What government agency regulates insurance companies?

If you have a disagreement with a homeowner insurance provider in Virginia, how do you appeal their decision not to cover a particular loss?

Anonymous2013-06-01T06:58:35Z

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Insurance is regulated on a state by state basis, by the state's insurance department. In Virginia, the website is here:

http://www.scc.virginia.gov/boi/

When you get your denial letter, the insurance company has to give you a reason why they are denying your claim. When you file your appeal, to be successful, you have to show that the denial reason is not true. ie, if they say you had no coverage at the time of loss, you have to show that the policy was in force. If they say theft isn't covered, you show the part of the policy, and declarations, showing theft IS covered.

You might have an easier time asking your agent to help you with that denial . . . but your agent also might be able to show you the part of the policy wording that applies to your claim. Example: you have fire coverage built into every policy - so if you burn down your house and the claim is denied, well, you want to appeal that - your agent can show you the condition in the policy, where arson BY THE INSURED is not covered.

zigzigfan2013-06-01T08:51:39Z

Virginia Insurance Commissioner, look under VA Dept. of Commerce and search for Insurance.

?2013-06-01T09:32:34Z

Each state has an insurance department. You'd file a complaint there.

J2013-06-01T09:26:22Z

usually the state regulates insurance sold in their state. Start with your state insurance department web site.