Mo. insurance department fields 26K complaints

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri's Insurance Department says it has recovered $7.7 million so far this year for consumers with complaints about their insurance companies or coverage.

The department said this week it fielded more than 10,000 written inquiries and complaints and more than 16,000 phone calls from consumers through the first nine months of the year.

Common complaints have involved denials of claims and processing delays. Most of the reported problems involve health insurance, followed by auto and homeowner coverage.

Officials say consumers should contact the department if they come to an impasse with their insurer about a claim.