How to File a Complaint with Your State Insurance Commissioner

If your insurance company is giving you a hard time, denying claims they shouldn’t, or otherwise acting not according to the demands of your insurance policy, don’t take it lying down. Yes, they are in a business to make money, but you have legal rights to demand they act in good faith. Your premium payments are in exchange for a definite list of services for which you’ve paid and which they have agreed to provide. Nonetheless, every year state insurance commissioners across the country resolve many thousands of complaints. So, before you throw in the towel or move on to another insurance company - and definitely before you hire an attorney - file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner. They may be able to help. And why not let this article help you overcome any anxiety you might feel about how to go about it.

Some Eligible Topics for a Complaints

But first, consider that sometimes the things an insurance company might do are legitimate if infuriating. So, if what you experienced is on this list, you are probably in a good position to gain the help of your states insurance commission:

Steps to Filing a Complaint with Your State’s Insurance Commissioner

1. Make your complaint to your insurance company. If an adjuster or your agent has acted in a way that is not in good faith or is counter the promises and agreements in your policy, then your insurance company would probably like to know. That have a reputation to uphold. And you just might get the help of someone at the corporate level to help remedy the situation. But, if that doesn’t happen, take it to the next level…

2. Go to your state insurance commissioner’s web site. A quick Google, MSN, or Yahoo entry with the name of your state and the phrase “insurance commissioner” should yield the link. Read the site carefully.

3. Gather all of the documentation relating to the complaint, especially those items listed by the websites. And if you haven’t been keeping records of all phone conversations and the names and ID numbers of the various insurance reps you’ve had contact with, then you most definitely should start.

4. Now you are ready to file that complaint. Return to the insurance commissioner’s site. will likely provide the means to file online, step-by-step. It’s easier for you and for them to do it via the web. It’s typically easier than filing by mail or in person. Complaints that are filed on-line receive an immediate acknowledgment from the Department. And afterward, most sites generate a record number to prove they’ve received your complaint.

5. If you cannot file online, or you state’s insurance commission website doesn’t offer that feature and you must send us a written complaint, be sure to include:

6. You might also contact an elected official who represents your state district - an assemblyperson, senator, or state representative - who might join with you as an advocate for your complaint.

7. Lastly, if the state commissioner is unable to bring remedy, you may want to consult with an insurance attorney who specializes in insurance issues.

Now that you’ve filed your complaint, your state insurance commissioner’s office will likely contact you. Be advised that in most, if not all, cases the next step is for the commissioner to provide a copy of your complaint to the insurance company and give them a designated time to respond to that complaint. Once the insurer responds, and the commissioner feels the response is justifiable, they will send you a copy of the explanatory letter. But, if the commissioner feels there is not reasonable justification for the insurance company’s actions, your case will be taken over by a state law enforcement representative, possibly in the Attorney General’s office, or whichever office is deemed appropriate for your state.

And if these steps don’t bring you satisfaction, you can certainly bring a lawsuit against your insurance company.

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