S.D. DOI Returns $3M to Consumers

About $3 million was returned to South Dakota consumers in fiscal year 2005 from the South Dakota Division of Insurance’s consumer assistance program, according to the department’s division director.

According to division director Merle Scheiber, $2,957,416.36 was returned to citizens, mainly in the form of claim payments and refunds on premiums. More than 1,000 consumers filed written requests for assistance during the past fiscal year, which ended June 30, 2005.

Consumers seeking assistance or information about insurance needs can contact the South Dakota Division of Insurance by mail at 445 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501-3185; by phone at 605-773-3563; or by e-mail at www.state.sd.us/drr2/reg/insurance.