Special to The Post-Searchlight

In the first six months of 2013, Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens office has assisted 4,684 Georgia consumers settle disputes with their insurance companies, returning $4.6 million in ins urance claims to policyholders—money they might not have received without his help.

“Investigators in our Consumer Services Division have helped consumers and businesses retrieve $4,653,309,” Hudgens said. “Many of the consumers who called my office had claim disputes with insurance companies, and our investigators were able to secure a settlement favorable to the consumer.”

Claims Specialists in the Department’s Consumer Services Division can help with problems in life, health, auto and homeowners insurance. Consumers can call even if they just want their insurance policy explained or reviewed. My Consumer Services Division takes calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., to offer the convenience of assisting consumers by phone after traditional work ing hours , said Hudgens.

Consumers with insurance questions or problems can contact the Consumer Services Division at 404-656 -2070 , or toll-free at 1-800-656-2298. Consumers can also file a complaint via the Departments Web site at www.oci.ga.gov. Or write to: Georgia Insurance Commissioner, Consumer Services Division, 716 West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30334.