DCBS Media Release

June 21, 1999
For More Information:
John Piper, (503) 947-7213

Oregon gets "A+" for insurance complaint report

Oregon was one of only six states to receive an "A+" grade from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) for publishing comprehensive information about consumer complaints against insurance companies.

CFA surveyed state insurance departments to evaluate the complaint information available to consumers. A company's complaint record can help consumers determine the quality of service they can expect, the group said.

The Oregon Insurance Division and the other top-ranked states provide useful complaint information on the four major lines of insurance: auto, home, life and health.

CFA praised the Consumer Guide to Oregon Insurance Complaints, calling it an "exceptional brochure." The guide ranks insurers from best to worst based on the number of consumer complaints received by the Insurance Division.

"Oregon consumers need this kind of information to make informed decisions when buying insurance," Deputy Insurance Commissioner Nancy Ellison said. "A company's complaint history is a good indicator of how it treats its customers."

Consumers can review the guide or file a complaint against an agent or company on the Insurance Division's Web site at www.cbs.state.or.us/ins or www.oregoninsurance.org.

Printed copies of the complaint guide are available by calling (503) 947-7984 or 1-888-877-4894, or by writing to: Publications, Oregon Insurance Division, 350 Winter St. NE, Room 440, Salem, OR 97301-3883. There is no charge.

In addition to investigating complaints, the Insurance Division licenses insurance companies and agents doing business in Oregon, examines insurers for solvency and compliance with insurance law, approves products to be offered to the public, and reviews rates charged for certain insurance products.

The Insurance Division also publishes several other booklets that can be accessed on its Web site or ordered by phone or mail. These include:

• Consumer Guide to Auto Insurance.
• Consumer Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance and Managed Care Organizations.
• Long-Term Care Insurance.
• Your Medicare Health Plan Choices.

Another booklet, Consumer Guide to Homeowner and Tenant Insurance, is on the Web site and a printed version will be available soon.