Car insurance companies work hard to deny your claim when they can. If they are unable to deny it, they will try to devalue your claim to pay you as little as possible.
If a car insurance company has denied your claim, you can appeal their decision, and an experienced car accident attorney in Lafayette can help hold an insurance company accountable for paying the compensation you are entitled to.
What Reasons Did the Insurance Company Give For Denying Your Claim?
The notice denying your claim should outline the company’s reasons for its denial. If they did not provide reasons, you should contact them and ask for a detailed explanation for the denial.
Even if you believe those reasons are not valid, it is helpful to address them. Some of the more common include:
- There is insufficient documentation to support your claim.
- Their insured driver disputes liability.
- Your damages are not covered under the policy.
- Your policy has lapsed.
- You did not file a police report.
- You did not seek treatment after the accident.
When you respond to the insurance company’s denial notice, you should reference their stated reason and address it with documented evidence.
Respond With Supporting Documentation
If the insurance company tells you there is insufficient information for your claim, you may be able to address the denial by providing additional information. Be sure you have provided:
- The accident report
- Names and contact information for all parties involved
- Insurance information of other involved parties when relevant
- The insurance policy number
- The vehicle identification information (VIN, registration, make, model and color)
- Location of the accident
- Photographs or video footage from the accident scene
- A list of all damages to your vehicle and property
- Repair estimates for your car
- Medical records or bills
- Anything else you can collect to support your claim
If they provide another reason, decide whether you can effectively address it without help. For example, if they claim your coverage lapsed and you know that you have paid your premiums timely, you can provide that evidence to the insurance company and hopefully resolve that issue.
File an Appeal
You can also file an appeal with the insurance company. Their denial letter may explain how their appeals process works. If so, follow those steps and submit all documentation not yet provided.
Carefully review the policy so you understand what damages are covered. Don’t just take their word for it. If you need help understanding your policy terms, consult a Louisiana car accident lawyer.
Gather your evidence and write an appeal letter stating why you believe their denial is improper and why your claim should be paid in full.
File a Complaint
If you believe an insurance company is not dealing with you in good faith, you have the right to file a complaint with the Louisiana Department of Insurance. You can file the complaint online or print the form and submit it by mail.
The Department of Insurance website states that it is able to protect you by enforcing Louisiana’s insurance laws, provide you with consumer information, and investigate your complaint against companies, agents, or adjusters.
However, the agency cannot:
- Give you legal advice or interfere with a pending lawsuit
- Recommend an insurance company, agent, or adjuster
- Decide disputes on who is negligent or at fault
- Determine facts surrounding a claim
- Resolve a complainant the only evidence is your word against the word of others
The Louisiana Department of Insurance is located at 1702 N. Third Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 and can be reached by calling (800) 342-5900.
Seek Legal Help
If you have been injured or suffered damages in a car accident and the insurance company has denied your claim, you can appeal the decision. If you do not obtain quick relief, contact an experienced car accident attorney at Anderson Blanda & Saltzman. We have decades of experience helping accident victims and holding insurance companies accountable for paying maximum damages. Let us help you.
Call (337) 233-3366 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.