Use the index below to go directly to a particular section on this page:
Whether you are making a decision to purchase insurance or dealing with an insurance claim, the Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) is here to provide as much information and assistance as we can.
The mission of the Consumer Services Division is to mediate and resolve conflicts between the insurance industry and the residents of Mississippi, to provide information to the public, and to assist consumers in all phases of their insurance business. We receive complaints from policyholders who feel they have not received fair consideration by insurance companies or agents, and attempt to take corrective action against such practices where appropriate. In 2012, for instance, MID’s Consumer Services Division handled an estimated 15,700 requests for assistance resulting in excess of $3.1 million being refunded to consumers.
back to top
The insurance marketplace is becoming more and more complex. Oftentimes, the consumer needs assistance in making a decision on which products to purchase for adequate coverage.
You can protect yourself from companies in bad financial shape by asking questions when you are shopping for insurance. Contact the MID to make sure that the company is licensed to do business in your state or use our Licensing Search Page. If it isn’t, don’t buy insurance from that company. If you purchase insurance coverage from companies not legally doing business in Mississippi, you will not be protected by the guaranty fund should the company fail.
Check the ratings issued by the different rating companies that conduct financial analyses of insurance companies and grade them. (MID is unable to recommend or provide ratings of individual companies.) Ratings issued by the various agencies are available at most public libraries. Our Insurance Company Rating Services Page lists major rating agencies, their internet links, and phone numbers. If you call, ask what you will be charged for rating information about a company.
When a disagreement with an insurance company leads to the filing of a complaint, specific procedures must be followed in order to accurately and efficiently process your claim. Please see our File Complaint Page for instructions on how to file a complaint.
Although the overwhelming majority of insurance agents and companies are reputable, there are a few unscrupulous operators. There are many forms of insurance fraud. Although no one is protected from fraud because of their race, sex or age, the elderly are common targets for insurance fraud. Protect yourself by verifying whether or not an agent or company is currently licensed in Mississippi. Insurance criminals often sound very helpful and considerate. They strike when people are the most vulnerable and their promotions are very enticing. If you feel that someone is offering you something that is too good to be true, report it to MID. Please see the Request Assistance Page for information on how to contact us.
Be sure to watch out for these fraud schemes:
If we can be of assistance, please see the Request Assistance Page for information on how to contact us.
