Aug. 12, 2011 – Michigan’s Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) has released 2010 consumer complaint statistics for insurance companies doing business in Michigan.

The office received 3,645 consumer complaints in 2010, compared to 4,000 in 2009. In 2010, 49 percent of insurance complaints involved claim handling, 28 percent customer service and 14 percent underwriting.

More than $8 million additional claim payments, premium refunds and policy-rating changes were received by consumers through the resolution of complaints.

OFIR urges consumers to contact their insurance company or agent directly before filing a complaint. Although a majority of complaints do not result in adverse actions against providers, OFIR provides assistance to consumers filing complaints by resolving questions or problems concerning the terms and benefits provided by their insurance policy, the premiums being charged, or their rights pursuant to Michigan insurance laws.