FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2015

More than $2.3 Million in Additional Claims Payments Recovered for Louisiana Consumers so far in 2015

Insurance policyholders who have questions about their coverage or who are not satisfied with the resolution of a claim are reminded to contact the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) for help. In the first six months of 2015, the LDI recovered an additional $2.37 million for insurance policyholders. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the funds are the result of LDI staff working with insurance companies to resolve complaints and are in addition to the original amounts offered to consumers by their insurance companies.

“As part of our charge to make certain that insurers comply with laws in place to protect policyholders, the LDI works with insurance companies to resolve formal complaints and, if warranted by their case, can aid policyholders in securing additional insurance settlements,” said Commissioner Donelon. “Our trained Consumer Services staff are available to assist with inquiries and if you’re at odds with your insurance company, you can call us to learn what your options are. We often hear from grateful consumers who were not aware that help is just a phone call away.” To view a recent consumer testimonial, please visit the Department’s video channel at www.youtube.com/LAInsuranceDept.

Funds recovered are from formal complaints regarding life and annuities; property and casualty; and health products. Information on complaints and funds by insurance product is as follows:

Consumer Insurance Dispute Settlements (January 1 – June 30, 2015)

Consumers may file a formal complaint online by going to www.ldi.la.gov/onlineservices. A paper form may also be sent by mail by contacting the LDI. Consumers may also file a complaint by visiting the LDI and meeting with an insurance specialist who can help them with the process. Appointments are not required and LDI keeps staff members available between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Policyholders who file a complaint will receive a tracking number which they can use to check the progress of their case online.

New Deputy Commissioners Announced

Commissioner Donelon also announced two new appointments to offices that strive to inform consumers of their rights and work to educate the public to eliminate waste and fraud. Jeffrey Zewe has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of the newly formed Office of Consumer Services and Darie Jordan has been named Director of the Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA).

“Both of these offices are essential to the consumer experience. The Office of Consumer Services is on the front line of assisting consumers with questions, concerns and guidance about insurance. The LATIFPA works to educate consumers and to reduce theft and fraud—one of the causes of inflated policy costs in our state. I have full confidence that Jeff and Darie will bring a wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives to guide these offices,” said Commissioner Donelon.

Zewe received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of New Orleans and his Juris Doctorate from the Loyola University of New Orleans College of Law. He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Jefferson Parish Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the American Political Science Association. He also has a Market Conduct Management designation from the Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society. Immediately before his new appointment, Zewe served as the director of the LATIFPA. Before joining the LDI, Zewe worked in the private sector as an attorney and also served as a Legislative Assistant.

The Office of Consumer Services, created by the Louisiana Legislature in 2015, assists consumers with complaints and questions. Consumers can call the office for guidance and to learn about the process for filing a complaint. The office also performs market conduct analysis and examination.

Jordan has served as the LDI’s Legislative Liaison for the last four years. Prior to joining the Department, she worked in government relations for both CITGO Petroleum Corporation and Capital One and previously served as Executive Director of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. She is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University and received a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of New Orleans.

The LATIFPA is a public agency housed within the LDI’s Division of Insurance Fraud that works to combat motor vehicle theft and insurance fraud. The authority partners with law enforcement agencies, schools and community partners to provide education and prevention strategies to the public. The agency is currently promoting the second year of “Protect My Ride” a video contest for high school-aged students.

About the Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state’s insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by calling 1-800-259-5300 or 225-342-5900, or visiting www.ldi.la.gov.