The safety net of car insurance is comforting when an accident does occur. In the state of New York, all drivers are required to have a liability policy with at least $25,000 in protection. If you get into an accident and file a claim with your insurance company, having it denied can make this already difficult process even more complicated. Why was your claim denied, and is there anything you can do about it? Learn more about your options.
Why Was Your Claim Denied?
It is critical to understand why the insurance company denied your claim before you process an appeal. This information will be in your claim denial letter, so read this document carefully. Insurance claims are denied for many reasons, but the most common ones include:
- Your policy does not cover the costs of the accident
- You missed a filing deadline or forgot to pay a premium on time
- You are not named on the insurance policy
- You were at fault for the accident
- The damages claim exceeds your auto policy’s limit
How to Challenge the Denied Claim
Now that you know why your claim was denied, prepare to review any information and facts from the accident. Gather as much documentation and proof of the accident as you can to defend your appeal against claim adjusters, including photos, medical bills, and eyewitness statements. Providing copies of police and medical reporters and focusing on the facts of the accident can help support your original claim.
If you’ve exhausted all options with the insurance company, contact the New York State Department of Financial Services to submit a complaint against the insurance company if you believe your claim is justified. Ask your insurance provider for a letter detailing why your claim was denied. It may be necessary to hire an auto accident attorney to help dispute your claim against the insurance company.
There’s no reason to face your insurance company alone—an attorney can help walk you through the process. The dedicated team of Leav & Steinberg LLP handles a large range of personal injury cases throughout New York with successful results. Request your free consultation today if you believe that your accident claim has been wrongly denied.
