Consumer complaints against Mich. insurance companies down slightly

LANSING (AP) -- Consumer complaints against Michigan insurance companies are slightly down from the previous year. The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation says in a statement that the agency received 3,441 insurance company-related consumer complaints in 2011, down from 3,645 in 2010. Statistics include complaints filed against carriers writing accident and health, annuity, auto, homeowners and life insurance policies. In 2011, more than $5 million in additional claim payments, premium refunds, and policy rating changes were received by consumers through OFIR's resolution of complaints. Last year, 50 percent of insurance company complaints involved claim handling, 25 percent customer service and 14 percent underwriting. Forty-eight percent of insurance company complaints involved accident and health policies, 21 percent automobile coverage and 15 percent homeowners insurance. Published: Thu, Jul 5, 2012