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Please take a few moments to read the following information. We hope this will help you understand how the New Hampshire Insurance Department can assist with consumer complaints.
What We Can Do:
Our job is to enforce the law. We act as intermediary to help resolve problems between consumers and department licensees: your insurer. We attempt to assist with:
- Satisfactory reconciliation
- Factual resolution
- If possible and available: compromise disputes
However, neither consumers nor department licensees are required to accept any attempted resolution arrived at through our efforts to mediate the dispute.
After initial review by us, if it is determined that jurisdiction applies; we forward each complaint to a representative of the company for review. These are generally forwarded to your insurer within ten days.
By law, companies must respond to consumer complaints. Companies may take up to 4 or 5 weeks to respond to a complaint. This timeframe is dependent upon the complexity of the complaint. However, we receive initial responses to most complaints within 10 business days.
What We Cannot Do:
We cannot order refunds, cancellation of contracts, damage awards, or other legal remedies because we do not have that authority under New Hampshire law. If you are seeking this type of relief, you may wish to consult with an attorney.
We cannot overturn or overrule a court order.
We cannot intervene in a dispute that is in litigation, formal mediation or arbitration.
We cannot give legal advice, interpret the terms of contracts, or other legal documents or act as your attorney
We cannot require a company to comply with a requested remedy if New Hampshire law does not give the department specific authority to do so.
We cannot promise that the specific remedy you request will be available.
Referrals:
The issues in your complaint may come within the jurisdiction of another New Hampshire state government agency, a federal government agency, or an agency of another state. If your complaint is governed by the laws or rules of another government entity, we will forward your complaint to the appropriate agency, and inform you of the referral by letter.
You may be advised to contact an attorney, small claims or other court. You may qualify for free, or reduced fee, legal services if your income does not exceed the legal service provider’s limits. Legal services may be available without cost or at a reduced rate dependant on your income. Some of these Providers include: the New Hampshire Bar Association Pro Bono referral service, New Hampshire Legal Assistance, the Franklin Pierce Law Center Civil Practice Clinic, the Disabilities Rights Center or other legal service providers. Telephone numbers for these Providers may be found in your telephone directory or by calling directory assistance.
Consumer Complaint Form –Electronic Version
Paper Complaint Form - This is form is intended to be downloaded and printed for completion and mailed or faxed to the New Hampshire Insurance Department.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners Consumer Complaint Form – (This form is intended to be completed on-line. It will be forwarded directly to the New Hampshire Insurance Department).
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