Steps You Should Take if Your Auto Insurance Claim Has Been Denied

 Posted on November 30, 2018 in Insurance Coverage Litigation

If you have filed a claim with an insurer following a car accident and received a denial, you are not alone. This happens to many accident victims, but it does not necessarily mean that you are without recourse. Take these steps to help you determine your legal options following the denial of your claim: 

Understand Why You Were Denied

While all denials lead to you not being paid for your losses, there are many reasons why an insurance company could deny your car insurance claim. These reasons may include:

• The policy does not provide coverage for the claim. It may be that the policy you selected does not cover the loss you experienced. For example, some people opt to forgo collision insurance and only take out a liability insurance policy, the minimum required by law.
• The driver does not qualify as a person insured by the policy.
• The accident took place during a lapse in coverage caused by the policyholder’s failure to pay premiums.
• You have reached policy maximums for insurance coverage amounts, and your insurer will not cover your entire loss.
• You failed to notify your insurance carrier about the purchase of a new vehicle.

In many cases, insurers issue a denial because they believe that the policy at issue does not cover the loss. Sometimes, however, insurers make a denial in bad faith, which is against the law. If you believe that this is the case, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible.

Read Your Policy

Your policy is a binding contract between you and your insurer. It controls each party’s obligations in the event of an accident. Thus, you must understand its terms and how it applies to your accident. Insurance policies often utilize terms that carry specific legal meaning that may not be known to a layperson.

Contact a Milwaukee, WI Car Accident Lawyer

If you have been in a car accident, and an insurance company is not being fair, you should have your case evaluated by a seasoned Milwaukee insurance litigation attorney. The attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP have helped many clients negotiate with insurance companies. In many cases, it takes a legal professional to get everything an accident victim is entitled to under the law. This is likely because a lawyer fully understands your injuries and what they are worth.

If your claim has been denied by an insurance company, it is important that you do not speak with an insurance adjuster again. Many accident victims do a disservice to themselves by doing this. Instead, you should put our experience and legal knowledge to work for you. We will examine your case and advise you of your options. Call our firm today at 414-271-1440. 

Sources:

https://www.thestreet.com/story/14149576/1/how-to-fight-a-denied-auto-insurance-claim.html