How to Appeal a Denied Car Insurance Claim in Colorado

When you are hurt in an auto accident in Colorado, you may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. This is the person who caused you harm. Their insurance company should pay for losses up to policy limits, and if their insurer doesn’t accept responsibility or won’t pay for damages, you can file a personal injury claim to seek compensation.

In some cases, however, you’ll make a claim with your own insurer. This could happen if the driver who harmed you had insufficient insurance coverage or no insurance. You could make an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim on your own policy in this situation.  

You could also pursue a claim under your collision or comprehensive coverage. You’d likely do this if you were to blame for the incident, or if something other than a crash went wrong, such as a tree falling on your car.  

If you have coverage for a loss, your insurer should pay up to policy limits. Unfortunately, insurers sometimes don’t pay as promised, either to drag out your claim or because they don’t want to make a payment at all. In these situations, you may need to appeal a denied insurance claim in Colorado. 

Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC can help, so give us a call to learn how we can fight your denial and pursue the money you deserve. You can also read on to learn the specifics of how to appeal a denied claim. 

1. Review and Analyze Your Denial Letter

Your insurer should explain why your claim is denied as well as what the appeals process looks like. Read the denial letter carefully to understand the problems with your claim and the deadlines for submitting your appeal.

2. Check your Policy Terms

Next, check your policy terms to understand what is covered and compare the reason for the denial with what your insurance contract says. 

3. Gather Evidence to Strengthen Your Claim

After you understand what the issues are and what your policy actually covers, gather as much evidence as possible to strengthen your insurance claim. You want to clearly show that your losses should be covered under your policy terms. 

4. Submit Your Appeal

Follow the process to submit the appeal to your insurance company, making certain to include solid proof of your losses and evidence about why your insurer should pay. Include an appeal letter describing why the denial is wrong and referencing your policy language. 

5. Consider a Complaint with Regulators or Legal Action 

If your insurer is not responsive, you can make a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance. 

You may also be able to file a bad faith claim if your insurer acted unreasonably in denying your initial claim. If you sue for bad faith, you may be able to recover compensation beyond the damages your insurer should have paid for the original claim. 

A Colorado Car Accident Claim Lawyer Can Help

Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC can help you to appeal a denial, negotiate with your insurer, or take appropriate legal action through a Fort Collins accident lawsuit. Our goal is to get you the money you deserve, and we’ve stood up to some of the biggest insurers in Colorado. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.