(Frankfort, KY – Insurance News 360) – On Dec. 21, the Kentucky Department of Insurance Consumer Protection Division announced the return of more than $15 million in the year of 2017 to Kentucky residents, including more than $10.5 million in restitution through the work of DOI’s Market Conduct Branch, which examines insurance related businesses to ensure that they comply with insurance code.  They also work to gain restitution for policy holders.

In 2017, the DOI’s Consumer Protection Division received approximately 5,100 complaints and responded to over 13,000 calls.

“We take great pride in the fact that these numbers represent dollars in the pockets of Kentuckians,” said Josh Rayborn, Director of DOI’s Consumer Protection Division. “Our staff understands the complexities that exist in the insurance market, and we strive to handle each complaint with professionalism, understanding, and care.”

Also, the division’s work returned more than $600,000 to the state’s general fund, from civil penalties and regulatory settlements.

Source: Kentucky Department of Insurance.