Can Your Own Insurance Company Turn Against You and Deny Your UM/UIM Claim?
In Florida, it is legally required for drivers to have minimum insurance coverage. However, some drivers don’t have bodily injury insurance or are underinsured. Fortunately, with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company after being involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. However, the sad reality is that even if you pay your premiums faithfully, your insurance company can deny your claim, leaving you in a difficult position.
UM/UIM Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is meant to protect you if you’re injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver who does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage. You purchase UM/UIM coverage on top of your regular car insurance. After an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, this coverage can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other damages.
In Florida, UM/UIM coverage is not mandatory. However, insurance companies must offer this coverage to drivers, and if a driver chooses not to purchase it, they must opt out in writing. Many drivers purchase UM/UIM coverage as it offers peace of mind. Opting out of UM/UIM coverage could have serious financial consequences if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Unfortunately, insurance companies are known to make the claims process difficult even when you are their customer. The sad reality is that just because you have UM/UIM coverage does not guarantee that you will recover the compensation you deserve after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Why Would Your Insurance Company Deny Your UM/UIM Claim?
Insurance companies are businesses. Just like any other business, these companies aim to minimize costs and maximize profits. The less insurance companies pay out to claimants (including those insured by them), the more money they keep. This can lead to your insurance company looking for ways to delay, reduce, or deny your UM/UIM claim.
Insurance companies present several arguments when looking to avoid paying what they owe you. Often, the arguments are framed to make the delay, reduction, or denial seem reasonable when in reality they are just tactics to pressure you into accepting a low settlement or giving up altogether. Here are some common reasons insurance companies give for denying UM/UIM claims;
- Delay in Reporting the Accident: Your insurer may claim that you delayed reporting the accident, making it hard to investigate or corroborate your account with other evidence.
- Disputes Over Value: Your insurance company may argue that your injuries do not justify the compensation you are seeking.
- Disputes Over Liability: Your insurer may argue you were at fault for your accident or share fault.
- Disputes Over Policy Coverage: The insurance company may argue that your policy does not cover all the damages you seek.
- Lack of Evidence: Your claim may be denied because you don’t have supporting documentation, such as medical records, repair bills, or evidence of lost wages.
If your insurance company unreasonably denies your UM/UIM claim, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. A qualified attorney can help you build a strong case to hold your insurance company liable for its actions.
Contact Gunn Law Group P.A. for Legal Help
If your insurance company has unreasonably denied your UM/UIM claim, contact our skilled Tampa insurance bad faith lawyers at Gunn Law Group P.A. for help protecting your rights.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.727.html
