A total of 188 general insurance complaints were lodged with the New Zealand Insurance and Savings Ombudsman in the year to June 30, up from 167 the previous year.

General insurance disputes accounted for 62% of the 300 complaints made, with the total rising from 274 the previous year, according the scheme’s annual report.

The number of complaints upheld and settled in all sectors was 101, while 199 were rejected or withdrawn.

Insurance and Savings Ombudsman Karen Stevens says awareness of the scheme is growing, resulting in more cases being referred for judgement.

“People have the right to complain, and our service is independent, impartial and entirely free for consumers,” she said. “Expanding our service to include all financial service providers in 2010 resulted in rapid growth, and we expect this growth to continue.

“The greatest proportion of complaints to the scheme still relate to insurance.”

The most common area for general insurance complaints is house insurance, with Canterbury earthquake cases making up a significant proportion.

Other notable issues include travel insurance, with disputes over pre-existing conditions, and contents cover, with problems around proof of purchase, falsified information and settlement values. Motor insurance also attracts complaints about settlement amounts.