Claims disputes rise in HK by 17%

By Michael Mackey, Seoul

THE number of claims disputes received by Hong Kong’s Insurance Claims Complaints Bureau (ICCB) rose 17% last year from the 2000 figure, writes Michael Mackey, Seoul. ICCB, which adjudicates claim complaints of less than HK$600,000 (US$77,000) between insurers and policyholders, said the rise to 279 cases was attributable to increased economic uncertainty. Michael Tsui, the panel’s chairman, said rising public awareness among policyholders contributed to the surge, as did the increased number of people buying policies.