The Wyoming Department of Insurance regulates the state’s insurance industry. One way it does this is by investigating consumer complaints against insurance companies, agents, and adjusters. If your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, or your policy has been unfairly cancelled or terminated, you can file a complaint with Wyoming DOI requesting an investigation.
Before you file a complaint, the DOI encourages consumers to first try to resolve disputes directly with their insurance company. The Department cannot act as your legal representative, make determinations of fact regarding your claim, or order an insurance company to pay you. It can answer questions about your policy or the claims process and investigate complaints to ensure that your company, adjuster, or agent is complying with all state laws, regulations, and policy provisions.
To file a complaint, visit the Department’s website and select the “Consumers” tab. Then, under the “Consumer Assistance” section, select “File a Complaint.” This link will take you to a Consumer Portal Login. To file your complaint online, you must create an account by providing a valid home and e-mail address, your name and contact information, and creating a password. The DOI recommends you submit your complaint online, but the login page also provides a link to download and print a PDF version of the complaint form to mail to the Department. However, it appears that the link is broken at this time. You can also contact the DOI at (307) 777-7402 to request a paper complaint form be mailed to you.
The complaint form requests your contact information, the name of the insurance company, agency, or agent involved, and the applicable policy or claim number. It then asks for the reason for your complaint (i.e., claim denial, misrepresentation, or an unsatisfactory settlement) with a brief explanation. Once you complete the form, you will also be asked to upload and attach copies of any supporting documentation like invoices, denial letters, or correspondence with your agent.
After receiving your complaint, the DOI will review it and any supporting documentation and then reach out to your insurance company requesting an explanation. Based on the company’s response and all the information you provided, the DOI will determine if there has been a violation of state law, regulations, or your policy. Once a determination is reached, the DOI will contact you with a summary of its findings and make a recommendation for resolution of the issue. If it finds that your company or agent has broken the law or state regulations, it has the ability to impose fines or other penalties.
If you have questions about the complaint process or want to know if the Wyoming Department of Insurance can help you, you can call The Department at (307) 777-7402. If you have other questions or concerns about your insurance claim, please do not hesitate to contact Merlin Law Group for a free case evaluation.
(Note: This blog post is by Liberty Ritchie, a Licensed Legal Intern in our Oklahoma City office)