Department Launches Insurance Consumer Advocacy Awareness Campaign

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services today launched a statewide awareness campaign for its insurance consumer advocacy services. Consumer advocates in the department’s Insurance Division help consumers who have questions or problems with their insurance and recovered more than $1 million for Oregonians in 2013.      “We hope that by spreading the word across the state more Oregonians can take advantage of these valuable services,” said Patrick Allen, director of the Department of Consumer and Business  Services. “As an unbiased and official source of information, advocates can help consumers  navigate the complexities of insurance policies, and if we find something wrong, we can take action on behalf of the consumer.”    Funded by 13 separate multistate settlements with life insurance companies, outreach efforts will  focus on helping Oregonians understand the resources available to them to help resolve insurance problems. The campaign includes advertisements – such as billboard and transit, TV, newspaper,  and digital – as well as community engagement. The division will be speaking to communities  around the state about its services and providing information to community organizations. To watch the TV ad, click here.    The Insurance Division's consumer advocates are highly experienced in insurance issues and are available at no charge to help consumers with questions or problems related to auto, health,  homeowner, life, or other types of insurance policies. Advocates can help explain complex policies, mediate miscommunications with insurance companies, and escalate issues that need further investigation. Consumer advocates can be reached toll-free at 888-877-4894 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and also via email [email protected]. The division’s website,  http://www.insurance.oregon.gov, has more information about a variety of insurance topics.    The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon's largest business regulatory and  consumer protection agency. Visit http://www.dcbs.oregon.gov.