Connecticut recovers $591,044 for insureds
CONNECTICUT’S Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) recovered over half a million dollars on behalf of insureds in the second quarter of 2010, the state’s insurance department has revealed.
For the period April 1 to June 30, a total of $591,044 was recovered as a result of consumer complaints.
The CAU said it receives on average 1600 complaints and inquiries each quarter, however, in the second quarter department staff received 1,761 new complaints/inquiries from consumers. Of that number, 183 complaints resulted in recovery dollars to consumers, with accident and health accounting for $309,387 of the total amount, homeowners $133,845, and motor $99,238.
“In this tough economic time, it is important that consumers have a voice, a place to go to get action. The insurance department is here for consumers, and we are helping them every day,” said Connecticut insurance commissioner, Thomas Sullivan.
The CAU has five categories for complaints; marketing/sales, premium/rating, underwriting, unfair claim practices, and other. During the second quarter, 32% of complaints were connected with unfair claim practices, 10% were directly related to marketing/sales, while premium/rating and underwriting received 9% and 5%, respectively.
Each quarter, the CAU shares its findings with the enforcement, licensing, and market conduct divisions of Sullivan’s office, to enhance the insurance department’s oversight of the industry.
