Insurance Insights

July 25-31, 2016

Consumer protection is ‘Job One’

By Allen Kerr

I am pleased to write this week about the professionals in our Consumer Services Division for the vigorous work they have performed on behalf of Arkansas consumers during the first six months of the year. I am proud to announce that the division has recovered $1,580,421 on behalf of Arkansans so far this year.

Consumer Services assists insurance consumers with complaints and inquiries regarding insurance companies, producers, and adjusters. The division investigates all complaints, working with the insurance company and the consumer to determine the appropriate course of action. Members of the division’s staff travels statewide to provide educational information and materials to consumers. Additionally, our staff also travels in to areas of significant storm damage to assist homeowners with filing claims and procuring emergency living expenses.

Recoveries are dollar amounts recovered for Arkansas consumers by Consumer Services in excess of the amounts initially offered by insurance companies. At the same time last year, the division had recovered $1,443,296.

So far in 2016, Consumer Services has received 1,242 complaints and closed 1,142 cases. Arkansans in need of assistance by the Consumer Services Division are encouraged to call 800-852-5494.

I am very proud of the exceptional work our Consumer Services Division performs every day. Consumer protection is job one at the Arkansas Insurance Department.

It is my pleasure to continue to serve you as your Insurance Commissioner. For more information on the Arkansas Insurance Department, please visit http://insurance.arkansas.gov, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ARInsuranceDept and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ArkansasInsuranceDepartment.  

Allen Kerr was appointed Arkansas Insurance Commissioner on Jan. 13, 2016, by Governor Asa Hutchinson.