How to Dispute an Insurance Claim Denial?

When you decide to hire a moving company to transport your items, there is always a chance something bad can happen. Whether it is caused by accident, travel conditions or by someone’s carelessness, the result is always the same. Movers will either lose your items or cause damage. Good news is that you can claim the insurance. However, there is a possibility that the moving company might deny it. For this reason, you should know how to dispute an insurance claim denial.

Common reasons why people make complaints

Before you sign the moving contract, you should see what it entails first. If you know your rights, then you can easier demand for their fulfillment. The moving company will give you the documents on which it will clearly state the day of pick up and the date of delivery, and the approximate price. The overall price depends on whether you sign a non– binding or binding estimate. However, there are three common reasons for making a complaint against the moving company.

• Movers did not pick up or deliver your items on time
• They ask for more money that exceeds the estimated cost
• Movers damaged or lost your items during the transport

For this reason, read carefully the moving contract so you will know on which ground you can claim the insurance.

How to claim the insurance

Before you need to dispute an insurance claim denial, you should know how to make one. A-Z CLaims Adjusters can help you with this if you are unsure. They will guide you step by step in your fight for an insurance claim. Nonetheless, you should also know how to act accordingly. For this reason, here is a basic guide for you.

Collect all the evidence you need

No insurance claim will work without good evidence. Upon the delivery of your items, inspect each item carefully and mark if you notice something. Then take a phone that has the quality camera resolution, and take photos of damage you have found. It would be even better if you took pictures before the move, but in any case, this is the first step. Next, you should keep the broken parts in one bag and in your house so you will have the proof that damage truly did happen. You can call the right insurance adjusters so they can assess the damage as well. It is always good to hear the second opinion.

Gather your documents in order to dispute an insurance claim denial

After you collect your evidence, you should gather all the documents you signed. This includes a bill of lading, binding or non- binding estimate, inventory sheets, and insurance. Read them carefully again, and make copies so you will always have them with you. You can either scan them or make a copy. These documents also function as evidence for your insurance claim.

Make an inventory of the damaged items

It is important to make an inventory of the damaged items. This implies you should also determine their monetary value. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine the monetary claim since items can be old or they are not sold anymore. If this is a situation, then look on the Internet for the closest similar things and check their price. In addition to this, if you purchased those items with a credit card, simply look your credit card statements for a receipt.

Next steps: Liability insurance and contact with a moving company

Before you make the actual claim, check again liability insurance you signed with your moving company. You should determine the type you took from the company, whether the insurance is based on weight, assessed value or the full value. When you take care of all these steps, you can contact the moving company to file an official complaint. Some moving companies will wish to personally inspect the damaged goods in question. Additionally, some moving companies might give you special request forms while most of them have a neutral arbitration program. You have the right to complain within nine months of the mover’s delivery date. However, the moving company has 120 days to give you the official response. Should they fail to do so, then you can file a complaint through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Insurance claim denied

As always, the moving company has the right to deny your insurance claim. The reasons for denial are the following points.

• You did not provide detailed proof of damage.
• The claim was made after nine months.
• Movers are not liable for boxes you packed unless there is external damage.
• You marked some items as damaged on the inventory list.
• Movers are not liable for inner problems of electric gadgets and appliances, only for external damage.
• If you are asking for more money than you should, movers will deny your request.
• Movers are not liable for damages caused by the weather conditions.

How to dispute an insurance claim denial

If the moving company denies your insurance claim, then read the reason for denial carefully. Afterward, if you conclude that their reason is invalid, check your evidence again. If you do not understand the reason for their denial, contact your moving company and take notes. Go over your policy again and see if it covers the damage you have. Furthermore, you can consult a lawyer or someone who has relevant skills for dealing with such claims. With their help, craft a strong appeal letter and send it again. If the moving company denies your insurance claim for the second time, then take them to small claims court. This is the last option you have to dispute an insurance claim denial. Present to the court all the documents and evidence in order to get the best settlement. Just be aware that it may take months before the processing of your application.

To dispute an insurance claim denial

Do not be afrai to dispute an insurance claim denial if you believe it’s moving company’s fault. Gather all your documents, have the concrete evidence and good luck with the claim.