When your car insurance claim is denied in Missouri, it can feel like another setback right when you need help the most. Many drivers aren’t aware they have options when an insurer refuses to pay. One of those options is to file an appeal. Knowing why denials happen and what steps need to be taken to begin the appeal are essential for anyone in this situation.
Contact an auto accident attorney in St. Louis today — call (314) 300-6260.
Common Reasons Claims Get Denied
Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons, and understanding why can help you build a stronger claim on appeal. Some of the reasons include:
Policy Issues
Sometimes, claims are denied simply because your policy doesn’t cover what happened. This can happen if your coverage has lapsed or there are exclusions written into the fine print that rule out certain situations – like driving for work.
Liability Disputes
The insurance company may insist that you were responsible for causing the crash, or that someone else (not covered by the policy) was really at fault.
Problems With Evidence
Some claims stall or get denied because they’re missing critical evidence, like photos, medical documentation, repair bills, police reports, or contact information for witnesses. The less information you’re able to provide, the easier it is for an insurer to turn down your case on that basis.
Late Notice
If you don’t file your claim within a reasonable or required timeframe, insurance companies may deny it regardless of the merits.
Comparative Fault
Missouri’s pure comparative negligence system means that if you’re even partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of liability. While this may not lead to an outright denial, it can significantly reduce the payout if the insurance company tries to blame you.
When any of these issues leads to a denial, don’t give up – you have options.
What To Do If Your Claim is Denied – Steps to Appealing The Decision
When an insurance company denies your claim, it can be discouraging, but you still have options to fight back. Taking the following steps gives you a chance to still recover what you deserve.
Read the Denial Letter Closely
Start by reviewing the denial letter from your insurer to clearly understand why they turned down your claim. Sometimes it’s a matter of paperwork, incomplete evidence, or a misunderstanding of policy language. Understanding the reason helps you decide if it’s worth appealing.
Gather All Relevant Evidence
Collect every bit of evidence you can: accident scene photos or video, the police report, witness statements, medical paperwork (for broken bones, brain damage, back trauma, etc…), repair bills, dashcam files, emails, and letters with your insurer. The more detail you have showing exactly what happened and why coverage should cover the accident, the stronger your appeal will be.
Contact a Missouri Car Accident Attorney
Anytime your claim is denied, one of your first steps should be to contact a St. Louis personal injury lawyer. While you can technically handle the case on your own, it’s always better to have professional legal help by your side to help you with the next steps.
File an Internal Appeal
Prepare a written statement to the insurer laying out your case step-by-step. Cite the parts of your auto policy you believe apply and attach the documents and evidence you’ve gathered.
Consider Filing a Lawsuit
If appeals don’t work and your case clearly qualifies for coverage, sometimes suing the insurer is the only way to move forward.
Ultimately, the best way to appeal your case is to work with a lawyer who has experience with these situations. When you’re ready to get started, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.