Was your insurance claim denied? Do you believe your insurance company isn’t paying you what you deserve?
Like other types of businesses, the purpose of insurance companies is turning profits. They scrutinize claims made by people like you because every payout means less profit for them. If an insurance adjuster sees a reason to deny a claim, he or she very well may leave you in a tough financial spot by denying your claim.
It can be an uphill battle to overcome an underpayment or outright denial of a claim. That’s why it’s important for you to understand how and why claims get denied, and to know what you can do to push back when you’re treated unfairly.
Know what is covered by your policy
Read your policy carefully and understand what it covers (and does not cover) before filing your claim. If you have difficulty understanding your coverage, have an attorney review and explain your policy.
Filing your claim
Anytime you file a claim, be certain that you have all your documentation correct and in order. The law requires that claims are filed in “good faith”, and an insurance company may point to a minor error and say you’re claim wasn’t.
We’ve all seen small mistakes blown out of proportion. Don’t let an insurance company exploit a weakness in your paperwork. Take these steps to keep your claim on track.
- Notify your insurance carrier immediately if you suffer a loss
- Document everything you do and make copies of everything you send in
- Use a postal tracking service for mailings
- Take photos of the damages you sustained
Common reasons for denials
Insurance companies have a handful of standard reasons why they reject claims. Other reasons can be technical issues with the process, and yet other denials are just bad faith by the carrier. Regardless of their reason, denials can put you in an uncertain financial situation. Here are some common reasons your claim may be denied:
- Missing information
- Claim not filed on time
- Loss not covered by policy
- Coverage was terminated
What to do when your claim is denied
If you have a valid claim and you provided all the required information to your insurance carrier, don’t back down. Take these steps instead:
- Request a written, detailed explanation
- Ask to speak with supervisors or high-level decision makers
- File a claim with the Oklahoma Insurance Department
- File notice with the Better Business Bureau
While these pointers can help, these organizations cannot force the insurance company to pay your claim and your insurance company may continue to give you the runaround.
Seek legal help
At any point during the process, a lawyer can help. Don’t choose just anyone, however. It is important to work with an attorney who has experience taking on big insurance corporations. At Mansell, Engel & Cole, our attorneys have a wealth of legal experience handling these types of cases. Seek skilled help with your claim, and get the compensation you deserve.
