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What Can Policyholders Do to Minimize the Risk of a Denied Insurance Claim?
Before the insurance company makes a monetary offer, they need to decide that your damages are covered. They may believe your claim is excluded or does not fall within the policy’s coverage. Alternatively, they may have an issue with how you filed the claim. While you can always challenge the insurance company in court, you want to do everything possible to avoid that situation. Here are some ways to cut the risk of a denied insurance claim.
Review the Exact Language of the Policy
Before you file a claim, it is crucial to be familiar with the exact language of your policy and the exclusions. You should be careful about the way that you describe your damages. If they sound exactly like something excluded by the policy’s language, the insurance company may deny the claim. You should truthfully detail the damage in a way that would bring it under the policy’s coverage. A lawyer can help you review the language of your policy and assist in filing and processing your claim for successful results.
Include Sufficient Documentation for Your Claim
The insurance company needs to see what is backing your claim. They may have sent an adjuster to view the damage, but they will want to see your documentation for the damages you claim. If you fail to include documentation, the insurance company may not believe your statement of damages, or they may discount the harm that you suffered. Insurance companies have a lot of resources at their disposal to verify your claims, such as the use of satellite images and other techniques.
Make Honest and Factual Statements
The insurance company will go over everything you say with a fine-tooth comb. Not only will lying on a claim lead to a possible denial, but there may even be insurance fraud charges. The insurance company will be able to know how much your claim is worth without any embellishment on your part. It is important that you are factual and do not give any opinions.
Take Preventative Measures
As a policyholder, you have the obligation to mitigate your damages. This means that you have taken steps to minimize the harm after the damage-causing event. You should not expose your property to additional loss. If the insurance company believes you have, they may cut the amount they pay you or even try to deny your claim altogether. You must act as soon as possible to prevent further loss to the fullest extent possible.
File Your Claim on Time
An insurance claim is a time-sensitive matter. Your policy itself may impose certain deadlines for you to file a claim. Not only is it in your best interest to meet these deadlines, you should not even come close to missing them. The longer you wait to file, the more likely the insurance company will deny your claim.
Hire an Experienced Insurance Lawyer
If you are making a large claim, you can anticipate that getting everything you deserve from the insurance company may be more challenging. You may want to contact a lawyer before you make the claim, knowing that you may need them in the future anyway. Insurance companies are known to make low settlement offers. They may view you differently when they see that you have an experienced attorney who can help you file a lawsuit.
Contact Our New Jersey Insurance Lawyers at Herold Law, P.A. for Help With a Denied Claim
Our New Jersey insurance lawyers at Herold Law, P.A. can help you file a claim and represent you if your claim is denied. To schedule a consultation, call us at 908-679-5011 or complete our online form. We have decades of experience in dealing with large insurance companies. Located in Warren, New Jersey, we serve clients in Somerville, Morristown, and across the state.
