As some drivers hurry down the road to their next destination, the specifics of your car insurance policy may not always be on your mind. However, if an accident does take place, it quickly moves to the top of your priorities! No one wants to have a claim denied, but it does happen. These are just a few of the reasons why the claim may be denied, and what you can do to get things back on track.

The Premium Was Not Fully Paid:

Since your car insurance policy is a contract between you and the provider, you are bound by agreement to pay the premium in exchange for varieties of coverage. If your payment is not promptly received, the insurer may cancel your policy or deny claims. It is imperative to always pay your premium right on time, even though there are some grace periods in place to help you if you are falling behind.

Expiration of Statute of Limitations:

Once a car accident takes place, the time you have to officially report is limited. If you are not 100% sure what your statute of limitations entails, speak with a licensed attorney who specializes in car insurance claims, and they will be able to tell you if you are in any danger. In Missouri, that time is currently listed as five years, but you can refer to us back periodically as things change.

The Accident Type is Not Covered by Your Policy:

Every accident has different characteristics, and comprehensive, collision, and uninsured motorist insurance policies all have different properties that may or may not apply to each incident. It’s always a good idea to keep in touch with us periodically and remain updated on what your policy includes in the case of an accident. You may encounter surprises when you have the bare minimum for coverage, another area in which we can offer you full assistance.

The Damages You Suffered Were Not a Direct Result of the Accident:

After an accident occurs, it should not be automatically assumed that your insurer will kick in promptly and cover all damages. If it can be proven that these damages were not a result of the accident, they may not be covered at all.

Medical Attention Was Not Immediately Sought:

Even if your injury just feels like it is a minor scrape or scuff, it’s important to see a doctor right away. It’s not just for your health: this will greatly support your overall claim. The insurer can deny your claim without the proper records that detail any injury such as MRIs, X-rays, and other forms of documentation. Even if you feel like you don’t need to see a doctor, you could be in shock, and issues such as internal injuries are not always immediately evident. By undergoing a thorough check-up, you’ll have the proper elements you need if you start to encounter sudden pain or other trauma in the future. 

Encountering Delays on the Wayside of Cooperation:

Immediately after an accident, the insurance company involved will begin collecting information about all the events. Even if you are traumatized, hospitalized, or otherwise pressed for time, it’s very important to make sure these are handled quickly. There is now a lot of information to be processed and other things to take care of in your busy life as well, but making sure this gets handled immediately is only going to make the entire process that much smoother in the long run. 

A Lack of Evidence in the Long Run:

So many car accidents are not quite cut and dry and involve detailed paperwork, medical records, and other forms of detailed evidence. After you file a claim, your most important objective is to provide proof that these damages were a result of this accident, allowing claims to be processed faster and without question. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes difficult to stay on top of everything, as you may be dealing with other entities who are all requesting information from you. Phone calls and other requests may stack up, and these various forms of evidence are crucial to a hassle-free process.

If your car insurance claim is denied when you initially begin the process, it’s important to not panic! You can always make the motion to file an official appeal or speak with an informed and experienced attorney to guide you. We have been helping people who are just getting through the initial stress and inconvenience of an accident for years at Alexander Insurance. We are standing by to assist you with the right decisions in policy selection to provide you the ultimate protection!