What To Do If Your Car Accident Insurance Claim Is Denied

Getting into a car accident is already stressful—but finding out your insurance claim has been denied can make things even more frustrating. The good news is that a denial doesn’t always mean you’re out of options. Whether the issue lies with your own insurance or the other driver’s, you may still be able to fight the decision and get the compensation you deserve.

Here’s what to do if your car accident insurance claim is denied:

Common Reasons Claims Are Denied

Insurance companies may deny car accident claims for several reasons, including:

• Lapsed coverage – Your policy wasn’t active at the time of the accident.

• Policy exclusions – The accident involved something not covered by your policy.

• Late reporting – The accident wasn’t reported within the required timeframe.

• Insufficient evidence – There wasn’t enough documentation to support your claim.

• Disputes over fault or damages – The insurer disagrees with who was at fault or the amount of damage.

Steps to Take After a Denial

1. Speak With an Attorney

Even if you didn’t consult a lawyer when filing your claim, it’s not too late. An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand the denial, explore your options, and guide you through the next steps.

2. Review the Denial Letter Carefully

The insurance company must provide a written explanation for the denial. Look over this letter for details—and errors. Mistakes in dates, coverage information, or accident details could give you grounds to challenge the decision.

3. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Some denials happen due to missing documents or clerical errors. If you believe this may be the case, reach out to your insurer. But be cautious—anything you say could be used against you. Avoid admitting any fault or giving statements without legal guidance.

4. Collect Additional Evidence

If the denial was based on insufficient evidence, gather what you can to strengthen your claim. Useful documents include:

• Police reports

• Photos and video footage

• Medical records

• Repair invoices

• Witness statements

An attorney can help organize this evidence and present it in the most effective way.

5. File an Appeal

Most insurance companies have a process for appealing denied claims. This usually involves a written request along with any new or missing documentation. Follow your insurer’s specific procedure closely, and consider having a lawyer assist with the appeal to improve your chances of success.

If the Appeal Fails

Even if your appeal is denied, it might not be the end of the road.

• Consider legal action. In some cases, filing a lawsuit against the insurer may be necessary—especially if the denial was made in bad faith.

• File a complaint with your state insurance department. If you believe your insurer is mishandling your claim, you can report the issue to your state’s insurance regulatory agency. They may help investigate or mediate the dispute.

A denied car accident claim doesn’t always mean you have to accept the outcome. By understanding the reason for the denial and taking the right steps, you may be able to reverse the decision or recover compensation another way. If you’re unsure where to start, an attorney experienced in car accident claims can help you navigate the process with confidence.

For more information, contact our office at Askew & Associates, P.A. by calling 954-546-2699.

Disclaimer: this blog post is not intended to be legal advice. We highly recommend speaking to an attorney if you have any legal concerns.