What Should I Do If The At-fault Driver’s Insurance Company Denies My Claim?

Car accidents can be a traumatic and expensive experience. If you were involved in a car accident and the at-fault driver’s insurance company denied your claim, you might feel frustrated and uncertain about what step to take. However, there are several actions you can take to appeal your case and get compensated. In this article, we will highlight some steps you should take if an insurance company denies your claim.

Understand Why Your Claim Was Denied

Before taking any action, it is essential to know why your claim was denied. Understanding the reason behind the denial can guide you to the appropriate appeal process and improve your chances of getting compensated. Here are some common reasons why insurance companies deny claims:

  1. Policy reasons – The insurance company may deny your claim because it is not covered under the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. It can be because the driver does not have comprehensive or collision coverage, does not have adequate limits, or the accident did not fall under the policy’s definition of a covered accident.

  2. Claim process – The insurance company may reject your claim if you missed the claims-filing deadline, didn’t provide enough information, or didn’t fill out the claim form correctly.

  3. Dispute facts – An insurance company may deny your claim if they dispute the facts of the accident. They may state that the accident did not cause the claimed damages, or the accident was not the at-fault driver’s fault.

Collect Evidence

Collecting evidence is crucial in challenging the insurance company’s decision. The more information you provide, the higher your chances of getting your claim approved. You should collect:

  1. Police report – A detailed police report that explains what happened during the accident can go a long way in supporting your claim.

  2. Witness statements – If there were eyewitnesses to the accident, their statements could help bolster your case.

  3. Pictures – Photographs of the accident scene, the damage to your car, and any injuries can help provide evidence of what happened.

  4. Medical records – If you sustained injuries in the accident, obtain copies of your medical records to show the insurance company the extent of your injuries.

Appeal the Decision

If you are confident about your case, appealing the insurance company’s decision is your next option. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Create an appeal letter – Write a letter that explains why you think your claim was wrongly denied. Provide all the evidence you collected to strengthen your case.

  2. Contact the insurance company’s claims adjuster – Reach out to the adjuster who processed your claim. Ask them what documentation they need to reconsider the decision, and provide the documentation as soon as possible.

  3. Hire a lawyer – If the appeal process becomes complex or drawn out, it may be in your interest to hire an attorney to represent you.

  4. File a complaint – If the insurance company still denies your claim, you can file a complaint with the state insurance commission. Explain why you think the claim was wrongfully denied, and include copies of all relevant documentation.

Conclusion

Dealing with a denied claim can be overwhelming, but don’t give up hope. The tips above can help you challenge the insurance company’s decision and get compensated for damages and injuries caused by the at-fault driver. Remember to always document everything, and if you feel lost, consider consulting an attorney to guide you through the process.

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