Protecting insurance consumers all year round - Insurance Tips

This week is National Consumer Protection Week and the OIC is one of the many government agencies that helps protect consumers from financial harm.

So what does that mean for Washington consumers?

Consumer protection is part of the OIC’s mission, which is reflected in the way we do business. Our consumer advocates can help:

• Answer questions about home, auto, health, life, annuities, business and other insurance. 
• Understand your insurance rights, including your health insurance appeal rights and the process. 
• Understand how health reform works. 
• Look into complaints against insurance companies. 
• Provide you with information about your insurance options. 
• Verify if an agent, agency, or company is authorized to sell insurance in Washington state. 

In 2014, our consumer advocates fielded 6,135 consumer complaints and helped recover more than $9.5 million in insurance billings, refunds and other claims-related issues for Washington citizens. Read more about the ways we helped consumers in 2014.

We share information of interest to insurance consumers on this blog and through our social media channels. Many of our blog posts are generated by questions our consumer advocates receive from Washington citizens.

More resources for consumers:

• Reach us by phone at 1-800-562-6900 or online.
• File a complaint against an insurance company or agent. 
• Read more about consumer advocacy at OIC.
• Read more about your insurance, including home, life, auto, health, annuities and business.

Consumer advocates Andy and Barb helping consumers on the phone.