How to File Auto Insurance Company Complaints (2023)
File an auto insurance complaint by (1) contacting your state insurance department, (2) sending any related documents, and (3) comparing new quotes and coverage options.
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...
Insurance Operations Specialist
UPDATED: Oct 13, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 13, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- There are times when you might not agree with the way your insurance company handled your claim
- Many states have their own websites for the Department of Finance and Insurance where you can find information about the complaint filing process
- Get at least three quotes from different auto insurance companies to compare. This is the best way to ensure you find the best policy
When you first signed up with your auto insurance company, you took the time to compare and contrast the different companies and their policies very carefully. Even though you did your best to choose the best auto insurance company, there still might come a time when you don’t quite agree with a way they handle a claim or other issue.
Ask an auto insurance company for quotes and compare your options. This is the best way to find a policy that offers you the coverage you want and need at a price you can afford. Learn more here: how do I ask an auto insurance company for quotes.
If you have an issue dealing with auto insurance companies such as filing a large claim and they denied it, your first action should be to try to settle with the company. If that does not work, you will have to resort to either letting it go or to file a complaint against the company.
Keep in mind, however, that the process to file a formal complaint against an insurance company is not a quick process. Below are some steps to follow in order to file auto insurance complaints. Be sure you have the best auto insurance company and lowest rates.
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Visit the Department of Insurance Website for Your State
Many states have their own websites for the Department of Finance and Insurance. If you need help finding the websites, visit your National Association of Insurance Commissioners department or website for help.
They should have a map that will have links to each state’s insurance department. Once you find the website, you will be able to find information on how to proceed.
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Fill Out Complaint Form
Once you have found the site for the Department of Insurance, fill out the formal complaint form. Fill it out as accurately as you possibly can.
The more accurate and complete the form is, the easier it will be for the department to process it.
Make sure you list events between you and the auto insurance company in chronological order.
Before submitting, check over everything to make sure it’s accurate. Many times, people are frustrated and irritated when filling out these types of forms.
Don’t let that prevent you from being able to communicate the problem clearly.
Attach Necessary Documents and Sign the Complaint
Once the form is filled out, you should supply copies of all supporting documents. Do not send in your originals.
Any paperwork, emails or letters that were passed between you and the auto insurance company during the dispute should be sent with the complaint form.
Next, do not forget to sign and date the form.
This might seem like an obvious step, but going through this process can sometimes cause people to forget even the simplest of things.
Mail the Complaint Form
The next step is to send the completed complaint form to your State’s Department of Insurance. Be sure to double-check that you are sending it to the right place.
If you are not completely sure where to send it, contact the department to verify the address before sending.
Sending it to the wrong place could delay the whole process.
Once it has been sent, wait a little bit and then follow up with the department to see if they received it.
Once you know they have successfully received it, be sure to follow up with them every couple of weeks to see how the complaint process is progressing.
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Look for New Insurance
While you are waiting for your complaint to be processed and a decision to be made with your current auto insurance company, you might want to start looking for a new insurance provider.
When looking for a new insurance company, it is best to start out with getting multiple quotes to compare. There are many factors to consider when choosing a new company.
Get at least three quotes from different auto insurance companies to compare. This is the best way to ensure you find the best policy.
Find out what type of discounts that the company offers. Sometimes, you will have to ask each company directly for specific discounts.
Depending on your circumstances, you might get a much better deal with one company compared to another.
Figure out who the underwriter for the insurance company is. Do some research on the underwriter to be sure that they don’t have a lot of complaints against them from current or previous customers.
You don’t want to sign with a company and have to file another complaint.
Check out the customer service department. A customer service department is very important since they are who you will be dealing with the most.
A good company will have friendly and knowledgeable customer service agents that are available to assist you 24/7. You want to be able to reach your auto insurance provider whenever you need them.
Use our FREE comparison tool with your zip code to find out what discounts are available in your area! Enter your zip code in the box below to get started now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have a complaint against my auto insurance company?
If you have a complaint against your auto insurance company, follow these steps to file a complaint:
- Contact your insurance company: Start by contacting your auto insurance company directly to express your concerns and try to resolve the issue. Many complaints can be resolved through communication with the company’s customer service or claims department.
- Document your complaint: Keep a record of all communication with your insurance company, including dates, times, and the names of the individuals you spoke with. Make notes of the issues you discussed and any promises or resolutions offered.
- Research your state insurance department: Find the website or contact information for your state’s insurance department. They are responsible for regulating insurance companies and handling consumer complaints. Look for specific guidelines on how to file a complaint in your state.
- File a complaint with the insurance department: Submit your complaint to the appropriate department in your state. Provide as much detail as possible, including relevant policy information, dates, and any supporting documentation. Follow the instructions provided by the department to ensure your complaint is properly filed.
How long does it take for an insurance company to respond to a complaint?
The time it takes for an insurance company to respond to a complaint can vary. It depends on factors such as the complexity of the issue, the volume of complaints the company receives, and the specific procedures followed by the insurance company and the state insurance department. Generally, insurance companies are expected to respond to complaints within a reasonable timeframe, which could range from a few days to several weeks.
What if I am not satisfied with the response from my insurance company?
If you are not satisfied with the response from your insurance company, you have several options:
- Escalate the complaint within the insurance company: Ask to speak with a supervisor or someone in a higher position within the company. They may have more authority to address your concerns and provide a satisfactory resolution.
- Seek assistance from the state insurance department: If your complaint remains unresolved, you can contact your state insurance department again and inform them of the unsatisfactory response from the insurance company. They may be able to provide further guidance or intervene on your behalf.
- Consult legal advice: If the complaint involves significant financial loss or potential legal issues, you may want to consult with an attorney who specializes in insurance law. They can provide guidance on your rights and options for pursuing further action.
Can I file a complaint against my auto insurance company anonymously?
It depends on the regulations and procedures set by your state insurance department. Some departments allow anonymous complaints, while others may require your contact information for further communication and resolution. Check your state insurance department’s guidelines to determine if anonymous complaints are accepted.
Will filing a complaint affect my relationship with my auto insurance company?
Filing a complaint should not negatively impact your relationship with your auto insurance company. Insurance companies are obligated to address customer complaints professionally and resolve them in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. However, it is advisable to maintain clear communication and document all interactions throughout the complaint process to ensure a smooth resolution.
Can I switch to a different auto insurance company if I am unhappy with my current one?
Yes, you have the option to switch to a different auto insurance company if you are dissatisfied with the services or treatment you receive from your current insurer. Before making the switch, carefully review the terms and conditions of the new policy and ensure that it meets your coverage needs. Consider comparing quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the best option for you.
Is there a time limit for filing a complaint against my auto insurance company?
Each state has its own statutes of limitations regarding the time limit for filing complaints against auto insurance companies. It is recommended to file your complaint as soon as possible to ensure timely resolution. Check with your state insurance department or consult legal advice to determine the specific time limits applicable to your situation.
: Are there any alternatives to filing a formal complaint with the state insurance department?
Yes, there may be alternative dispute resolution methods available to you. Some insurance companies have internal complaint resolution processes or ombudsman services that can help address your concerns. Additionally, you may consider seeking assistance from consumer protection agencies, local consumer advocacy organizations, or industry regulatory bodies to explore alternative avenues for resolving your complaint.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Michael Leotta
Insurance Operations Specialist
Michael earned a degree in Business Management degree with an insurance focus, which led to a successful 25-year career in insurance claims operations and support. He possesses a high-level of business acumen across multiple areas of the insurance industry. Over the course of his career, he served in multiple roles supporting claims operations including: Claims Specialist, Claims Trainer, Claim Au...
Insurance Operations Specialist
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.