When you purchase auto insurance, you should be able to count on it when you have a claim. However, insurance companies are in business to make a profit, and they do that by paying out as little as possible for claims.
Injured in Oklahoma City? Call Warhawk Legal at (405) 397-1717 for a free consultation. Our personal injury attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If your car insurance claim in Oklahoma City is denied, you need to understand why. And if your claim is valid, you should be able to appeal the denial and obtain the coverage you deserve.
If your insurance company refuses to treat you fairly, you should consult an Oklahoma City car accident attorney with a proven record of helping car accident injury victims recover maximum compensation for their damages.
Valid Reasons a Car Insurance Company May Deny a Claim in Oklahoma
Even if you pay your insurance premiums on time, there could be valid reasons why your car insurance claim may be denied. Some legitimate reasons an insurer could deny your claim include:
- Your policy excludes the type of damage you incurred.
- You failed to report the car accident within the required time.
- Your physical injury claim is determined to be the result of a pre-existing condition.
- Liability for your accident is disputed.
- The policy did not cover the person operating your vehicle.
You must understand the terms of your car insurance policy and abide by those terms when making a claim. Be sure your policy covers your damage, that you immediately report your accident, and that you demonstrate how your injury was caused by the car accident rather than from a pre-existing condition.
If you are unsure whether your policy covers your claim, you should consult an experienced car accident lawyer to understand your rights.
What To Do When Your Oklahoma Car Insurance Claim Is Denied
If your claim is denied, you should request an explanation for the denial. You must first understand why the company denied your claim.
Then, you should carefully review your policy to determine whether you believe coverage exists and whether you agree with the insurance company’s explanation for the denial.
If you disagree with the company’s denial, you should gather the evidence to support your claim. Some types of evidence to consider include the terms of your policy that you believe support your right to coverage, your medical records, repair estimates, police reports, witness statements, and photographs.
With your evidence gathered, contact the insurance adjuster to discuss your claim. Ask them to reconsider their decision in light of your evidence. If the insurance adjuster still denies your claim and you still believe the denial is unfair, you should file a complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department.
If you do not quickly resolve your dispute, you should consult an experienced Oklahoma insurance bad faith lawyer to help you obtain the justice you deserve.
Contact Warhawk Legal Today
If you do not understand the letter of denial issued by your insurance company, or if you are unable to resolve your claims dispute quickly, you should contact an experienced Oklahoma car accident lawyer.
At Warhawk Legal, we have the experience, skills, and resources to help you resolve insurance coverage issues as quickly as possible. We hold insurance companies accountable for providing the full coverage you are owed.
Call (405) 294-1243 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation to discuss your car accident and Oklahoma insurance claim.
What to Expect When You Challenge a Denied Car Insurance Claim
When an insurer denies a car accident claim, the denial letter states a reason — but that reason is not always the true reason, and it is almost never the final word. The internal appeal process involves submitting a formal written appeal with supporting documentation: updated medical records, additional photographs, witness statements the insurer did not previously have, and any police report findings that contradict the denial basis. Insurers are required to respond within specific timeframes under Oklahoma insurance regulations. If the internal appeal fails, external options include filing a complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department, pursuing arbitration if the policy requires it, or filing a lawsuit directly against the insurer.
When an Insurer’s Denial Constitutes Bad Faith in Oklahoma
Oklahoma recognizes the tort of insurance bad faith — a cause of action against an insurer that unreasonably denies or delays a valid claim. Unreasonable refusal to investigate a claim, denying coverage based on a misrepresentation of the policy language, or making an unreasonably low settlement offer without a reasonable basis can all constitute bad faith. A successful bad faith claim allows the insured to recover not just the original claim value but additional damages for emotional distress, attorney fees, and in egregious cases, punitive damages against the insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Appealing Denied Insurance Claims
How long do I have to appeal a denial in Oklahoma? Your policy specifies the appeal deadline — typically 60 to 180 days from the denial. Should I accept a partial payment while appealing? Accepting a partial payment and signing a release can waive your right to the full amount — consult an attorney first. What if the denial says my injuries “aren’t related to the accident”? That is a medical causation dispute requiring expert rebuttal — an attorney coordinates with your treating physicians to document the connection.
For more information about personal injury law in Oklahoma, visit our personal injury practice page. Ready to speak with Joe Carson? Contact Warhawk Legal for a free consultation — no fee unless we win.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our experienced Oklahoma City personal injury attorney at Warhawk Legal. We offer free consultations and only get paid when you win.