Filing a Complaint Against an Insurance Carrier

This page describes Georgia law and regulation, which differs from other states. See the Alabama version of this guide or send us your details through a coverage review.

When to file a complaint

File a complaint when a carrier: misses acknowledgment or decision deadlines, denies your claim without citing policy language, fails to respond to your communications, misrepresents your coverage, or pressures you to accept an unreasonably low settlement.

Who to file with

Every state has a Department of Insurance that regulates insurers licensed there, with authority to investigate carriers, impose fines, and require corrective action. Which one you file with depends on where you live -- see our Alabama and Georgia guides for the specific contact information.

Send us your state and details through a coverage review →

What to include in your complaint

• Carrier name, your policy number, and claim number
• Date of loss and a brief description of what happened
• Timeline of all communications with the carrier (dates, names, content)
• Copies of denial letters, settlement offers, and any written correspondence
• A clear statement of what you believe the carrier did wrong
• What resolution you are seeking

What happens after you file

Most state insurance departments notify the carrier and request a response once a complaint is filed. A formal complaint often resolves issues that months of phone calls could not, though the exact process and timeline vary by state.

What a complaint cannot do

A state insurance department can typically discipline carriers and require them to reopen claims, but cannot award damages or force a specific settlement. For monetary recovery beyond the covered loss, you need an attorney and potentially civil litigation.