It’s not uncommon for car accident insurance claims to be denied. There are a lot of factors that go into a claim investigation, which could potentially lead to a wrong decision from Farm Bureau. If this happens to you, there are steps you can take to pursue fair compensation.
Read on to get answers to the most common questions about claim denials by Farm Bureau.
Why does Farm Bureau deny car accident claims?
Each insurer has its own methods for making a final decision. But they are all very similar in the general things that lead to claim denial. Often, it’s because they suspect a violation of the insurance agreement. Below are the main reasons why this could happen to you.
- Policy exclusions: Your accident may have been related to certain situations that your policy excludes. Some common exclusions include driving under the influence, participating in illegal activities, and using the vehicle for commercial purposes without appropriate coverage. If this is actually your case, then there isn’t much you can do to get your compensation.
- Lapsed or inadequate coverage: Failure to pay premiums on time can lead to a lapse in coverage. Additionally, if your policy does not provide adequate coverage for the damages claimed, Farm Bureau will deny it on that basis.
- Lack of sufficient evidence: To validate a claim, insurers require substantial evidence. If you fail to provide necessary documentation, such as police reports, medical records, or photographs of the accident scene, Farm Bureau could reject your claim in the belief that you are not being honest about the accident.
- Disputes over liability: Farm Bureau may deny your claim if it believes you were at fault for the accident. In cases in which liability is unclear or disputed, Farm Bureau will require further investigation before reaching a decision. The time this could take will depend on your case.
Fraud: Like any other insurance company, if Farm Bureau suspects that you are making a fraudulent claim, you’ll be denied.
Understanding Your Policy
Understanding your insurance policy is crucial when making an auto accident claim. Apart from the minimum coverage, you have the option to add coverage in specific areas, including:
- Collision coverage: This pays for repairs to your vehicle, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
- Comprehensive coverage: This compensates for loss or damage to your car from non-accident-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism, weather, glass breakage, and more.
- Rental car coverage: Often part of the collision or comprehensive coverage, this option covers the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired.
- Roadside assistance: This service covers up to a specific amount in charges for towing or onsite repair assistance.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage: This ensures you receive compensation if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have the required minimum liability insurance.
Knowing this information will help you determine how much compensation you should receive.
What can I do if my car accident claim was denied?
If your car accident claim with Farm Bureau was denied, don’t lose hope. You have several options to address the situation before filing an appeal or lawsuit:
- Review your policy: Begin by carefully reviewing your insurance policy to determine if the denial was justified based on the terms and conditions. Ensure you understand any exclusions or limitations that might have led to the denial.
- Contact Farm Bureau: Reach out to your insurance agent or the claims department at Farm Bureau to discuss the denial. Seek clarification on the reasons for the denial and ask for guidance on potential next steps.
- Re-file the claim: If the denial was due to missing or inadequate evidence, re-file the claim with all the necessary documentation and supporting evidence to strengthen your case.
- Seek an independent appraisal: If there is a dispute over the extent of damages or the value of your claim, consider getting an independent appraisal or estimate to present to Farm Bureau for reconsideration.
How do I file a claim appeal?
If you believe your car accident claim was wrongly denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Filing a claim appeal involves the following steps:
- Understand the appeal process: The procedure and deadline for filing an appeal should be outlined in the denial letter or your insurance policy.
- Gather relevant information: Collect documentation such as initial claim details, the denial letter, policy documents, and any additional evidence that supports your position.
- Write a formal appeal letter: Draft a well-structured appeal letter that clearly explains the reasons for your disagreement with the denial. Be concise, factual, and polite in your approach. Include any new evidence you may have and highlight any mistakes or misinterpretations that you believe occurred during the initial review.
- Submit the appeal: Send the appeal letter, along with all supporting documents, to the designated address provided by Farm Bureau. It is advisable to send the appeal via certified mail or another trackable method to ensure it reaches the appropriate department within the specified time frame.
- Be patient and persistent: Keep in mind that appeals take time to process, but if you do not receive a response within a reasonable time, follow up with Farm Bureau to inquire about the status of your appeal.
Do you need a lawyer to file an appeal?
While it is not mandatory to hire a lawyer to file an appeal, consulting with an experienced attorney can be highly beneficial, especially in complex cases or if you believe you are being treated unfairly. An attorney can:
- Review your policy
- Gather additional evidence
- Navigate legal procedures
- Negotiate with Farm Bureau
Is it common for Farm Bureau to deny car accident claims?
Considering customer reviews from the Better Business Bureau website, Farm Bureau claim denials don’t seem to be as common as with other insurers. But keep in mind that there are only nine complaints on this site for Farm Bureau. This could mean that the company is not as widely used as other insurance companies. Regardless, customers do report issues with their car insurance service.
Get help with your car accident claim appeal
You don’t have to go through this process alone. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can file your appeal with the evidence and arguments that will give you the best chance at receiving fair compensation. Schedule a free consultation with Morris & Dewett to get the support you need to file your appeal.
