3 Tips For When Your Insurance Claim Is Wrongly Denied
Insurance companies offer essentially a promise to their customers: if something goes wrong, they'll step in and make things right. Unfortunately, that's not always how things work out. There are any number of reasons why an insurance company may decline a claim but regardless of the reason, it can leave person that submitted the claim reeling for answers. If you believe your insurance claim was wrongly denied, you may have a case in court. Here are three things you should do in the immediate aftermath of an insurance claim denial to increase your chances of success.
Organize and Create Backups of All Documentation
In order to win a legal case against your insurance provider, you are going to have to show why you are right, and that means more than just stating your case. If you are going after an auto insurance company, you will need photos of the accident and a police report if available. If the insurance claim is medical in nature, you need your medical records, which should include things like medication and perhaps a journal of your ongoing pain and difficulties if applicable. You may already have submitted some of this information with the initial claim but if it was denied, you need to circle back and make sure you truly have every document that might help.
Don't Make Threats
In the immediate aftermath of the denial, it can be tempting to fire off an email or get on the phone and tell the insurance company what you really think. But keep in mind that anything you write or say could end up in court. So don't say anything that you don't want a jury or judge to eventually hear about. Maintain a professional demeanor, taking a few days or weeks to collect your thoughts before you move forward.
Contact an Attorney
If you are not satisfied after asking for clarification from the insurance company on why your claim was denied, it's time to let them know you are serious. Contact an insurance claim denial attorney and show them the documentation that you have to back up your case. Insurance companies don't like lawsuits and sometimes, all it may take is one phone call from your attorney to get the insurance provider to take another look. But if you do end up going to court, hiring your own attorney will help level the playing field, because the insurance company is obviously going to have legal representation as well.
Most people who file an insurance claim do so because something went wrong. So it can feel like you've been wronged all over again if the claim is denied. In this situation, it's important to keep your cool. Take a look at your documentation again and look for opportunities where it can be improved. Then, when all of your ducks are in a row, reach out to an insurance dispute lawyer for advice.