What is the role of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs regarding insurance?

The role of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is primarily to oversee the insurance industry and protect consumer rights. This includes ensuring that insurance companies comply with state regulations, monitoring the financial health of these companies, and addressing consumer complaints or issues related to insurance. The DCCA works to maintain a fair and competitive insurance market while safeguarding consumers from deceptive practices.

Setting insurance premiums is determined by insurance companies based on various factors, and while the DCCA may regulate the overall practices, it does not directly set those premiums. Processing individual claims is typically the responsibility of the insurance company, not the DCCA. Similarly, providing legal representation in disputes falls outside the purview of the DCCA, as they do not act as legal advocates for either party in insurance disputes. Their focus remains on regulation and consumer protection, which is why the oversight of the insurance industry and the protection of consumer rights is a core function of the department.