DCBS Media Release

April 24, 2000
For More Information:
John Piper, 503-947-7213

Consumer group gives Insurance Division Web site an "A"

Oregon was one of 15 states to receive an "A" grade from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) in the group's recent survey of state insurance department Web sites.

In assigning grades, CFA judged state Web sites for the availability of consumer brochures, insurance price comparisons, complaint information, and whether complaints could be filed on line. CFA also evaluated how easy or difficult it is to navigate each Web site.

Oregon was commended for having financial and market conduct examinations on its site. "This is excellent information for a consumer to determine, in depth, the solidity and market practices of the insurance company they are considering," according to CFA.

"We are obviously pleased with our grade," said Charles Nicoloff, acting administrator of the Oregon Insurance Division. "We have worked hard to make our site consumer-friendly, and we will continue our ongoing efforts to improve it."

The Oregon site features a variety of information for consumers. For example, consumers can use the site to see if their insurance agent or company is licensed to do business in Oregon or has been penalized for violating the state insurance code.

The site also includes:

• Rankings of insurance companies based on the number of consumer complaints received by the Insurance Division.
• Grievance statistics and other reports filed by health insurers as required by Oregon's Patient Protection Act of 1997.
• Copies of consumer publications about insurance.

The Insurance Division's Web address is:

www.cbs.state.or.us/ins
OR
www.oregoninsurance.org