Conn. Insurance Dept.’s Campaign Highlights Free Advice, Expertise

March 3, 2014

The Connecticut Insurance Department has launched a statewide campaign aimed at Connecticut insurance policyholders to raise awareness of the many resources and easy-to-use services the agency offers.

“Keeping the public well-informed is essential to our mission of consumer protection,” Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Thomas B. Leonardi said. “We know that insurance can be a very complex issue and the Department is here to help consumer understand their coverage, resolve disputes and hold insurance companies accountable when they violate state laws.”

Recent research conducted by the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) showed that 28 percent of respondents knew of the Connecticut Insurance Department’s free assistance, but only 3 percent had actually used it.

“Greater awareness of our services means more Connecticut citizens will benefit from our help,” Commissioner Leonardi said.

The Department’s Consumer Affairs Unit recovers more than $4 million a year on behalf of consumers in disputes over health, auto and homeowner insurance claims. The Department’s Market Conduct Unit conducts regular exams of companies’ business practices to ensure they are in compliance with state insurance laws and the Financial Regulation Division closely monitors the solvency of companies to ensure they are able to pay their policyholders’ claims.

“Handling insurance complaints provides Connecticut residents with a non-judicial alternative to pursuing complaints against insurance carriers and producers,” said Consumer Affairs Director Gerard O’Sullivan.

“We can help simplify the claims process and ensure that policyholders who submit a complaint are kept informed at every step of the process. Our online services make it easy for consumers to ask questions or file complaints. We also have speakers available for meetings and educational functions.”

The statewide outreach campaign is funded by the Connecticut Insurance Department Consumer Education Fund, money the Department recovers in fines against carriers for failure to adhere to state laws and regulations.

Source: The Connecticut Insurance Department

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