People’s Insurance Counsel Division
About PICD
The People's Insurance Counsel Division (PICD) represents the interests of Maryland Homeowners and Medical Professionals. We are located in the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.
How We Help Consumers
While the Division cannot provide legal representation for individual consumers, PICD protects insurance consumers by:
- Discussing insurance problems with consumers to answer questions and explain the Maryland complaint review process
- Reviewing complaints filed with the Maryland Insurance Administration to identify patterns in insurance practices
- Creating educational materials to explain complex insurance topics
- Reviewing insurance company rate filings to ensure rates are data-supported and not excessive
- Examining insurance policy forms and rules for consistency with Maryland legal requirements
- Representing consumer interests before the Maryland General Assembly
- Proposing legislation to strengthen consumer protection laws
- Alerting consumers to changes that may affect them
- Working with community organizations to provide insurance information
People’s Insurance Counsel Division Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Our website includes PICD brochures to help you decide which coverage is right for you. Also, see the links to the Maryland Insurance Administration's electronic guides and worksheets to compare homeowner's insurance.
No. We are an independent state agency located in the Maryland Office of Attorney General. Our agency does not regulate the insurance industry. Rather, we represent the consumer's point of view in matters before MIA, the legislature, and other regulatory or enforcement entities.
Yes! While our statutory authority does not allow us to represent individual consumers, it's important that we hear from consumers to better understand issues with insurance companies. Individual consumer complaints often point to larger industry issues. Complaints must be filed with MIA, the regulatory agency, for investigation.
Yes! Contact us at [email protected].
No. The Division cannot provide legal representation for individual consumers.
Common Resources
Home Inventory Tool
Research suggests that more than half of consumers do not have an inventory of their possessions. Creating a home inventory helps you track what you own and its value, making insurance decisions easier. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has created a free home inventory app: https://insureuonline.org/insureu_special_disaster.htm
PICD Publications
The People's Insurance Counsel created the following publications to help consumers learn about topics relevant to homeowner insurance:
- "People's Insurance Counsel Division" - Information about PICD, what we do, and general tips for consumers with homeowner's insurance
- "After The Damage - Who Should Remove The Water?" - Information about water removal businesses and step-by-step instructions following home damage
- "What Homeowners Need To Know About Underwriting Guidelines" - Explains factors insurance companies consider when deciding to insure or renew customers
- Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Professional Liability
MIA Publications
The Maryland Insurance Administration also provides many educational resources:
- A Consumer Guide to Homeowners Insurance - PDF
- Homeowners Insurance - A Comparison Guide to Rates
- Renters Insurance Rate Guide - PDF
- Tips on Shopping for Homeowners Insurance - PDF
- Shopping for Homeowners Insurance Company/Policy Comparison Worksheet - PDF
- Understanding Your Homeowners Declarations Page - PDF
- Consumer Advisory - What To Do If You Have Problems Obtaining A Homeowners Insurance Policy
- Personal Property Inventory List - PDF
- Why Renters Insurance Is A Good Idea - PDF
- Should I Hire a Public Adjuster to Help Me Settle My Claim?
- A Guide for Consumers Filing a §27-1001 Civil Complaint - PDF
- Rapid Response Program
Additional publications and videos are available on MIA's Consumer webpage.
Other Websites
PICD has included links to other helpful websites within our pages. These links are for convenience, and their inclusion is not an endorsement by the Maryland Attorney General's Office.
Annual Reports
Click here to view PICD’s Annual Reports
Contact Information
Maryland Attorney General's Office
People's Insurance Counsel Division
200 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland, 21202
410-576-6432
(888) 743-0023
Email: [email protected]