You invest in car insurance for the financial protection it provides in a car accident. But what happens when an insurer denies a claim? Can you appeal the denial or seek compensation in a different way?
Below, learn what to do when a car insurance company denies a claim. Then, reach out to an experienced insurance attorney in Alabama for personalized legal assistance.
Reasons an Insurer Might Deny a Car Insurance Claim
When you submit an insurance claim, the insurance adjuster may review the accident details closely to determine whether the policy covers the listed damages. Insurers may deny claims that do not meet policy language.
These are a few reasons an insurer might deny a car insurance claim:
- Lack of evidence: The adjuster may not believe that your injuries resulted from the accident or may not believe your claim that the policyholder caused the accident. You may need to provide additional evidence to prove these points.
- Missed claim deadline: While insurance companies may not have strict deadlines for filing a claim depending on the policy’s language, they may want you to file promptly or within a reasonable time. Waiting too long to file could lead to a claim denial.
- Policy exclusions: Perhaps the insurance policy does not cover the type of accident you were involved in or specific injuries you suffered.
- Policy has lapsed: The policyholder may have failed to renew their insurance policy before it expired.
What To Do After a Car Insurance Claim Denial
Unsure of your next steps after a car insurance claim was denied? Here are some thoughts on possible next steps:
- Review the denial letter to understand denial reasons: Insurers may send a denial letter spelling out why they rejected your claim. The letter may include the exact reasons for the claim denial.
- Consult the insurance adjuster: Reach out to the insurance adjuster directly to discuss the claim denial. They may have additional context beyond what the denial letter states.
- Check policy details: Request a copy of the insurance policy to confirm that the reasons for the denial are consistent with the policy’s language. You might have an attorney review the policy with you.
- Gather supporting evidence: Now that you understand the reasons for the denial, you can work on countering those reasons with new evidence where applicable. You may need to supplement the claim with additional medical documentation, photos of the accident damage, or other proof that the claim meets the policy terms.
An experienced car accident attorney can walk you through this process and may improve your chances of successfully appealing the denial.
Each case should be reviewed on the facts of that particular case. The steps you take may depend on whether you are dealing with your insurance company or another party’s insurance company.
Let Jackson & Foster Law Guide Your Next Steps
You have several options for what to do when a car insurance company denies your claim, and knowing where to begin can be overwhelming. Our attorneys at Jackson & Foster Law have extensive experience navigating car accidents and insurance companies for clients like you. We offer affordable representation and seek the maximum compensation while keeping costs low as possible.
We can help you understand the claim denial, appeal it, and take legal action. Contact us today at 251-433-6699 to schedule a consultation with our Mobile, AL, personal injury attorneys.
