Connecticut insurance officials have ordered Massachusetts-based Liberty Mutual Insurance Companies to pay almost $1 million in fines and restitution after a market conduct exam exposed several violations.

Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Thomas R. Sullivan made the announcement last week, saying that the company owed $296,000 in fines plus $632,042 in restitution to 3,602 policyholders for a variety of offenses. According to Sullivan, the market conduct examination involved violations to Connecticut state law for a variety of reasons, including: licensing of adjusters/appraisers; instances of improper claim settlements; incorrect automobile and commercial rating; and licensing/appointments of agents.

Sullivan also noted that the majority of the restitution -- $628,875 -- went to policyholders who were overcharged for auto insurance policies. The remaining restitution was awarded to seven policyholders who were incorrectly charged a surcharge on their private passenger auto policies.