We are personal injury experts who have achieved results for our clients in Joplin for over 40 years.
What Should You Do About a Stolen Car Insurance Claim Denial?
The moment you realize your car has been stolen is not the moment you want to wonder whether you have sufficient car insurance coverage. You should assess your car insurance policy or contact your auto insurance company to see whether you are covered.
It should be handled automatically if you have the right type of insurance. However, if the insurance company denies your claim, you may still have options.
When you need to handle a court case, a skilled attorney is always the best choice. You want to choose one with experience in similar cases and a focus on that area of law. Insurance claim attorneys from the law office of Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien can offer helpful advice and information.
What Is a Stolen Car Insurance Claim?
A stolen car insurance claim is a request for compensation for a vehicle that has been stolen. The vehicle owner can claim against their insurance company if they have taken out the relevant coverage.
To make a successful claim, the car’s owner needs to prove that they owned it and it was stolen. They will need to provide any details they have about the theft and provide information about their insurance policy. If they were not insured, they would need to pay for any damage caused by the theft out of their own pocket.
If you believe you are owed compensation for your stolen car and are having difficulty proving coverage, Buchanan, Williams, & O’Brien, P.C. may be able to help.
How Do You File a Stolen Car Insurance Claim in Joplin, MO?
Report the Theft to the Authorities Immediately
- File a police report with your local law enforcement office or the State Highway Patrol office. Theft of a vehicle should be reported immediately. You need to provide them with your vehicle’s license plate number, VIN, year, make, model and color so that they know what specific information to include in the report. Describe any unique or distinguishing features of your vehicle and provide them with a picture if possible. Also, you’ll need to tell them where you last saw the car.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
- Contact your insurance company and provide them with the required information. You will need to describe the circumstances of the theft and the type of coverage you have.
- If you report it to the police and insurance company immediately, your chances of getting your claim approved, or locating your car, will increase. Make sure you provide additional information as soon as possible if they request it.
Insurance companies can be difficult to work with, and they often deny claims without legitimate grounds. Do not give your insurance company a good reason to deny your claim, be very diligent in responding to them. An auto insurance lawyer will ensure that your claim is filed is correctly and within the insurance provider’s time limits.
Why Would Your Stolen Car Insurance Claim Be Denied?
Car insurance companies deny claims for a variety of reasons due to the increase in car thefts. Did you know that your car insurance company might not have to pay for your stolen car if it is determined that you are partly to blame?
There are several ways this can happen. For example, if you were an active participant in the theft or recovery of the vehicle, or if you were aware of the crime and did nothing to stop it, you could be charged with accomplice liability.
But what about a driver who is not at fault? Motorists who are not at fault can file a claim with their insurer and get reimbursed if they have comprehensive coverage.
What Happens After an Insurance Claim Is Denied in St. Louis, MO?
The first thing you need to do when your car insurance company denies your claim is to ask for an explanation. The insurance company will most likely not provide you with a reason for denying your claim. You can, however, request to speak to the adjuster who handled your case. They will be able to provide you with more information about why your claim was denied.
You may have a claim denial because you were driving without coverage. If it is a case of not having coverage, then you should contact the DMV and get proof that you had insurance.
Contact an attorney if the insurance company does not provide you with any information.
How to Handle a Denied Stolen Car Insurance Claim
When your insurance claim is denied after your car has been stolen, you can follow the following steps:
Determine Why the Claim Was Denied
To fight a claim denial, you need to know why it was denied in the first place. If the insurance company does not provide this information to you in writing, call to find out why the claim was denied. If so, you will know if you can do anything to reverse their decision.
Read Through Your Policy
As soon as you learn why the claim was denied, you can review your policy to determine whether it was a reasonable denial or a mistake.
Speak With a Lawyer Right Away
If your stolen car insurance claim has been denied, consult an experienced attorney. They can help you clarify what your policy covers if you are not sure. Additionally, they can represent you in negotiations with your insurance company. It may turn out that your claim was incorrectly denied, and they can assist you with resolving any issues.
The presence of legal representation generally results in insurance companies changing their tune. Due to this, they are less likely to take advantage of you.
Appeal the Denial
A lawyer can help you appeal the decision. Before appealing, you’ll have to learn the insurance company’s policies and protocols. This is definitely an area where a lawyer can help you. If you decide to appeal your denied claim, you can take the following steps:
- Collect evidence: Get a copy of your insurance policy and any other documentation you received from your insurance company, including your denial letter. Verify the theft of your car by obtaining police reports, witness accounts, video footage that caught the crime on camera, and any other evidence relevant to the case.
- Write a letter of appeal: Following the collection of evidence, your lawyer can write an appeal explaining why you disagree with the decision made by the insurance company. It is important for your lawyer to include all evidence that has been collected and go over each item in detail, explaining why it is relevant and how it relates to your claim. Additionally, referring to your actual insurance policy will help you explain how the company denied your claim incorrectly.
Can a Law Firm Help With Your Stolen Car Insurance Claim in Missouri?
Knowing your rights after a car theft is crucial. With Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, you can get help filing a stolen car insurance claim in Missouri. We fully understand the Missouri auto insurance laws that govern car insurance claims, and we can be trusted to represent you.
Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien is committed to providing top-quality service and will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today!
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