AVOID CLAIMS HELL Check the number of complaints against your insurer. Go to the website for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (www.naic.org/cis/index.do) for complaints and financial information. Check your policy before you go to the website. Many insurance companies go under several different titles, so check your policy for the correct name or address.
Check the complaint number on the site. A score of 1 indicates the median number of complaints given the volume and type of business. Anything less than 1 generally indicates higher satisfaction; scores higher than 1 generally indicate lower satisfaction. The site also allows you to look at the complaints. Check the company's financial rating. Many insurance rating companies grade insurers; consumers should look for an A rating or higher. Vulnerable companies are rated B or lower. A.M. Best provides free reports after registering at www.ambest.com/membercenter or by calling 1-908-439-2200, ext. 5742. Hunter believes the ratings by A.M. Best and Fitch are the most reliable.
Google the name of the insurance companies you're comparing and "complaints" to check for class action suits, settlements and lawsuits. Call the Department of Commerce, 651-296-2488 or 1-800-657-3602, if you have problems with your insurer or go to www.commerce.state.mn.us. Consider hiring a public claims adjuster if you're filing a large or complicated homeowners insurance claim. Public adjusters must be licensed and may charge up to 50 percent of the settlement. Go to www.napia.com to find adjusters and more information.
![Michael Fiddelke, Target CFO, at the downtown Target store Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, MN.] DAVID JOLES • david.joles@startribune.com Three years ago, Target laid out a bold plan to invest $7 billion into its business that paid off better than anyone could have imagined. Executives will head back to New York this week to lay out the next iteration of their strategy.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/SVPXUQT5IMZ577JHGLS5NYAPFI.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)