However, what happens if the insurer denies your claim? You should not be surprised to learn that this is not a rare event. Insurance companies are businesses, after all, and some may try to save money by denying or undervaluing legitimate claims. Nevertheless, there are some common reasons why an insurer may be right to reject a claim after an accident.
Why was my insurance claim denied?
Paying premiums for insurance coverage keeps a policy active. It is not uncommon for policyholders to miss a payment. Even if the payment is only a few days late, it may be enough to result in the cancellation of the policy. This can leave a driver without coverage at a critical moment. An insurer is not likely to cover a claim on a policy a driver has allowed to lapse. Other reasons why an insurance company may deny a claim include the following:
- The policyholder did not purchase enough coverage to pay for your injuries.
- The other driver has already exceeded the maximum limits of his or her policy.
- The insurer believes you were violating the law at the time of the accident, such as driving while impaired.
- You waited too long to contact the police or to file a claim for coverage.
- You did not submit adequate documentation of your medical expenses.
- You failed to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.
Even if you feel fine immediately after an accident, some injuries do not manifest for days or even weeks after the collision. Seeing a doctor right away may spare you medical complications in the future as well as provide the documentation to help your claim along.
Some insurance adjusters recommend dealing with your own insurance company rather than trying to file a claim through the other driver’s policy. Third-party claims have a higher chance of rejection. However, it may be a good idea to seek the advice of a skilled attorney who can assist you in pursing the compensation you deserve whether from an insurance company or through the civil courts.