Friday, July 1, 2011
(OKLAHOMA CITY) The Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance Division recovered $2.6 million in benefits for Oklahomans during the first half of the year, Commissioner John Doak announced today.
“Insurance can be a complex and sometimes confusing product,” Doak said. “Often people do not understand to what they are entitled or how to deal with insurance companies during disputes. Other times, mistakes simply occur. That is why we are here.”
The department’s Consumer Assistance Division processes and investigates complaints lodged against insurance companies by Oklahoma’s insurance consumers. During the first half of 2011, the division received approximately 2,600 calls each month. The complaints resolved in favor of the consumers resulted in an additional $2.6 million of benefits for consumers.
Doak pointed to one case in which he was particularly proud of the division’s work. In one instance, a woman suffered flood damage in her home and the insurance company turned down the claim based on what a plumber said without the advice of an adjustor. After almost three months, the division was able to get $16,000 from the woman’s insurance company for repairs to her home.
Mischele Denton, the homeowner from Coweta, said, “I would still have a mildewed home that I would not be able to live in had the department not helped me. I don’t know what I would have done.”
“That is just one example of the tremendous work this division does. It was our pleasure to assist Mrs. Denton and other consumers during the first half of the year,” Doak said. “We will continue to work on behalf of Oklahoman consumers to ensure that they receive the benefits for which the paid. “
Individuals interested in learning more about the Consumer Assistance Division, including how to file a claim, are encouraged to visit the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s website: www.oid.ok.gov.
--30--
ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA INSURANCE DEPARTMENT
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
###
For More Information Contact:
Shawn Ashley
(405) 521-4525
(405) 568-6004
e-mail: shawn.ashley@oid.ok.gov