Insurance complaints hit a record high

Complaints about insurance companies hit a record high last year, a report claimed today.

More than 1,600 written complaints were sent to the Ombudsman’s office during 2002 – an increase of 27% on the previous year.

There was also a sharp increase in the number of people expressing dissatisfaction by telephone.

But officials stressed the dramatic hike was not necessarily due to poor service.

“The increase in written referrals and telephone calls reflects an increase in insurance business and a heightened public awareness of the scheme,” said Caroline Gill, of the Ombudsman’s Office.

Written complaints were especially high in areas such as life assurance, motors, pensions, health and travel.