Topeka ? The Kansas Insurance Department is reporting that it recovered 32 percent less money for consumers last year than it did in 2009.

But the agency says the number of complaints from consumers about insurance companies also declined.

Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger says the department recovered $10.2 million for consumers last year, compared with $15 million in 2009.

The amount recovered for consumers by the agency peaked in 2007 at about $15.1 million. Last year’s total was the lowest since 2003.

The department says it received about 3,800 complaints in 2010, down roughly 11 percent from 2009.

Praeger attributed both trends to better-educated consumers and companies being more mindful of how claims are handled.

A Republican, Praeger has been commissioner since 2003.