Indiana Consumer Resources
Indiana consumers, we have compiled some helpful resources for you. Our comprehensive list highlights state agencies, legal information, financial, health, educational, and employment tools to help you in any inquiry you may have.
Below is a list of resources and a summary of what they have to offer. Any necessary contact information is also added.
STATE AGENCIES
Attorney General – This website is a one stop shop for all your general information needs. You can get help on crime prevention and victim outreach. You can sign up for fraud alerts. You can visit the newsroom tab, and get up to date developments within Indiana’s government. Consumers can also report a dispute through the site.
Department of Insurance – This department oversees insurance regulations. It ensures that providers are acting within the legal requirements and costs are reasonable for consumers. You can learn more about different financial branches covered by the department. If you have a problem or would like to file against an insurer, you can do so through the website’s consumer services division.
Utility Regulatory Commission – This division oversees public utilities and their service providers. You can get more information on any of the utilities covered under the division, and you can view statutes and rules put in place. If you wish to report a problem with a utilities provider, you can do so through the website.
LEGAL
Small Claims Court – If you are looking for information on Indiana’s small courts system, this is a helpful tool. You can get general information on how the system works, court cost limits, and attorney requirements. You can see provisions in the law, and view appeals processes as well. If you are interested in pursuing a claim, this is a good place to begin.
EDUCATION
Department of Education – If you need information on any of Indiana’s educational sources, they can be found here. Get details on student testing and school performance. You can find specific data for your school by generating a search. News releases and an academic calendar keep you up to date with events. You can also contact the department at (317) 232-6610.
Education Roundtable – This organization is dedicated to improving the academic learning in Hoosier students. This group focuses on current educational issues, and strives to implement programs to further education in the community. You can read more about the history and members of the Roundtable, as well as get more details on current issues within the field.
FINANCIAL
Department of Financial Institutions – This organization is in place to oversee all financial transactions for the government, and ensure that other financial institutions are adhering to guidelines. For consumers looking into mortgage loans, there are several helpful links within the site that provide more information. For additional state inquiries, you can contact the helpline toll free at 1-800-382-4880.
HEALTH
Department of Health – Get state and local health information through this website. The division provides helpful resources on a variety of subjects. You can learn more about preventive health measures, chronic disease, environmental public health and more. You can read more about the Indiana State Health Improvement Plan, and see how it impacts you. For more information, you can contact the division at (317) 233-1325.
SAFETY
Identity Theft Prevention – This helpful tool provides extensive information on identity theft. Learn about the risk and prevalence of identity theft in your area. You can navigate to the identity theft tool kit to see how you can protect your information. For additional inquiries, you can contact (317) 232-6201.
EMPLOYMENT
Department of Labor – Acquire information on employment opportunities and benefits through this website. You can view enforcement programs and hourly wage laws. Career opportunities links will also provide a database full of job openings in the Indiana area. For more information, you can contact (317) 232-2655.
Contact Indiana State & Local Consumer Agencies
State and local consumer protection offices mediate disputes, conduct investigations, prosecute offenders of consumer laws, license and regulate a variety of professionals, promote strong consumer protection legislation, provide educational materials and advocate in the consumer interest. To save time, call the office before sending in a written report. Ask if the office handles the type of problem you have and if forms are provided.
State Office
Lisa Hayes, Chief Counsel and Director
Consumer Protection Division
Office of Attorney General
Indiana Government Center South
402 West Washington Street, 5th Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-6330
Toll free in IN: 1-800-382-5516
Fax: 317-233-4393
E-mail: INATTGN@ATG.IN.US
Web site: www.al.org/hoosieradvocate
County Office
Scott Newman
Marion County Prosecuting Attorney
560 City-County Building
200 East Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204-3363
317-327-3892
TDD/TTY: 317-327-5186
Fax: 317-327-5409
E-mail: bphillip@ci.indianapolis.in.us
Web site: www.indygov.org
State Banking Regulators
The officials listed below regulate and supervise state-chartered banks. Many of them handle or refer problems about other types of financial institutions as well. Some also answer general questions about banking and consumer credit. If you are dealing with a federally chartered bank, check the listing of Selected Federal Agencies.
Charles Phillips
Director, Department of Financial Institutions
402 W. Washington Street
Room W-066
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2759
317-232-3955
Toll free in IN: 1-800-382-4880
Fax: 317-232-7655
E-mail: cphillips@dfi.state.in.us
State Insurance Regulators
Each state has its own laws and regulations for all types of insurance, including car, homeowner and health insurance. The officials listed below enforce these laws. Many of these offices can provide you with information to help you make informed insurance buying decisions.
Sally McCarty
Commissioner, Department of Insurance
311 West Washington Street
Suite 300
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2787
317-232-2385
Toll free in IN: 1-800-622-4461
Toll free: 1-800-452-4800 (in-state senior health insurance information)