Skip to main content Why was my insurance claim denied?
Insurance claims can be denied for a multitude of reasons, but the most unfortunate reason could be due to your insurance company’s unwillingness to make good on your contractual agreement. Insurance companies are businesses, after all, and will generally seek to protect their bottom line before protecting their customers.
If you had an insurance claim that was legitimate, filed properly, but still ultimately denied, don’t hesitate to reach out to Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation. Our experienced attorneys can fight for the compensation that you’re entitled to.
For more information regarding insurance claims, read more below.
What Does It Mean to Have a Claim Denied?
In an auto insurance, homeowners' insurance, or any other type of claim, a claim denial means that the insurance company takes no responsibility for the incident that happened, and you will be financially responsible for paying the damages associated with that claim. A regret-to-inform-you letter may explain why your claim has been denied. This is a very frustrating experience, but you may be short on money as a result of it. There are many different reasons why your claim may be denied, and the regulations and rules surrounding insurance obligations will depend on your policy and your state.
Is It Ever in My Best Interests to Accept an Insurance Company Settlement?
There are some circumstances where it might make sense to accept an insurance company settlement, but it is always recommended that you consult with an insurance dispute lawyer immediately after the insurance company has sent you a settlement offer. This allows you to walk through the facts of the case and to determine an appropriate settlement amount. An experienced insurance dispute attorney can help you make an informed decision about the settlement.
If you get a fair settlement offer, you can decide to end the case by walking away with the offer. However, if the offer is too low, you might instead decide to proceed differently by going to trial with your lawyer.
Do I Have to Speak With an Adjuster?
One of the most important people who can determine the outcome of your insurance claim is the insurance adjuster. These adjusters can be aggressive as well as persuasive, but remember that they do not have your best interests in mind. Avoid conceding to any blame or allegations made by an adjuster. If you choose to work instead with a bad faith insurance attorney, you can request that all communication, verbal and written, go directly through your lawyer. This decreases the chances of you making a mistake or a claim that could ultimately harm the outcome of your case.
What Is Bad Faith Insurance?
There are specific laws in place to protect consumers who have taken out policies with insurance companies. When insurance companies violate their agreements, this is called “bad faith.” Bad Faith includes a variety of different kinds of conduct, such as failing to act fairly and promptly, failing to abide by the contract terms of the policy, failing to disclose certain details, and other wrongful acts. Sometimes this occurs out of negligence or to protect one’s own financial interests, but you may be eligible to sue for bad faith if the company acted in bad faith.
Can I Sue My Insurance Company?
It is frustrating enough to have your claim denied but to realize that your insurance company acted in bad faith or broke the law, you may also have grounds for an additional case. This is known as a “bad faith insurance case.” If your insurance company carried out wrongful actions, you may be able to pursue a separate lawsuit to receive remedies from the insurance company.
What Should I Do If I'm Contacted by an Investigator or an Insurance Company?
It is normal for the insurance company and its adjusters to reach out to you during the process of evaluating a claim, but be careful of what you say to these individuals. Legal representation can help to ensure that you protect your interests. Request early on that the insurance adjusters and any representative from the insurance company instead speak directly with your qualified insurance lawyer. You could otherwise make statements that could harm the outcome of your case.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing Claims Against an Insurance Company?
Much like many other types of lawsuits, there is a time limit for filing claims against an insurance carrier when you believe they have acted in bad faith. This varies from one state to another, so it is important to identify an attorney who has experience in this field and is located in your area. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal process.
Should I Speak to an Attorney About My Insurance Claim Denial?
A claim denial may require that you speak with a bad faith insurance attorney, especially if you believe that the insurance company violated your rights and has acted in bad faith. Unfortunately, many insurance companies do this either out of their negligence or because they don’t believe you’ll fight back.
Retaining experienced attorneys like the team at Morgan & Morgan shows the insurance company that you are serious and that you are fully prepared to protect your rights as outlined under your insurance policy.
Do not hesitate to contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to get started.
