In 2014, Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens’ office helped thousands of consumers settle disputes with their insurance companies, returning $8.5 million in insurance claims to policyholders, money they might not have received without his help. `Last year representatives in my Consumer Services Division helped 9,719 consumers and businesses retrieve $8,549,340.02,` Hudgens said. `Many of the citizens who called my office had claim disputes with insurance companies, and our investigators were able to secure a settlement favorable to the consumer.`

Since 2011, Hudgens’ office has retrieved $39.3 million for consumers and businesses in claim disputes with insurance companies.

Specialists in Hudgens Consumer Services Division can help with problems in life, health, auto and homeowners insurance. Consumers can call even if they just want their insurance policy explained or reviewed, the Commissioner said.

`Our office takes calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., so we can offer the convenience of assisting consumers by phone after traditional working hours,” Hudgens added. Consumers with insurance questions or problems can contact the Consumer Services Division at 404-656-2070, or toll-free at 1-800-656-2298. Consumers can also file a complaint via the Department’s website at www.oci.ga.gov.