Every year many Progressive car accident claims get denied for multiple reasons. Sometimes they are right, but other times they are not. In those cases when Progressive wrongfully denies a claim, you can appeal the decision and even sue the company to get your fair compensation.
But what are the reasons for denied claims and what can you do about them? Keep reading to find the answer to these and other common questions about Progressive claim denials.
Reasons for Progressive Car Accident Claim Denials
Progressive, just like other insurance companies, follows a set of rules to determine whether you should receive your compensation or not. Policy limits, liability, and existing damages factor into the decision. Keep in mind that just because you were denied for one of the following reasons, it doesn’t mean that’s the reality of your accident. If you know that the decision is incorrect, you have the right to file an appeal with the help of a trusted law firm like Morris & Dewett. Here is an overview of these reasons.
Liability
One of the primary reasons Progressive may deny your claim is if they determine that you were fully responsible or even partially at fault for the accident. The insurance adjuster investigates the incident thoroughly to establish fault, and if they find you predominantly responsible, your claim may be denied. The circumstances that lead to this decision are very specific to each accident.
Policy Exclusions
Insurance policies often contain exclusions that limit coverage for specific types of accidents or damages. If your car accident claim falls under any of these excluded categories, Progressive may deny coverage. This also means that if you’re covered for less than the damages you claim, they can deny it.
Pre-Existing Damage
If Progressive suspects that some of the claimed damages existed before the accident occurred, they may refuse to cover those particular damages.
Fraud or Misrepresentation
In rare instances, Progressive can deny a claim if they suspect fraud or intentional misrepresentation related to the accident. Honesty and transparency are crucial when filing an insurance claim.
Failure To Provide Documentation
Proper documentation is vital for substantiating your claim. If you fail to provide Progressive with the necessary documentation, information, or access to damaged vehicles/property, your claim might be denied.
Statute of Limitations
Each state has a statute of limitations within which you must file an accident claim. If you miss this window, Progressive has the legal right to deny your claim. So don’t wait too much time to file your insurance claim.
What To Do If Your Car Accident Claim Gets Denied
Once your claim has been denied, there are several steps you need to follow in order to appeal. For this process, it is best to have the support of a team of lawyers with experience handling denied claims from insurance companies, such as Morris & Dewett.
Understand Your Insurance Policy
Review your insurance policy thoroughly to understand your coverage and rights. Familiarize yourself with the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to under the terms of your contract. This will also let you know if you actually violated a clause in the agreement or not. Ideally, you should already have a good understanding of your policy before signing it.
Review the Claim Denial Letter
When Progressive denies your claim, they will send you a claim denial letter explaining the reasons for the denial and the deadline for filing an appeal. Carefully review this letter to comprehend the rationale behind the denial and the steps you need to take to appeal the decision.
Submit an Appeal Letter
If you believe the denial was unjust or in bad faith, submit an appeal letter to Progressive. The appeal should clearly state why you disagree with the denial and present any additional evidence or information that supports your claim. Ensure that you meet the deadline for filing the appeal, as failure to do so may jeopardize your chances of getting the decision overturned. After the insurance company receives this document, there might be a negotiation stage where you can reach a settlement for your damages.
File a Lawsuit
If your appeal also gets denied you can still seek compensation by filing a lawsuit against Progressive. This way, a judge can decide whether you should be appropriately compensated. For this process, make sure you have the help of a car accident insurance lawyer to gather the evidence, prepare the case, and give you the best chance.
Does Progressive Deny a Lot of Claims?
According to customer complaints against Progressive posted on the Better Business Bureau, the company has plenty of cases where they deny car accident claims. And a lot of those people say that they were unfair denials. This means it’s not uncommon for people to feel they were unreasonably denied.
Seeking Legal Advice
If you believe your claim was unjustly denied or you encounter difficulty understanding the denial reason, seeking legal advice can be crucial. A law firm experienced in handling car accident claims, such as Morris & Dewett, can help you assess the situation and explore potential avenues for appeal.
Morris & Dewett, renowned for its expertise in personal injury law and insurance claim disputes, can evaluate your case, review your insurance policy, and navigate the appeals process on your behalf. They may identify errors in the investigation or instances where Progressive acted in bad faith to deny your claim. A skilled legal team can be instrumental in persuading the insurance company to reconsider its decision and provide the coverage you deserve.
Get The Compensation You Deserve
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No one wants their car accident claim to be unfairly denied. And unfortunately, it can be common for many people that are covered by Progressive. Understanding the common reasons behind claim denials can help you avoid potential pitfalls during the claims process. If your claim is denied, take the time to assess the reason for the denial and seek legal advice if necessary.
Better Business Bureau. Progressive.
Progressive. Auto insurance claims.
