You've paid your premiums faithfully, secure in the assurance that you're covered.
Then, you have an accident and the insurance company won't pay.
Or they made a settlement offer that isn't enough.
Or cancel your policy.
What's your next step? Most states have offices that regulate insurance companies.
These offices will help resolve consumer complaints.
However, before contacting your state's insurance regulator, there are preliminary steps you will need to take.
Gather up all documentation of your problem (copy of your policy, billing statements, canceled checks for premiums, police reports, and any correspondence from your insurer.
) Call your insurer.
Make notes of the date, time, and name of the person you talk to.
Try one more time to solve the problem with the company, and keep detailed notes of the conversation.
It may help to ask to speak to a supervisor, and let the insurer know you plan to notify the state regulatory agency if the problem isn't resolved.
If the problem still isn't resolved, it's time to call the state office.
Most of these offices have both telephone hotlines and websites where they can be contacted.
It may be helpful to prepare a concise one-page summary of the problem before making the call in order to remember all the pertinent facts and avoid getting sidetracked.
Typical problems include premium problems, claim disputes, sales falsification, fraudulent practices, adjustor disputes, refund requests, and policy cancellations.
The purpose of the state insurance department is to protect the consumer; however, you must be prepared to document your problem.
The state cannot act as your attorney or your doctor.
They can only determine if the insurance company acted properly based upon the terms of your policy.
Once you file a formal complaint, it may take 30-90 days to resolve the issue.
You may need to provide more information or further documentation.
Even so, the state agency may not rule in your favor.
Other options include consumer protection services or consulting an attorney.
Many local television stations help resolve consumer complaints.
Again, you must be prepared to document your side of the dispute.
Finally, an attorney may be able to help you.
However, you must be prepared for the fact that insurance companies have attorneys on staff to fight their legal battles, and the fees you incur to hire an attorney may be significantly higher than any financial recovery you may receive from the insurer.
The best way to avoid problems is to know and understand the terms of your policy and make sure you follow proper claim procedures--BEFORE you need to make a claim.
Then, you have an accident and the insurance company won't pay.
Or they made a settlement offer that isn't enough.
Or cancel your policy.
What's your next step? Most states have offices that regulate insurance companies.
These offices will help resolve consumer complaints.
However, before contacting your state's insurance regulator, there are preliminary steps you will need to take.
Gather up all documentation of your problem (copy of your policy, billing statements, canceled checks for premiums, police reports, and any correspondence from your insurer.
) Call your insurer.
Make notes of the date, time, and name of the person you talk to.
Try one more time to solve the problem with the company, and keep detailed notes of the conversation.
It may help to ask to speak to a supervisor, and let the insurer know you plan to notify the state regulatory agency if the problem isn't resolved.
If the problem still isn't resolved, it's time to call the state office.
Most of these offices have both telephone hotlines and websites where they can be contacted.
It may be helpful to prepare a concise one-page summary of the problem before making the call in order to remember all the pertinent facts and avoid getting sidetracked.
Typical problems include premium problems, claim disputes, sales falsification, fraudulent practices, adjustor disputes, refund requests, and policy cancellations.
The purpose of the state insurance department is to protect the consumer; however, you must be prepared to document your problem.
The state cannot act as your attorney or your doctor.
They can only determine if the insurance company acted properly based upon the terms of your policy.
Once you file a formal complaint, it may take 30-90 days to resolve the issue.
You may need to provide more information or further documentation.
Even so, the state agency may not rule in your favor.
Other options include consumer protection services or consulting an attorney.
Many local television stations help resolve consumer complaints.
Again, you must be prepared to document your side of the dispute.
Finally, an attorney may be able to help you.
However, you must be prepared for the fact that insurance companies have attorneys on staff to fight their legal battles, and the fees you incur to hire an attorney may be significantly higher than any financial recovery you may receive from the insurer.
The best way to avoid problems is to know and understand the terms of your policy and make sure you follow proper claim procedures--BEFORE you need to make a claim.
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