DCBS Media Release

March 6, 1998
For more information:
John Piper, (503) 947-7213

Report helps consumers choose insurance companies

Consumers can get help choosing an insurance company from the latest edition of Oregon Insurance Complaints, an annual report released by the Oregon Insurance Division.

Oregon Insurance Complaints ranks insurance companies from best to worst based on the number of consumer complaints received by the Insurance Division in 1996. The report covers five lines of insurance: health, auto, homeowners, life and health care service contractors.

"The report is one tool consumers can use to help them select an insurance company," said Larry Culbertson, manager of the Consumer Assistance Unit for the Insurance Division. "A smart shopper looks not only at a company's premiums and financial condition, but also at how it treats its policyholders."

To request a free copy of the report, write to: Consumer Complaint Report, Oregon Insurance Division, 350 Winter St. NE, Room 440-2, Salem, OR 97301-3883. The report also is available on the Internet at http.//www.cbs.state.or.us/external/ins/

A more detailed report, breaking down the types of complaints against each company and how they were resolved, is available for $25. To order a copy, send a check, payable to the Department of Consumer and Business Services, to the above address.