Michigan Insurance Regulators: Consumer Complaints Up in 2014

Announcing it assisted 172,913 consumers across the state in 2014, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services said consumer complaints increased last year compared to 2013.

Health insurance generated the most complaints in 2014 with 1,795 formal complaints, followed by automobile insurance at 836.

Some notable recoveries the DIFS staff assisted consumers with:

• A Van Buren County consumer recovered a total of $7,733.45 for GAP waivers involving an auto dealership and a GAP Insurance Co.
• A former Michigander received approximately $10,000 when her insurance carrier made an error processing her life insurance loan.
• A Wayne County resident was awarded $10,028.00 for previously denied health insurance claims.
• A Macomb County resident was the victim of life insurance fraud. The insurance company voided his policy and refunded him almost $1,700.

In 2014 the department answered 172,913 phone calls, handled 2,165 written inquiries and assisted with 5,519 formal complaints.

DIFS regulated industries can be broken into the following categories:

• Insurance – 4,790
• Non-Depository – 541
• Bank and Trust – 40
• Credit Union – 148
• Total Complaints – 5,519

Source: Michigan DIFS