Was your commercial auto insurance claim denied? What to do next.
A denied claim can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to help reduce the likelihood of it happening to you after an accident.
Let’s explore some of the most common reasons third-party claims (those you file with the other involved party’s insurance company) get denied, best practices for filing claims, and some frequently asked questions.
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Why do insurance companies deny claims?
There are a variety of reasons why an insurance company denies third-party claims—including liability claims. This includes, but isn’t limited to:
The other party’s policy wasn’t in force at the time of the accident or the policy excludes certain details of the loss
The other party's insurance company disputes the idea that their insured was fully/partially at fault
There was missing information
You missed the filing deadline
The other party’s insurance company may deny your liability claim if they determine their insured wasn’t at fault based on the negligence laws in the state where the loss occurred.
What to do first when your claim is denied
When a claim is denied, each party receives an explanation of the decision and information about how to proceed. If you disagree with the outcome, you also receive guidance on the options available under the laws in your state.
How to make the claims process smoother in the future
If you were in an accident, there are also steps you can take to help make the claims process smoother. Here are a few tips:
File the claim as soon as you can after an accident. This gets the claims process started immediately and helps ensure your account and those of any witnesses are as accurate as possible. If more information comes to light after you've filed the claim, just reach out to your claims adjuster to provide it.
Include photos and videos from the scene. An accident scene can be cleared quickly, so it’s important to document the evidence before that. But do so carefully, being mindful of the traffic around you.
Try to get a police report of the crash. You can submit the report to the insurance company in addition to photos, videos, and witness statements. Keep in mind that the police report may not be available by the time you file your claim. In that case, inform the insurance company that law enforcement was at the accident scene—they'll handle getting the report.
Frequently asked questions
If you’re filing a third-party claim, you would follow the statue of limitations for the accident state.
If you’re filing a claim against your own policy, how long you have to appeal would be based upon contract law.
Choosing whether or not to seek legal counsel after an accident is entirely your decision. But no, it's not legally required that an attorney file your claim or appeal it on your behalf.
At Sentry®, we have an experienced, accessible in-house claims team that can help you through the process.
If you’re filing a third-party claim, you would follow the statue of limitations for the accident state.
If you’re filing a claim against your own policy, how long you have to appeal would be based upon contract law.
Related articles
First-party vs. third-party claims
A first-party claim is one you file with your own insurance provider, while a third-party claim is one you file against someone else’s policy.
What are insurance claims adjusters?
Insurance claims adjusters are typically your main point of contact throughout the claims process. Learn more about what their role entails, from investigation to settlement.
Should I file a claim after an accident?
Even if your insurance policy doesn’t require you to file a claim, it’s generally best to file one—whether you were in a single-vehicle accident or one with another driver.