Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The S.C. Department of Insurance is extending its customer service hours.

The department's consumer services division is now open from 8:30 a.m. through 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The division will maintain its regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Insurance Director Ray Farmer says the agency wanted to provide extended hours for customers who can't call with their questions during regular business hours.

Customers can call 803-737-6180. Residents calling within South Carolina can also call the toll-free line at 1-800-768-3467. Questions can also be submitted via email at consumers@doi.sc.gov.

(Copyright 2013, The Associated Press)