Filing and going through an insurance claim can be a stressful experience in and of itself. It can be even more frustrating when your insurance claim is denied. It’s important to remember that a denied claim doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road for you getting a fair and reasonable settlement. In this blog, we will discuss what to do when your insurance claim is denied.
Review Your Policy
The first step to take when your insurance claim is denied is to review your policy. When your insurance company sends a denial letter, they must include the reason (as per the policy) that they are denying the claim. This can be for a number of reasons, but even still, your insurance company should provide you with the primary reason for the denial. Understanding why they denied your claim is crucial to determining your next steps in overturning the denial. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your policy and the reason for the denial. If you don’t understand the reason for the denial, contact a Public Adjuster to help you go through your policy, the claim denial letter, and your next best option(s).
Seek Professional Help
If you didn’t already have representation through your insurance claim leading up to the denial, now would be the time to start doing research on a few reputable Public Adjusting firms or Property Insurance firms. These licensed professionals handle insurance claims of all types and sizes, and if your claim is viable – meaning that the details and circumstances surrounding it have elements that they can actually work with – they will gladly help you to get the fair and reasonable settlement that you deserve.
Appeal the Decision
If you believe that your claim was unfairly denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Depending on the state that you live in and the actual insurance policy you have in effect, your options may include Mediation, Appraisal, Arbitration, and of course Litigation. Your policy will be the best reference for what options are available to you.
Need help reviewing your policy? Text POLICY to 800-884-3638
File a Complaint
If you believe or have solid evidence to show that your insurance company acted unfairly, you can (and should) file a complaint with your state’s insurance department. Not only can this help resolve the issue for you and actually spur your insurance company to do the right thing, you may be helping to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
A denied insurance claim can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that there are steps you can take to appeal the decision. Review your policy, gather evidence, appeal the decision, seek professional help, and file a complaint if necessary. By taking these steps, you can protect your rights as a policyholder and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
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