Auto Insurance Disputes: Top 5 things to keep in mind

If you own a car, you likely have auto insurance. You have it because it’s the law, but also because it gives you “Peace of Mind”. Unfortunately, people contact us regularly when their car has been stolen, vandalized, or damaged beyond repair, and their insurance company is not willing to pay them for their vehicle. These disputes drag on and on and it often seems as though the auto insurance adjuster is doing everything in his or her power not to compensate the insured for their loss.

If you or someone you know is facing an auto insurance dispute, keep the following 5 things in mind:

• You have only one year from the date of the loss to sue your auto insurer for breaching your policy of insurance by not paying you.
• You should compete a Proof of Loss (you can ask your insurer for the form) and submit it to the insurer (keep a copy). The insurer must respond within 60 days of receiving the Proof of Loss with their position.
• Do not, under any circumstances, attend an Examination Under Oath without an insurance lawyer.
• If your claim has been transferred to a “Special Investigations Unit” or another department at your insurance company with a similar name, contact an insurance lawyer immediately.
• Keep copies of all the documents you provide your auto insurance adjuster and confirm all conversations in writing (email, fax, etc.).

Losing your car is bad enough, but having to fight your auto insurance company to compensate you for it is worse. If you sense that something is wrong, contact an insurance lawyer immediately. Often times, with the help of an insurance lawyer, these disputes get resolved through negotiations. Remember, insurance companies don’t like lawsuits. Lawsuits are expensive and they don’t want to spend more money than they have to. When they see that an insured has hired an insurance lawyer, they often try to resolve the claim quickly and amicably.

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