JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Insurance companies returned more than $27.5 million to Missourians last year behind efforts from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance.

The Missouri DCI says the returns followed a period of mediation work on consumer complaints and “efforts to ensure insurer’s compliance with state insurance laws,” according to a news release.

“The department prioritizes consumer protection and works to ensure Missourians are treated fairly by insurance companies,” said Chlora Lindley-Myers, Director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. “Our team is available as a free resource to help resolve any disputes consumers may have with their insurers.”

The DCI’s Insurance Consumer Affairs Division handled more than 6,700 inquiries and complaints in 2023, also processing nearly 27,000 consumer communications via phone and email.

The department says health insurance is the largest driver of complaints, but there was also an increase in calls and complaints related to property and casualty insurance. Claim denials and delays were among the top reasons for complaints.

Consumers with complaints or questions about their insurance company or agent can call the DCI’s Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or click here for more information. A comprehensive list of enforcement and market regulation actions is available on the DCI’s website.