Everyone has heard about, or experienced, the horror of filing an insurance claim and having it rejected. Insurance companies are notorious for nitpicking claims and finding any reason to either not pay or to pay a lesser amount than what is needed. For many of us, navigating a dispute with an insurance company is a daunting task. While you may decide to use a law firm such as Winters and Yonker, there is some information you should know to help you.
First of all, it is important that you understand your rights in regard to insurance claims. Each state has specific laws regulating insurance companies. While each state has slightly different laws, there is a striking similarity between states. Many states base their laws on model regulations that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has written. Lawyers, such as those at Winters and Yonkers, can help you navigate these laws, but you can be sure that there are several common regulations throughout the United States. These include:
– The requirement that claims be processed quickly, although the definition of “quickly” varies based upon the state you are in.
– Insurance companies are required to furnish the policyholder with the reason that they denied the claim, or delayed payment.
– If you are filing more than one claim at a time, insurers cannot hold one payment hostage as a means to force a settlement on another claim.
– Insurance companies are required to represent your policy and its contents in an accurate manner. In other words, insurance companies cannot purposefully misrepresent the contents of your insurance policy. They also cannot make changes to your policy without giving you advanced notice.
– They cannot attempt to delay payment on your claim by giving you paperwork that is unnecessary.
– Insurance companies cannot make settlement offers that are a lot lower than the amount claimed in an effort to make you sue them.
If you think that your insurance company may be in violation of any of these regulations, or other regulations you find apply in your state, you should contact a lawyer’s office such as Winters and Yonker.
You should also:
– Review your policy for conditions, instructions, and terms of your settlement. You will most likely find that your policy will lay out how to file a dispute. It is important to follow the guidelines that the insurance company lays out in order to avoid future issues. If you are unsure of how to go about properly filing for a dispute contact a lawyer’s office, such as Winters and Yonker.
– Make sure you understand what your insurance actually covers. If your policy only covers up to $10,000 in damage, but you have $11,000 in damage, there is no recourse for you. They are only required to pay up to the $10,000.
– Understand what the difference is between what you believe you are owed and what the insurance company is saying they will pay. They may think your damage is not as extensive as you do. They may feel you are seeking an amount higher than what it would take to repair or replace your property. They may also be questioning the cause of your loss.
– Organize your paperwork. Have photo evidence, your policy, receipts, estimates, and anything else you think may prove your case ready to go. Also make sure to keep track of all of your communication with the insurance company. Get as much in writing as possible, get names of who you talked to, and keep track of dates in case you ever need to go to court. Take noted about each phone conversation. Also, ask for I.D. numbers for employees when possible.
While disputing an insurance claim can seem overwhelming, you can do it. Make sure to follow the advice above, so that you are prepared. Also, know that there are many trained professionals, such as the lawyers at Winters and Yonker, ready to help you if it gets more than you can handle.