| It sometimes happens that insurance adjusters and | | | | binding ruling. If this fails, you have the option of |
| insurers have reason to deny your auto insurance | | | | litigation, alternative dispute resolution or filing a |
| claim. However, the power is yours to pursue your | | | | complaint against your insurer with your State |
| claim if you feel that the claim was denied on | | | | Insurance Commission. |
| spurious grounds, salient information/extenuating | | | | From the moment you file your appeal with the |
| circumstances were omitted or if the insurer acted in | | | | insurer, have all relevant information handy and |
| bad faith by denying the claim. | | | | ensure that you keep copies of correspondence with |
| Normally, the adjuster would file a written report | | | | your insurer. Having adequate documentation is a vital |
| giving reasons for the claim denial. You should receive | | | | part of presenting your case professionally and in an |
| a copy of this report once a claim is denied. Your | | | | organized manner. When you can substantiate your |
| first step is to review the reasons highlighted in the | | | | counter-claim, it makes it easier to expedite the |
| adjuster's report - along with your car insurance | | | | dispute resolution process as well. |
| policy. In some cases, the claim that you made was | | | | It is important for you to be persistent as well. Some |
| not covered under your contract. For example, some | | | | insurers rely on claimants bailing out because they get |
| drivers believe that liability coverage covers injury to | | | | fed-up with the run-around or do not have a clear |
| their person (even if they are at fault). However, | | | | idea of their rights and privileges during this process. |
| that is not what liability coverage is designed to | | | | The last straw in the claim dispute resolution process |
| cover. | | | | is litigation, alternative dispute resolution or filing a |
| If, after reviewing the claim, you find that you have | | | | complaint with the SIC against your insurer. You |
| just cause to pursue it still, you should file an appeal | | | | should only file a complaint with your State Insurance |
| with your auto insurer. Upon receiving the appeal, the | | | | Commission if there is evidence that the insurer |
| auto insurer should invite you to give your | | | | acted in bad faith, was partial or fraudulent in denying |
| perspective on the accident and resulting claim. This | | | | your claim. |
| aspect of the resolution process is the negotiation | | | | Knowing your right and privilege is important when |
| phase. | | | | your car insurer initially denies your claim. It is |
| If you find that you are not getting a satisfactory | | | | important to establish that you have a case and |
| response from your insurer, then you have can still | | | | even more important that you are able to |
| take it a step further. You can seek dispute | | | | substantiate your appeal. Keep in mind that being |
| resolution through arbitration. Arbitration involves a | | | | organized and professional in presenting your case |
| neutral third party presiding over the dispute with a | | | | increases the likelihood of a successful appeal. |