How To Report an Insurance Company

By Oni Harton, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed April 10, 2024

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As an insurance consumer, you expect your insurance company to represent your best interests. Whether you have a general insurance issue or need to file an insurance claim, you want a smooth, fair process.

Sometimes insurance agents or companies fall below this standard. If this happens, you can file a formal complaint and report your insurance company as a consumer.

You can file a consumer complaint against the insurer when you experience mistreatment and report wrongdoing by filing an insurance complaint. Read on to learn more about how to report an insurance company.  

Insurance Company Wrongdoing

The insurance industry provides an invaluable service to policyholders. Your insurance company should help safeguard you, your family, and your property from potential loss. Consumers rely on insurers to provide many types of insurance products. Common types of insurance include the following:

Your insurance company must comport its business with absolute honesty and integrity. The insurance company must act in good faith in all of its insurance processes.

As a consumer, you have the right to accurate policy information. You are entitled to a speedy resolution of any claims. Sometimes, insurance companies don't hold up their end of this relationship.

Examples of insurance company wrongdoing include:

The above list does not include all possible scenarios. Many different situations can give rise to insurance company misconduct.

You may want to complete a complaint form to report the insurance company if you experience any of the following:

  • Your insurance company has been dishonest with you
  • Your insurer fails to resolve your claim on time
  • Your insurer treated you in some unfair way

An insurance company may not live up to its obligations. If your insurer acts in bad faith, you can file a complaint against the insurance company. Your state insurance department provides a complaint process for filing such claims.

Filing a Complaint with Your State Insurance Department

Every state has a department of insurance that regulates insurance companies and agents. These entities may be called different names depending on the state. For example, the governing insurance agency in California is the Department of Insurance. In Hawaii, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs regulates insurance.

Your state's insurance agency website will have information regarding filing a complaint. In many cases, consumers can file insurance complaints online.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has a helpful website. It links to your state's insurance department website. This webpage provides contact information for your state's insurance department. It may include a toll-free number to reach a hotline where you can make a report.

You may also contact your state attorney general for consumer complaints. Attorneys general have many responsibilities. Protecting consumers from deceptive and predatory business practices is one of those roles.

As your state's top legal officer, they can address scams and other consumer protection issues. They can also file lawsuits on behalf of the state's citizens. These agencies act on behalf of the state and do not act as an individual's private attorney or provide legal advice to citizens. 

As such, you may need to consult a lawyer to answer your insurance questions or explore your legal options.

Situations Where an Attorney May Be Necessary

Depending on your circumstances, consider hiring an attorney. An experienced insurance attorney can represent you in a lawsuit against your insurance company. Situations that may give rise to a lawsuit against your insurance company include the following:

  • Being denied coverage for healthcare treatment
  • Denial of a claim without reasonable basis
  • Unfair treatment through unlawful underwriting practices
  • Excessive delay in the settlement of a claim
  • Bad faith negotiation tactics like ignoring your communications

Circumstances where an attorney may be necessary are variable. An attorney can evaluate your situation.

Hiring an Attorney Who Specializes in Insurance Bad Faith Claims

When an insurer fails to meet its obligations to you, it's critical to have an advocate. Your insurance company will have representation, and so should you. You must be aware of any applicable statutes of limitation for your claim. If you miss the deadline, it could cost you the right to file a lawsuit. 

For this reason and many others, having an attorney in your corner when going up against an insurance company is a necessity. They can explain your legal options and offer legal advice. Consider contacting a bad faith insurance lawyer in your area.

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Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • Consumer legal issues typically need an attorney's support
  • You can hire an attorney to enforce your rights for safe products, fair transactions, and legal credit, banking and related financial matters

Legal cases for identify theft, scams, or the Equal Credit Opportunity Act can be complicated and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.

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