What Can I Do if UM/UIM Insurance Won’t Pay?
Being involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver is stressful enough, but having your UM/UIM claim denied by your insurance company adds another layer of difficulty. You depend on your insurance company to compensate you for your medical expenses, lost wages, repair costs, and other damages if the other driver lacks insurance or has insufficient insurance, making a denial quite frustrating. Fortunately, a denied UM/UIM claim is not the end of the road. There are steps you can take to address the situation. Here is what you can do if your insurance company denies your UM/UIM claim.
- Understand the Reason for the Denial
After your insurance company denies your UM/UIM claim, stay calm and review the denial. Insurance companies provide denial letters outlining the reason(s) for denying a claim. It is crucial that you understand why your claim was denied before doing anything else. Common reasons insurance companies give for denying UM/UIM claims include reporting delays, policy exclusions, disputes over liability, and coverage limits.
- Gather Evidence
Collect any documentation or evidence related to your case, including accident reports, photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage, medical bills, and witness statements. Having sufficient evidence can strengthen your case when disputing the denial. If, for example, your claim was denied because of insufficient evidence, gathering missing pieces of information is vital for rebuilding a stronger claim.
- Contact Your Insurance Company
After you have collected additional evidence or any documents you had not initially provided, reach out to your insurer to discuss your denied UM/UIM claim. Politely ask if you can provide any specific information that could make them reconsider their decision. Sometimes, a denial results from incomplete documentation or unclear details. Providing additional information can be all it takes to have your claim approved.
- File an Appeal
If you cannot resolve the issue, it might be time to file an appeal. Doing this might seem complicated, but insurance companies have an internal appeal process. Follow the instructions provided to initiate an appeal. Ensure you clearly state why you believe the denial was incorrect and submit all the necessary documents or evidence.
- Consult an Attorney
Navigating all of these issues can be complicated. A skilled insurance bad faith and coverage lawyer can assess your case and determine if your insurance company is acting properly. They can help you understand your legal rights and advise you on the best course of action. If you have a valid case, they can negotiate with your insurance company or, if necessary, file a lawsuit against them. Insurance bad faith claims can be complex, but a skilled attorney can advocate on your behalf, aiming to achieve the best possible outcome. Do not hesitate to hire an attorney, as your insurance company may be more likely to treat you fairly when faced with legal pressure.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Contact the Tampa Insurance Coverage and Bad Faith Lawyers at Gunn Law Group. P.A. today and get the help you need to move forward.
Source:
progressive.com/answers/uninsured-motorist-insurance/
