If your insurance claim is denied, it can feel like you're fighting against a machine that's determined to beat you. But don't give up - there are ways to fight back and get the compensation you deserve. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the options available to you if your insurance claim is denied. We'll also provide some tips on how to make the process as smooth as possible. Our Texas attorneys at The Voss Law Firm are experts at dealing with denied, delayed, and underpaid claims. Just because your insurance policy has been denied, doesn't mean that you are out of options. There are still many routes you can take in order to get the compensation you deserve. Here are a few of them.
Why Was my Claim Denied?
There are a number of reasons why an insurance company might deny a claim. The most common reason is that the cause of the damage is not covered by the policy. For example, most homeowner's policies do not cover damage caused by earthquakes or floods. In addition, many policies have exclusions for specific types of damage, such as wear and tear or damage caused by insects or rodents. Below is a list of common reasons insurance might deny your claim.
- Missed filing deadline
- Nonpayment of premium
- Misrepresentations
- Insufficient documentation
- Damage from an excluded clause
- Damage to undisclosed improvements
- Neglect
How do I appeal a Denied Claim?
The first step is to review the denial letter from your insurance company to get a better understanding of their rationale. The insurance company is required by law to specify the reasons for denying your claim in writing. If you believe that the information on which the denial is based is inaccurate, you have some options for recourse.
Contact the insurance company: If you have documents, photos or other evidence refuting the insurance company's reasons for denying your claim, present this information to the insurance company's claims representative or manager. You can usually start off with a phone call. You may even be able to send digital copies of your documents by email while you are on the line.
File a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner: Insurance companies and agents are required to cooperate with the Department of Insurance’s investigation of consumer complaints. By filing a complaint, you can help to hold them accountable and ensure that they comply with the law.
Consider mediation: In some states, insurance companies are required to offer free mediation programs to their customers. This means that you can sit down with a representative from the company and a neutral mediator to try to resolve the dispute. The mediator will facilitate the conversation and try to help you come to a mutually-agreeable resolution, but it is important to remember that this process is non-binding. That means that even if you reach an agreement through mediation, the insurance company can still choose to deny your claim.
When to Consider Legal Action?
If the insurance company continues to give you the runaround, its time to get in touch with an experienced insurance attorney. Many people think that they only need to consult with an attorney if they plan to file a lawsuit. However, this is not always the case. In fact, there are many benefits to bringing an attorney on board early in the claims process. For one thing, insurance companies are likely to take your claim more seriously when they know that you have legal representation. Additionally, an experienced attorney can help you to navigate the often-complex world of insurance claims. They can also offer guidance if your claim is denied or delayed. Ultimately, consulting with an attorney early on in the process can save you a lot of time and frustration.
The Voss Law Firm, P.C. has been protecting policyholders’ rights for the past 16 years and, in that time, we’ve recovered billions of dollars in settlements for our clients. Ready to find out what we can do for you? Complete our online contact form or call our office at 888-614-7730 to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation with a member of our legal team. We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win your case.
