An insurance appeal occurs after an insurer denies your claim or offers a resolution that is not appropriate under the circumstances. These often occur after business insurance claims, car accident claims, and even life insurance claims. Insurance companies use denials to help their bottom line, even when they should properly pay the claim based on the evidence.
So how do you win an insurance appeal? At the Saxton Law Firm, we help Missouri businesses and residents fight back against insurance denials. Our team can represent you through the insurance appeal process and beyond. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Would I File an Insurance Appeal?
You would file an insurance appeal after your insurance company denies a claim. Another reason to appeal is if the insurance company offers an unsatisfactory resolution of that claim instead. In fact, it is extremely common for insurance companies to wrongfully deny claims.
Insurance companies are businesses and look for any way to save money. Unfortunately, one method is to low-ball or deny valid claims. An insurance appeal may help you fight back.
What is an Insurance Appeal?
An insurance appeal is an internal process within the insurance company. Your policy sets forth specific guidelines and rules governing appeals. The internal appeal asks the insurance company to fully and fairly review its decision. In urgent cases, the insurance appeal process may be expedited.
In some cases, you can also utilize an external appeal. This asks an independent third party to review your claim, the insurance company’s decision, and all other relevant evidence. Your insurance dispute attorney will know what process to follow and what rights are available to you.
Tips for Winning an Insurance Appeal
A number of tips can help you win your insurance appeal and fight back against unfair decisions by the insurance company.
Identify Why the Claim Was Denied
An insurance company is required to explain why the claim was denied. Determine what that reason is and any explanation the insurance company gives. Consider whether it makes sense and whether additional information would help. Insurance companies commonly deny claims that are perfectly valid, so you do not have to accept a denial just because the insurance company explains their reason.
Gather Documents and Other Evidence
Keep everything related to your insurance claim. Collect evidence of the accident or loss related to your claim. Keep pictures, videos, or relevant audio. Maintain all documents related to the accident. Take down the names of any witnesses to the accident or anyone with relevant information about your denied claim.
Also keep records of your communications with the insurance company. Take notes about your phone calls and store any mail, email, or other written communication.
Meet All Deadlines
Insurance companies set strict deadlines on appeals. They do this for good reasons, such as efficiency and fairness, and also to comply with state law. Companies also do this hoping you will miss these deadlines and invalidate your otherwise valid insurance claim.
Understanding the legal requirements of your filing deadlines can be difficult on your own. Legal counsel can help.
Speak with a Missouri Insurance Appeal Attorney
You do not have to file an appeal alone. In fact, it is not advisable to do so. Speak with an experienced Missouri insurance dispute lawyer who can properly handle your appeal.
A qualified lawyer knows how to investigate your claim and properly file the appeal. They also know how to guard against common insurance tactics designed to deny your claim unfairly.
READ MORE: Overview of Business Insurance Law in Kansas
At Saxton Law Firm, our team of experienced insurance appeals attorneys know how to help. Contact Saxton Law Firm for a FREE case review!