mail the complaint to your state’s department of insurance. Make sure to send it to the right department. Many state departments have a Consumer Affairs Division. If you are not sure where to send the letter, call your state’s department of insurance and get the proper address.

7. Follow up with the Department of Insurance. Because of the volume of complaints, follow up within two to four weeks to make sure the letter was received. Once they confirm receipt, follow up every three to four weeks to make sure progress is being made.

Resources

• National Association of Insurance Commissioners Map
• Connecticut Insurance Consumer Complaint Form

[betterbody]

on 5/14/2009 Thank you for sharing info on filing a complaint against an insurance company.