Dealing with a car accident is hard. Dealing with the insurance company that doesn’t pay damages to your car is infuriating. As a Miami breach of contract attorney dealing with an insurance denial claim for damage to your vehicle, it is best to consult an attorney for advice.
Dealing With Insurance Claim Denials
Do not give up if your claim is denied. When an insurance company refuses to pay for damage to your car, you should fight back. Once an investigator formalizes your denial to pay for damage, they may expect you to give up and go away. This is standard practice. You have the right to appeal that decision.
Avoid Any Emotional Responses if Your Claim is Denied
It’s easy to get angry when an insurance company denies your claim. However, your reaction to them will rarely change their position. While it may be tempting to counter their indifference with aggression, this can do nothing but make matters worse. However, once you bring an attorney into the mix, the insurance companies will take you seriously.
Reasons an Insurance Company Denies Your Auto Repair Claim After an Accident
After being in an accident, the last thing you want is to have your insurance claim denied. But unfortunately, it happens more often than you might think. There are many reasons why an insurance company might deny your auto repair claim, including:
- The policy does not cover your vehicle.
- You did not file a police report.
- The damage to your car is not severe enough to qualify for coverage.
- You caused the accident.
- You did not get the proper estimates or approvals from the insurance company.
Insurance companies frequently deny claims due to questionable liability. All drivers involved in a collision can have the same story, but insurance companies see the facts differently. In some cases, insurance companies may use questionable liability as a negotiation tool to intimidate you into settling for a low-dollar figure.
If your claim is denied, don’t despair. You may be able to appeal the decision or negotiate with the insurance company. However, it’s always best to avoid having your claim denied in the first place by ensuring you have a solid understanding of your policy and what it covers.
Florida Law mandates that claim departments send out a letter justifying the reasoning for a claim denial. If you didn’t receive a written justification, contact the claims adjuster who denied your claim and request a letter outlining the decision.
Insurance Companies Have a Duty
After you experience an accident or loss, it is natural to expect your insurance company to help you rebuild your life. Unfortunately, insurance companies are businesses, and their primary motive is to make money.
Insurance companies often deny valid claims or lowball settlements to protect their bottom line. In this situation, it is crucial to understand that you have rights under Florida law. Insurance companies are required to follow specific claim handling standards; if they fail, they may be liable for damages.
Some of these steps include:
- employing proper claims investigation standards
- engaging in a reasonable investigation before refusing a claim
- acknowledging communications
- acting promptly
If you believe your insurance company has wrongfully denied your claim, you should contact an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
A Miami Property Insurance Lawyer Can Help You
The best thing you can do if an insurance company won’t pay your claim is to contact us. Our firm specializes in property damage claims and can help you get your claim paid out. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.