Missouri insurance department helps return nearly $6 million to customers

JEFFERSON CITY — Customers who filed complaints with the state have received nearly $6 million from insurance companies during the first half of 2009.

The Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration said the money was returned to consumers as a result of its mediation efforts on their behalf.

Common complaints included companies' handling of claims and their marketing and sales practices.

In the first six months of 2009, the department took more than 2,700 formal complaints and assisted more than 2,000 consumers in writing plus about 14,000 by telephone.

Health insurance had more complaints than any other type of insurance, followed by homeowners and life insurance.