What To Do When Car Insurance Denies Your Claim and How to Protect Your Rights in Georgia
At GMV Law Group, we are dedicated to protecting accident victims across Georgia. Our firm focuses on car accident claims, denied insurance claims, and personal injury cases. We fight back when insurance companies deny coverage or delay fair payment. With experience in handling complex accident claims, we work closely with our clients to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and damages. Our goal is simple: deliver strong legal representation and pursue the best possible results for every client we serve.
A denied car insurance claim can leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs with no support. Insurance companies often deny claims for reasons like missed payments, policy exclusions, or fault disputes, but many denials can be challenged. In Georgia, policyholders have rights when an insurance claim is denied, and knowing how to respond is critical.
In this blog, you will learn what to do when car insurance denies your claim, the steps to challenge a denial, how to recognize bad faith practices, and why working with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can make the difference in protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
Why Insurance Companies Deny Claims
Insurance companies deny claims for many reasons. Knowing these reasons helps you understand why your car insurance claim may be rejected and how to respond.
Missed Payments or Lapsed Policies
A common reason for a denied car insurance claim is missed premium payments. If the auto insurance policy has lapsed, the insurance company will argue there is no active coverage. Keeping payments current prevents this type of denial.
Policy Exclusions and Coverage Limits
Most insurance companies deny claims when coverage limits are reached or when policy exclusions apply. For example, if your auto insurance policy excludes certain types of accidents or damages, the insurance company may reject the claim. Always review your insurance coverage so you understand what is included.
Fault Disputes After a Car Accident
Insurance adjusters often deny claims if there is a dispute about who was at fault in the accident. If the at fault driver’s insurance company disputes liability, your claim may be delayed or denied. Police reports, eyewitness statements, and accident scene evidence are important for resolving fault disputes.
Lack of Supporting Evidence
A car insurance company may deny claims if there is not enough documentation. Missing medical records, police reports, or detailed repair estimates can lead to a denial letter. Submitting medical bills, medical reports, and proof of lost wages helps strengthen your car accident insurance claim.
Bad Faith Claim Denials
Some insurers engage in bad faith practices by denying valid claims without a proper review. In Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 33-6-34 prohibits unfair claims settlement practices such as failing to investigate claims fully or misrepresenting insurance policy provisions. If an insurance claim is denied without a fair process, it may be a case of bad faith.
Immediate Steps After a Car Insurance Claim Denial
When your car insurance claim is denied, you need to act quickly and follow clear steps to protect your rights.
Review the Denial Letter Carefully
Start by reading the denial letter carefully. The insurance company must explain why the insurance claim is denied. Look for the detailed explanation of coverage limits, policy exclusions, or fault disputes. Understanding the reason is the first step in deciding what to do when car insurance denies your claim.
Check Your Auto Insurance Policy
Compare the denial letter with your auto insurance policy. Review liability coverage, personal injury protection, and any policy exclusions. This helps confirm if the car insurance company denied your claim fairly or if their decision conflicts with your insurance coverage.
Contact the Insurance Company or Agent
Call your insurance agent or provider to ask about the insurance company’s decision. Request clarification if the denial letter is vague or unclear. An insurance adjuster may give more detail about why the car insurance company denies your claim.
Gather Additional Evidence
Collect evidence to strengthen your denied car insurance claim. Useful items include accident scene photos, police reports, eyewitness statements, medical records, and medical bills. Documentation of lost wages and property damage can also help challenge the denial.
Keep Organized Records
Create a file with all documents related to your car accident claim. Include the claim denial letter, communication with the insurance provider, medical reports, and repair estimates. Organized records will support your position if you need legal assistance or if you pursue legal action later.
How to Challenge a Denied Car Insurance Claim
If your insurance company denied your car accident claim, you can challenge the decision with a clear process and proper evidence.
File a Formal Appeal
Write a formal letter to the auto insurance company disputing the denial. The letter should explain why your claim is valid and include references to your auto insurance policy. Attach a copy of the denial letter and request that the insurance company review the claim again.
Provide Supporting Documentation
Strengthen your appeal with detailed evidence. Submit medical records, medical bills, police reports, and eyewitness statements. If you missed work, include proof of lost wages. Repair estimates and photos of the accident scene can also show the true cost of damages. Insurance companies deny claims that lack documentation, so complete records are essential.
Ask for a Detailed Review
Request that an insurance adjuster re-examine your car insurance claim denial. Point out any errors in the insurance company’s decision. If the denial letter does not match the terms of your insurance policy, highlight the discrepancy.
Escalate the Claim if Needed
If your denied insurance claim is not resolved, escalate the matter. Contact the Georgia Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, which regulates insurance providers under O.C.G.A. § 33-2-24. Filing a complaint may push the insurance company to reconsider the claim.
Seek Legal Assistance
If the car insurance company denies your valid claim without fair review, contact a car accident lawyer. An attorney can challenge the insurance provider directly, handle communications with insurance adjusters, and pursue legal action if necessary.
Recognizing Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Sometimes insurance companies deny claims without a fair reason. This is called bad faith, and Georgia law protects policyholders from these practices.
What Is Bad Faith
Bad faith occurs when an insurance company denies a valid claim or delays payment without cause. It includes ignoring evidence, refusing to investigate, or misrepresenting policy terms. A car insurance claim denial based on these actions may be unlawful.
Common Bad Faith Practices
Most insurance companies follow proper claims process, but some deny claims unfairly. Examples include failing to explain a claim denial letter, refusing to cover medical expenses supported by medical records, or delaying payment on a valid claim. An insurance provider acting this way may be in violation of Georgia law.
Georgia Law on Bad Faith
Under state law, a car insurance company that denies claims in bad faith can be held responsible for damages and attorney’s fees. This statute allows policyholders to pursue legal action if the insurance company’s decision was not supported by facts or policy terms.
How to Respond to Bad Faith
If you suspect bad faith, keep detailed documentation of all communication with the insurance adjuster. Save copies of the denial letter, medical bills, and any written responses from the insurance company. Present this evidence to a car accident attorney, who can review the insurance claim denial and advise on next steps.
When to Consult a Car Accident Attorney
When your car insurance claim is denied, you may need more than fighting with an insurance company. GMV Law Group, LLP stands ready to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
You Face Ongoing Denial from the Insurance Company
If your insurance company denied your car accident claim repeatedly, even after you provided facts, you should consult a car accident lawyer. GMV Law Group has experience challenging denied car insurance claims, dealing with stubborn insurance adjusters, and pressing for fair compensation.
You Struggle to Cover Medical Expenses or Lost Wages
If medical bills, medical reports, or proof of lost wages exceed the coverage available or are denied, get legal help. The attorneys at GMV Law Group understand how to build a strong case for compensation of actual damages, including medical expenses and lost income.
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Disputes Fault
Georgia law makes at-fault drivers and their insurance responsible. If there is a dispute about liability, you need a skilled advocate. A car accident attorney at GMV Law Group can gather police reports, eyewitness statements, and accident scene evidence to challenge fault disputes effectively.
You Suspect Bad Faith or Unfair Behavior
If the insurance provider fails to explain why your insurance claim is denied, refuses to review evidence, or stalls without cause, that may be bad faith. GMV Law Group can assess your case and consider legal action if the insurance company violated Georgia’s fair claims laws.
You Want a Strong Legal Ally on Your Side
From your first steps after an accident to demanding a fair settlement, GMV Law Group offers full support. The Atlanta car accident lawyers work with medical experts, reconstruct accidents, and challenge insurers to secure fair outcomes for clients. They handle everything while you recover.
You Want a Free Case Review Before Deciding
GMV Law Group offers a free, no-obligation consultation. You can discuss your denied insurance claim, access legal guidance, and ask questions about pursuing fair settlement or legal action—all with no upfront cost.
Contact GMV Law Group When Your Car Insurance Claim Is Denied!
If your car insurance company denies your claim, you do not have to face the fight alone. Our team at GMV Law Group understands how insurers operate and we know how to challenge unfair denials. We can review your denial letter, gather evidence, and take legal action when needed.
Contact us at 404-975-4878 for a free case consultation today!
