After being in a car accident that injures you, it can be overwhelming to deal with insurance companies and wait for the payment to arrive. It can test your patience when a claim that should have been straightforward experiences delays. When insurance companies do not pay on time, it can create financial and emotional stress and frustration for the accident victim.
Insurance companies are big organizations, and it is easy to be intimidated by them. They may conduct unnecessary investigations, make excessive paperwork requests, or offer poor customer service. While some delays are due to genuine reasons, a lot of them are because the insurance company is expecting you to give up on your claim eventually.
This is where a skilled Beverly Hills car accident lawyer can make a difference. A lawyer who knows the dirty tactics of insurance companies well can help protect your rights. They can spot signs of bad faith practices to make sure that you do not face the financial impact of the car accident alone.
Common reasons for delays
There could be various possible reasons for delays in insurance payments, including the following.
- Incomplete documentation.
One of the biggest reasons for delays is incomplete documentation. When you file a claim, you must submit every document that the insurance company asks for. If you do not submit even one or two items or make an error in the paperwork, the process comes to a halt. The insurance company may demand additional paperwork that lengthens the process even more.
- Insurance company’s investigation.
Insurance companies do not pay you unless they check everything. When you submit your claim, they thoroughly review all the documents, talk to witnesses, and assess the details of the claim. Insurers want to make sure the claim follows the policy rules and that there’s no fraud involved. Such investigations are done to avoid insurance fraud and take a lot of time.
- A high number of claims.
Events like natural disasters or large-scale accidents can lead to a surge of insurance claims that can overwhelm companies. During these times, the large number of claims can slow down response times and investigations. Policyholders may face longer waiting times and uncertainty about their claim status, leading to more stress.
What do you do if your insurance claim is delayed?
When your insurance claim is delayed, there are three things you can do to determine the cause and find a solution.
Talk to your insurer directly
If you have been waiting for too long and there have been no updates, contact the insurer directly. Ask them what the issue is and why things are taking more time than they should. If any documents are missing or they require additional information, inform them that you are willing to provide anything that might speed things up.
During the conversation, do not forget to ask them for a specific timeline within which you can expect your payment. If they cannot give you a date, tell them that you need a more definite answer.
Record all communications
Every time you communicate with the insurance company or have a conversation with them, make sure to record it. This could be calls, texts, letters, and emails. Note down the time, date, location, and content of the conversation. These records will be helpful if any issues arise down the road, and they can support your case.
Request a written explanation
Make a request for a written explanation as to why your claim has been delayed. Tell them that you need details about why exactly your claim is taking time and what they are doing to speed things up. The main purpose of doing this is to let the insurer know that you are serious about recovering compensation.
Is your insurance claim stuck?
Not getting the money you deserve when you have medical bills piling up on your coffee table can be stressful. Hire an attorney today!
