Three Options For Settling A Disputed Auto Insurance Claim
It can be difficult and stressful to make an auto insurance claim, even more so when the claim is denied. In many cases, drivers have to dispute the decisions of their auto insurance providers in order to get the benefits that their auto insurance policies promise them. Settling a disputed claim is difficult, but here are tips for drivers who need to get the most out of their auto insurance coverage and who aren't willing to agree with a nonpayment decision from an insurance provider.
First of all, it helps to gather details. Auto insurance claims may not be decided scientifically, but they do rely on the details provided by both the driver and the other parties involved in the accident. One of the best ways to avoid a bad resolution on a disputed auto insurance claim is to provide a large amount of data as to how the accident took place. Drivers shouldn't include excessive information, but anything that could make the cause and fault of an accident more clear should be included with a claim and with any dispute paperwork later on down the line.
Some claims are denied because the insurance company claims that the driver did not have an appropriate amount of auto insurance coverage. When this is the case, a driver will need to dispute the claim by proving that he or she had the necessary coverage at the time of the accident. This can be a very simple or complex process, depending on the coverage was purchased close to the time that the auto insurance claim was made. In any case, information is again key. Drivers should include any confirmation numbers they'd received, temporary proof of insurance, and any other date materials as soon as possible. It pays to know the reasons that an auto insurance claim was denied and to address these reasons individually. More often than not, a disputed claim can be easily solved once the reason for the denial has been singled out.
Finally, if an insurance company seems to be stalling an auto insurance claim or if their decision seems illegal in any way, it's time to make a report with a state insurance commission. Insurance commissions are set up to provide protection for drivers, and to do this, they have the power to legally compel an auto insurance provider to pay out on a policy. As a last course of action, drivers can make a complaint to an insurer to get a claim paid and to resolve any disputes via their state's legal system. After this, it's a good idea to look for a new insurance provider with better procedures.
