5 Essential Documents to Strengthen Your Auto Insurance Appeal

June 21, 2024

Has Your Automobile Insurance Claim Been Denied?

If you answered yes to the question above, rest assured you are not alone. In fact, insurance claim denials happen every day. Those who submit their covered claims in a timely fashion, and in accordance with the parameters outlined in their policies, expect them to be paid appropriately. Yet, policyholders in Oklahoma and across the country receive denial notifications every day.

In situations like this it is important to recognize that as a policyholder, you do have recourse. There are steps you can take to appeal your claim and receive the reimbursement to which you are entitled. After all, if you do not appeal your claim, you are assuming responsibility for all of the costs associated with your accident – a situation that can be financially devastating.

If your insurance claim has been denied, an insurance claims denial lawyer can help you with your appeal.

These professionals understand the process and can help ensure your response is filed correctly and in a timely fashion.

Insurance Claims Can Be Appealed

If your insurance claim has been denied, your best course of action is to launch an appeal. After all, if you have faithfully paid your premiums in a timely fashion and submitted a claim for a qualifying event, you have a right to expect your expenses to be covered.

Unfortunately, the appeals process can be complicated and time consuming. Engaging an experienced denied claims attorney to manage the process on your behalf can be beneficial. This professional knows how to appropriately communicate to effect positive change and help you recover the damages to which you may be entitled.

It is important to recognize that whether you choose to manage this situation on your own or leverage the knowledge and experience of a professional, you will need to gather information. Below we have shared 5 essential documents that are necessary to strengthen your auto insurance claims appeal.

A Copy of the Police Report

As you prepare to appeal your claim, contacting the police station to obtain a copy of their report is critical. This official paperwork shares the crucial details of your accident.  The report contains important facts regarding the circumstances of the incident and can be valuable in supporting your claim. For example, police reports document the responding officers’ opinions on what happened. Because they are a neutral party, their viewpoints are incredibly meaningful.

Additionally, police reports communicate specifics including the location, date, and time of the accident; damage to your car; a listing of any tickets issued; an overview of the weather and the condition of the roadway; and their understanding of exactly what happened. These factors can help substantiate your claims, particularly concerning fault.

If you did not previously receive a copy of the police report, contact them as soon as possible to obtain one.

Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene

Have you ever heard the expression “pictures speak louder than words”?  This is especially true where automobile accidents are concerned. While disputes may arise over the description of damage to your car or your property, photos provide tangible proof.

Additionally, if video of the accident is available (either from traffic cameras or an individual who just happened to be taping), you’ll want to provide it to the insurance company. Photos and videos supply irrefutable evidence that can help validate your damages.

Medical Records

As you are well aware, some of the most devastating effects of automobile accidents are the resulting physical injuries; in many cases they are severe. The cost of treatment and care can be considerable, and the impact on those injured life-changing.

Simply stating you were injured, without corroborating evidence, will likely lead to a claim denial, but providing copies of your medical records can help build your case.  You want to be sure to gather all relevant medical information including reports from your physicians, results of your tests, and copies of your medical bills. Substantiating your injuries and the associated costs is important — your words alone are simply insufficient.

Repair Estimates

It stands to reason that automobile accidents result in property damage, and repairs can be costly. In order to increase the chances of a successful appeal, you will want to provide estimates of the repair costs.

In many cases insurance companies tend to underpay repairs, focusing their settlement offer on the judgment of their adjusters.

Sadly, these individuals may be incentivized to underestimate costs to improve the profitability of the company.  Providing repair estimates can strengthen your case and make reimbursement for your losses more likely. If you have multiple estimates that support your claims, submit them all.

Witness Statements and Expert Opinions

Quite often, input from third parties can be especially valuable when building a successful insurance appeal. Expert opinions (from independent professionals including engineers and mechanics) can help paint a clearer picture of damages.

The testimony of witnesses can also be helpful when issues like fault are in question. These perspectives can validate your story and verify details that may be in question. Thus, documentation from witnesses and experts should be included as part of your appeal.

You Don’t Have to Handle Your Auto Insurance Appeal Alone

Doug Terry Can Manage the Process on Your Behalf

Automobile accidents are traumatic. The combination of property damage, injuries, and associated costs is a lot to comprehend. When your insurance company delays, denies or underpays your claim, you may become frustrated as the financial impact can be too much to handle.

Thankfully, you don’t have to accept your insurance company’s denial as final, and Doug Terry can provide you the guidance you need to correctly appeal their decision.  Years ago he founded his firm to provide those in Oklahoma with the same level of quality representation as the insurance companies have for themselves. He is committed to offering high-quality, hands-on service in pursuit of maximizing your insurance settlement and minimizing the aggravation that the appeal process can cause. Bad faith actions by auto insurance companies are common, but you do not have to be a victim.

If your auto insurance claim has been denied, gather the five essential documents to strengthen your auto insurance appeal and contact Doug Terry Law today at 405-463-6362 to schedule a free consultation and learn how they can support you.