Mo. insurance department fields 26K complaints

Missouri's Insurance Department says it has recovered $7.7 million so far this year for consumers. The money comes from customers with complaints about their insurance companies or coverage.

The department said through September of this year, it has fielded more than 10,000 written inquiries and complaints – and more than 16,000 phone calls from customers.

Often complaints have to do with denial of claims and processing delays. Most of the problems reported have to do with health insurance, followed by auto and homeowner coverage.

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