Are you frustrated and confused because you have filed a claim with your insurance company for compensation for your damages after having a car accident which was denied by the company. And you’re worried about what next can be done in such situation. Highlighted below are some of the key steps you can take to appeal the insurance company’s decision and protect your rights
Step 1: Find out the reason for the denial
The first thing you should do is find out why the insurance company denied your claim. You should receive a formal letter explaining the reason for the denial and the evidence they used to make their decision. Carefully read the letter to understand the basis for the denial. Some common reasons for claim denials are:
- Exclusions in the policy: The insurance company may claim that your accident is not covered by the policy because it falls under an exclusion clause. For example, some policies may exclude “acts of God” or natural events such as a hailstorm that may have contributed to the accident.
- The policy has lapsed: The insurance company may claim that there was no insurance coverage at the time of the accident because the policyholder failed to pay the premiums and the policy lapsed.
- Failure to notify the insurer in time: The insurance company may claim that you did not report the accident within the required time frame as specified by the policy. This may affect the insurer’s ability to investigate the claim and determine liability.
- Dispute over liability or damages: The insurance company may claim that you were not at fault for the accident or that the damages you claimed were not caused by the accident or were exaggerated.
Step 2: Gather evidence to support your claim
If you disagree with the insurance company’s denial, you should gather evidence to support your claim and challenge the insurer’s decision. You should collect any documents, photos, videos, witness statements, police reports, medical records, repair estimates, receipts, or any other relevant information that can prove your case. You should also review your policy and understand your coverage and rights.
Step 3: Contact the insurance company
After gathering enough evidence, the next thing to do is to reach out to the the insurance company and try to resolve the dispute. You should also provide the evidence you collected and ask the insurer to reconsider their decision. You may want to send a written letter or email to the insurer to document your communication and request a written response.
Step 4: File a complaint or a lawsuit
After reaching out to the insurance company with evidences collected and they still refuses to pay your claim, you may have to take legal action. Proceed to file a complaint with the state department of insurance which regulates the insurance industry and protects consumers’ rights. The department may investigate your complaint and mediate the dispute between you and the insurer.
Having your insurance claim denied can be a stressful and frustrating experience. However, you should not give up on your claim and accept the insurer’s decision. Follow the steps outlined above and try to appeal the denial and get the compensation you deserve.
