The Division of Insurance announced yesterday that it has created a new toll-free hotline number 877-563-4467 for insurance -related complaints and questions.
The new toll-free number is a way for consumers to contact us and get information they need, or file a complaint if necessary,” explained the Commissioner of Insurance, Joseph G. Murphy. “This new feature will be particularly helpful after large-scale incidents like this year’s tornadoes.”
The new number is in addition to the DOI’s long-time consumer information phone-number. After the tornadoes which struck Western and Central Massachusetts earlier this summer, the DOI received a multitude of calls from consumers inquiring about insurance claims and continues to do so today. In addition, since the DOI anticipates additional calls from Tropical Storm Irene, the DOI thought it best to create this new hotline.
The new toll-free number is staffed Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Agents should let their clients know that they can call the DOI regarding any line of insurance, including home, auto, health and other types of insurance.
As of August 31st, the DOI estimates that consumers have filed 9,500 claims after the June tornadoes totaling $175 million in damages. The Division says a majority of the claims (5,000) have come from personal insurance claims totaling approximately $135 million.
