This How To article is crucial, up-to-date information concerning what to do if your insurance company is giving you a hard time (regarding your own motor vehicle accident claim with them) and youre positive its Legit. If theres some problems with whatever position theyve taken regarding your Property Damage Loss (or any other coverage-questions they may be ducking/stalling/ignoring and/or disputing) you dont have to sit back and take it!
You DO have options to settle your dispute and you should proceed as follows:
#1. FIRST, LET YOUR AGENT KNOW YOURE UNHAPPY: Ask them to go to bat for you. If they sit on their butt (afraid or too busy to get involved with your problem) find out the name and phone number or your insurance companies nearest Claims Department. Contact them and ask for help. (Never forget, youre their insured, your premiums pay their salary). If the person youre talking to attempts to handle your problem with uncaring indifference, just like your agent has, than find and talk to that individuals boss - - The Vice President of Claims and/or whomever.
#2. BE PREPARED TO SUPPORT YOUR CASE: Have ready all documents, plus a covering letter (to snail mail to that person your finally talking to) proving your point and explaining why youre not satisfied. (Send it to them PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL - - with a signed Return Receipt requested).
#4. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL INSURANCE DEPARTMENT: If youve followed your insurance companys rules for resolving a dispute, and youre still not satisfied, your own Local Insurance Department can help you. You can reach them by phone, or mail, or often online.
WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR YOU: Many insurance departments offer on-the-phone assistance to help resolve the Problem without requiring you to file a formal Written Complaint. Most post their complaint forms on their Web sites, allowing you to print out the document, complete it at home, and mail it to them. (If they dont have a web site ask that they snail mail their Written Complaint form right out to you) !
After you provide them with all the necessary information (including your policy or claim number and supporting documentation) they will notify the insurance company (or agent) youre complaining about. The company (or agent) is then required to respond to the department within a certain amount of time, usually between 10 to 30 days, depending upon the area where you live.
Upon receiving a reply, Insurance Department officials will dig deeper, trying to determine what can and should be done. This process usually takes about 30 days.
If the Insurance Department decides against the agent or the insurance company (which is clearly stated - - and one both your insurance company and your agent know to be a fact of their business life theyd prefer not to get hung up on - - nor be forced to deal with) the Insurance Department has the power to levy a variety of penalties, ranging from a fine to actually revoking the license of the agent or company. (When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, these departments have all the power they need to penalize companies that are deliberately ducking or dragging their feet).
After reading the above, you may want to consider hiring an attorney to represent you because it can get complicated! If you do, find one who specializes in Auto Insurance. Attorneys work either at an hourly rate or on a Contingency-Fee Basis, depending on the type of case. If you decide to go that route be sure to get your lawyers Fee Structure in writing. And (to remain current on the progress of your claim) insist that you receive copies of all correspondence. PLUS: Be sure your lawyer knows that he or she must have your agreement - - before committing to any settlement!
Dan Baldygas third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at or . This book reveals How To successfully handle your motor vehicle claim, so you wont be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding the revolutionary BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA explains how to determine the value of the Pain and Suffering you endured - - because of your personal injury.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for background information. Its only purpose is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Dan Baldyga nor ARTICLECITY.COM make no guarantee of any kind whatsoever, NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service, NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired IT IS THE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY to obtain it.
Copyright (c) 2004 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved
Dan Baldyga - Author
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