4 Reasons Why Insurers Deny Insurance Claims
Michael Babboni
Insurance Coverage
It can feel as if a person is paying for auto insurance for no reason at times. Why? Because the policies never get used in some cases, that's why. That isn't a bad thing, though. Sure, people spend a ton of money on coverage, but if they aren't filing claims, that means they aren't getting involved in accidents. Car crashes can be brutal, and they often leave participants with severe injuries.So, if you haven't had to use your insurance because of an incident, you should count your blessings. However, now and again, accidents arise. If you get injured in one, hopefully, another driver is at fault. Then, you can file a claim with their insurer to take care of your expenses and at no cost to you. Doesn't that sound nice?
The company should pay to repair or replace your car. They should also cover medical bills for injuries caused by the crash. Sometimes, these policies even reimburse people for lost wages. At times, it can be challenging to get these organizations to pay up. They deny claims for various reasons, and victims are left to fend for themselves.
If that happens to St. Petersburg residents, they shouldn't just take the matter lying down. Instead, injured individuals should fight back by hiring a personal injury lawyer. The professional can build a strong case with witness statements, police reports, driver histories, and more. He or she will take the insurance company to task, and with any luck, get them to reverse their decision and settle. If not, the lawyer will be prepared to take the case to court and let the evidence speak for itself.
We will now be looking at four particular reasons why insurers might deny claims. Should you happen to experience one of them, just know that it may not be the final word. Contact our office to schedule a free case review and see what's what.
Liability Disputes
Auto accidents are not always cut and dry. Drivers and passengers can get facts twisted because of all the chaos. Witnesses may only catch the tail end of crashes and not how they began. Officers are left to sort out the mess, but sometimes that is easier said than done. These issues can lead to disputes about who is liable for accidents. When disagreements over who is responsible exist, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to deny claims.
Lapsed Coverage
For an insurance policy to be active, policyholders must pay their premiums. If they fail to do so, their coverage lapses. That can lead to a driver getting a ticket if they get pulled over for speeding, driving without a seat belt, or something else. Lack of payment is also a typical reason for insurance companies to deny claims. After all, why should they pay if a person isn't a customer of theirs?
No Proof Of Damage
People need to document the damage after a car crash. Without proper documentation, they may not be able to prove their vehicle was mangled or that they sustained injuries. When proof doesn't exist, or there isn't enough of it, an insurance company may deny a person's claim. So, pull out your phone and take pictures of the scene, and keep the diagnosis and treatment papers from your doctor. Then, perhaps you can avoid the headache of a denied claim.
An Activity Makes A Policy Void
Folks would like to believe they are covered, regardless of what they do, as long as their insurance premiums are paid, but that isn't always the case. Certain activities can make a person's policy void or ineffective, and the company will deny a claim. For example, if a motorist decides to drink and drive, that may be all of the reason the insurer needs to reject the claim.