One of the most frustrating parts of dealing with insurance companies is filing a claim after an auto accident. Victims often become angry with carriers for failing to settle third-party claims when their insured is clearly at fault, which can lead to complaints to state insurance departments and investigations. And fines as well, as two insurance companies recently found out.

On June 30 Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman announced that, as part of a continuing investigation, his agency has fined two insurance companies for violating state consumer protection laws by refusing to pay auto accident claims for damage caused by drivers they insured.

"When there's damage from a crash caused by the other driver, you must be treated fairly by that driver's insurance company," said Rothman, whose agency regulates the insurance industry. "Getting hit by another car is a terrible experience, but it gets even worse if the at-fault driver's insurance company tries to stonewall and deny your claim, which is not acceptable."