Dealing with auto insurance disputes can be both frustrating and stressful, particularly when policyholders expect a smooth claims process in “good faith”. Policyholders in Calgary may encounter several common issues when dealing with auto insurance claims.
A professional insurance litigation lawyer in Calgary plays a crucial role in helping you understand the challenges and identify potential solutions, thereby alleviating stress from your life. Their expertise ensures you are well-informed and supported throughout the claims process.
What are the common issues in Auto Insurance Disputes?
- Denial of Claim: One of the most common disputes arises when the insurance company denies a claim. The denial can occur for various reasons including disagreement over who was at fault, missed deadlines or even the insurance company’s belief that damages or injuries were not caused by the accident.
- Disagreement on compensation amount: Insurance Companies often undervalue claims to reduce payouts. Most of the time the insurance companies offer the settlement that do not cover the full extent of the damages or medical expenses.
- Delayed payments: Dealing with insurance for your claim can be time taking and stressful process. In some cases, the insurance companies may stall the payout of a claim. These delays can create financial difficulties for the policyholder, especially if they are dealing with medical bills or need to repair or replace their vehicle.
- Disputes over fault: Determining the fault in the accident is a technical exercise and can be challenging, especially if both the parties involved have conflicting narratives of the accident. Insurance companies may use their interpretation of the evidence to place fault on their policyholder, to limit liability or to reduce or deny compensation.
- Underinsured/Uninsured Motorists: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. The injured party will have no Insurance to cover their third-party claim under Sec A of the Auto Insurance Policy. It further complicates the matter as then the claimant has to take recourse of a different legislation to obtain any compensation for their losses.
What are the solutions to common auto insurance disputes?
- Review Policy Details: Understand the auto insurance policy before filing a claim. Keep all the communication and documents organized to help you resolve any issue.
- Collect all information: Gather all relevant information such as damage and repair estimates, expenses, medical bills, or any other evidence that helps in assessing your claim.
- Obtain second opinion: You may gat an independent assessment of the loss.
- Seek Mediation: If the dispute arises, mediation can be an effective way to resolve the issue without taking the matter to court.
- Appeal the Decision: On the denial of the claim, you have the right to appeal. You can submit additional evidence to support your claim during the appeal process.
- Negotiation: In case of underpayment or disagreement over the compensation, negotiating with the insurance company can sometimes lead better settlement.
- Talk to a Professional:Discussing you claim with a professional insurance litigation lawyer can beneficial.
How can a professional insurance claim lawyer help settle the claims in Calgary?
An insurance claim lawyer in Calgary can help you navigate auto insurance disputes without any hassle-
- Legal Expertise: Insurance claim lawyers understand the laws and regulations of auto insurance in Calgary. They review your policy, explain your rights and guide you through the claim process.
- Advocacy: An insurance claim lawyer can handle all the communication and negotiation with the insurance company on your behalf. They can argue your case, present evidence and advocate for fair compensation. If mediation fails, the lawyer will represent their clients in court, fully protecting their interests.
- Strengthening the claim: An Insurance Claim Lawyer in Calgary gathers evidence, consults with experts and compiles documentation to strengthen your claim. They understand the types of evidence insurance companies require and challenge insurer’s unfair assessment.
- Appealing Denied Claims: If the claim is denied, the lawyer can help file an appeal.
Auto insurance disputes are common in Calgary. Working with a professional insurance claim lawyer will help you navigate the complex insurance claim process more effectively.