Your state's Department of Insurance is responsible
for regulating the insurance industry. Before a company can sell insurance
in a state, it must be licensed by the department. This rule applies to
companies that maintain offices and agents in the state as well as to those
that sell mail-order insurance there. Insurance agents and brokers working
in a state must also be licensed by the department before they can represent
a company. Each company's assets, claim-payment records, agents, and general
practices are examined at regular intervals to insure that the company is
continuing to do business in a reputable way. The various policy forms used
by companies throughout the state must be approved by the department.
The Illinois Department of Insurance also maintains a consumer complaint
division to respond to any concern you have about an insurance company in
Illinois. For example, you might have a problem with unpaid claims, or you
might question the practices of a company or an agent. If you need help
from the Department of Insurance, write or call: 320 W. Washington, Springfield,
Illinois 62676 (217-782-4515); or 100 W. Randolph, Chicago, Illinois 60601
(312- 793-2427). Or visit the department's World Wide Web site at http://www.state.il.us/ins.