Wash. Commissioner Kicked Off National Consumer Protection Week with New Web Feature

Ever had a problem with insurance coverage and didn’t know where to turn for help? To mark this year’s National Consumer Protection Week (Feb. 6-12) the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) launched one more way for consumers to get their insurance questions answered.

The OIC Web site features a new Consumer Tip of the Month button that also invites consumers to ask Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler an insurance question.

“While National Consumer Protection Week may only happen once a year, protecting consumers is the daily mission at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner,” said Kreidler. “Over one-third of all insurance complaints we investigate result in favorable outcomes for consumers. Now, Washington consumers have one more avenue to go to for help.”

The OIC is staffed with professional advocates who can answer questions or help resolve disputes with insurance companies or agents regarding all types of insurance – auto, life, disability, health or homeowners/renters. The consumer protection hotline, 1-800-562-6900, receives more than 10,000 calls a month. Every call is answered by a “live” person who can directly help consumers with insurance questions or advocate for anyone who feels they have been treated unfairly by their insurance company.

Consumers needing help finding health coverage, access to care, or ways to pay for prescription drugs, can reach counselors right in their own communities. The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) HelpLine, a network of volunteers trained by the OIC, provides information and assistance with health insurance, government programs and more.

“Last year, our consumer advocates recovered more than $8.5 million for Washington consumers by helping settle their insurance claims and advocating against unlawful claim denials,” said Kreidler. And thanks to our ability to regulate your insurance rates, we saved Washington residents more than $32 million last year by denying excessive rate increases in auto and homeowners insurance.”

“If you’re having trouble with your insurance coverage and don’t know where to turn, please visit our Web page at www.insurance.wa.gov and drop me a line,” added Kreidler. “We’re here to help.”