Missouri insurance department recovers more than $129M for consumers in 2025
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance announced it recovered more than $129 million for Missouri consumers in 2025, returning funds to thousands of policyholders and beneficiaries through consumer assistance, outreach and regulatory efforts.
The total includes recoveries by the department’s Consumer Affairs and Insurance Market Regulation divisions, as well as funds recovered through the Life Insurance Policy Locator, an online tool that helps beneficiaries locate unclaimed life insurance policies.
“Missourians should know that there’s a place they can turn when insurance problems arise,” DCI Director Angela Nelson said. She said the department increased outreach following severe weather in the state and worked to ensure consumers received benefits owed to them under the law.
The Consumer Affairs Division accounted for $46.2 million of the total recoveries, more than double the previous record of $22.6 million set last year. The division investigates consumer complaints and assists individuals with disputes involving insurance companies, agents and other licensed entities.
In 2025, consumer affairs specialists handled 21,619 phone calls, 24,172 emails, 3,992 inquiries and 4,405 formal complaints. The most common issues involved homeowners, auto, and accident and health insurance, with unsatisfactory settlements, claim delays and claim denials cited most frequently.
The Insurance Market Regulation Division recovered more than $4.1 million in restitution for 43,898 consumers. Restitution included refunds for premium overcharges and payments for claims that were improperly denied or underpaid. Some market regulation actions stemmed from consumer complaints, while others resulted from reviews of insurance filings and marketplace monitoring.
In addition, $79.3 million was recovered through the Life Insurance Policy Locator in 2025. Since the tool’s launch in December 2016, it has helped match Missourians with more than $347 million in life insurance benefits, according to the department.
Nelson said the recoveries represent financial relief for individuals and families facing situations such as storm damage, vehicle crashes or the loss of a loved one. She encouraged consumers to contact the department if they have insurance questions or concerns.
Missourians can contact the DCI Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 or visit Consumers | Missouri Department of Insurance for additional information and resources.
