By MATTHEW STURDEVANT

The Hartford Courant

January 28, 2010



The Connecticut insurance department last year recovered $3.15 million from insurance companies for consumers who filed complaints to the state agency.

The department’s consumer affairs unit intervenes on behalf of policyholders to settle disputes over claims with insurance companies.

“In these difficult economic times, Connecticut policyholders can rest assured that the insurance department is working to make sure they receive every penny they are entitled to under the terms of their insurance contract,” Insurance Commissioner Thomas Sullivan said.

The majority of money recovered by the consumers affairs unit was in accident and health insurance — more than 3,000 complaints in those areas netted $1.26 million, or 40 percent of the total amount recovered last year. The consumer affairs unit received 6,798 complaints and inquiries last year.

The state also received more than 1,300 complaints related to auto insurance, and required insurers to pay $478,498 that was not paid in initial claims.

“I urge the public to use the insurance department as a resource and a mediator should they have a conflict with their insurer,” Sullivan said.

The consumers affairs unit also provides unbiased information about insurance to consumers.

Information: 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900, or visit www.ct.gov/cid.