Skip to content

Reasons Why Car Insurance Claims Are Denied

Why Is My Auto Insurance Claim Denied?

Experiencing a car accident is already stressful. It can become even more overwhelming if your car insurance provider denies your claim. However, knowing that a claim denial may not always be legitimate is essential. Understanding the reason for the rejection can provide insight into what you should do next. By identifying the specific cause for the denial, you can take informed steps to address the situation and resolve the issue.

Our team at Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci understands the stress that occurs following a car accident. If you need legal advice, do not hesitate to contact our firm for a free consultation to have all of your questions answered by an experienced car accident lawyer.

Why Did My Car Insurance Company Deny My Claim?

No one wants to be in a situation where their car insurance claim is denied, but unfortunately, it does happen. Knowing why your car insurance company has decided to deny your claim can help you take the appropriate steps toward resolving the issue and getting the coverage you need.

If your claim is denied by your auto insurance company, review the denial letter carefully, as it usually includes the supporting evidence for the decision. Some typical reasons for claim denial include the following:

You Filed the Claim Too Late

Depending on your auto insurance policy and state laws, you may have a limited time to file a claim after an accident. If you miss this deadline, your insurer can deny your claim due to its late submission. Check with your provider about your auto insurance policy as soon as possible to avoid any issues. If you have questions about filing a claim, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to assist you in the claims process.

You Were at Fault

It’s important to understand that your insurer won’t cover any damages if you are found to be responsible for the accident, even if it was a minor incident. The insurance company may deny your claim if investigators or witnesses determine you were at fault.

You Didn’t Provide Enough Evidence

Your insurer may deny your claim if you don’t have enough evidence to support it. This includes police reports, photographs of the scene, witness statements, and other documents proving that the accident occurred and was not your fault.

You Misrepresented Information

Insurance companies also rely on certain information to determine whether or not to accept a claim. If you provide false or misleading information, the insurer may deny the claim. 

Your Insurance Coverage Doesn’t Include This Type of Accident

Some insurance policies only cover specific accidents; if the incident isn’t included in your insurance coverage, the insurer can deny your claim. Double-check your insurance policy and verify it contains the necessary coverage for any potential car accident before filing a claim. 

By understanding why auto insurance claims are denied, you can take steps to ensure that you complete all deadlines and provide accurate information when filing a claim. It is essential to review your insurance policy and ensure it includes the necessary coverage for any potential accident. Taking these precautions can help expedite the process and ensure a successful claim.

car accident in need of an insurance claim

Can I appeal My Insurance Claim Denial?

Yes, if your car insurance company denies your claim, you may have the option to appeal the decision. Insurance companies usually provide information on their website about how to file an appeal or contact customer service for assistance.

However, the process of appealing a claim denial can be complex, and insurance companies often have teams of attorneys who are well-versed in denying claims. As experienced lawyers, we typically recommend that clients seek legal representation to help navigate the appeals process.

What to Do If Your Car Insurance Claim Gets Denied

If you are dealing with car insurance claim has been denied, here are some steps you can take:

Seek Legal Representation

A car accident lawyer can offer guidance and support throughout the appeals process, including representing you in court if necessary. They have the legal knowledge and expertise to navigate complex insurance policies and advocate for your rights as a policyholder.

Review Your Insurance Policy

If your car insurance claim is denied, you should first review the denial letter from your car insurance company to understand why it was rejected. Each insurance company has its own process for addressing claims, so familiarize yourself with their regulations and procedures. You can also contact the insurance company directly or seek legal help if necessary.

A car accident lawyer can help you interpret your insurance policy and identify any clauses or provisions that may have led to the claim denial. They can also help you determine whether the insurance company acted in bad faith or violated any laws or regulations.

Appeal the Denial Claim

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you prepare a strong appeal by gathering evidence, such as witness statements, accident reports, and medical records, and presenting a compelling argument for why your claim should be approved. They can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and ensure that you meet all filing deadlines.

and expertise to navigate complex insurance policies and advocate for your rights as a policyholder.

Take the Appeal to Court

If your appeal is unsuccessful and you decide to file a lawsuit against the insurance company, a car accident lawyer can help you build a strong case by gathering evidence, consulting with expert witnesses, and presenting your case in court. They can also negotiate a settlement with the insurance company outside of court, if appropriate.

Don’t Give Up

A car accident lawyer can provide support and help you stay focused on your goals throughout the appeals process. They can also advise you on your options if your claim is denied and help you explore alternative avenues for recovery, such as filing a claim with your own insurance company or pursuing compensation from the at-fault driver.

Our lawyers with Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci can professionally handle matters with the insurance company. Our goal is to fight for justice while you focus on recovery. Contact our expert team today for a free consultation.

man injured in a car accident talking with a car accident lawyer about car insurance claims

Bad Faith Car Insurance Claims Denials

In some cases, car insurance companies deny claims in bad faith. This means the insurer failed to act in good faith and make a fair determination when assessing your claim. When insurance companies deny claims in bad faith, they are denying a valid claim without sufficient evidence or deliberately delaying payment for an accepted claim.

If you believe your car insurance company denied your claim in bad faith, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner. The Commissioner will investigate your case and may take action against the insurer if found guilty of acting in bad faith. A court may also order the insurance company to pay punitive damages or other costs related to the denied claim.

In some cases, victims of bad-faith insurance denials may be able to file a civil lawsuit against their insurance company. This can open the possibility of seeking compensation for losses and damages related to the denied claim. Consult an experienced attorney before pursuing a civil case to understand your rights and protect your interests throughout the process.

Should I Seek Legal Help for a Denied Claim?

If you’re unsure of how to proceed after your car insurance claim has been denied, it is beneficial to seek legal advice. An experienced lawyer can review the details of your case and help you understand all of your options. They can provide guidance on how to effectively appeal the claim denial or advise on whether a lawsuit should be filed.

By taking legal action, you can hold your insurance company accountable for wrongfully denying your claim and receive the compensation you deserve. Consult an attorney today to discuss the details of your case and get started with pursuing justice.

Dealing with a denied car insurance claim can be frustrating and confusing. However, understanding why the claim was rejected in the first place and knowing your options for appealing or taking legal action can help you navigate the process with more confidence. Stay informed and seek legal help to protect your rights and interests throughout the claims process.

Contact a Trusted Lawyer

At Cantor Grana Buckner Bucci, we understand how confusing and frustrating it can be to have your car insurance claim denied. That is why we are committed to providing our clients with the legal help they need when dealing with insurance companies. Our experienced attorneys have extensive knowledge of state and federal laws regarding auto insurance claims, and we are prepared to fight for your rights in court. Contact our office today for a complimentary consultation and start pursuing justice.

What Our Client Say:

"During an extremely emotional time you were understanding, caring, professional, and communicated clearly every step of the way."
Craig and Cassye M.
"Their trial experience is very impressive. They were willing to listen to us and asked probing questions for case preparation."
Deborah and David C.
"I always felt confident that my case was in the right hands."
Samantha P.
a woman writes on a paper tablet sitting alone at a large conference table

Contact Us Today to get your free evaluation

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.