Rights of a Car Insurance Policy Holder
Because of the state's no-fault rules, vehicle insurance policyholders' rights are especially crucial in states like OKC. This is because, rather than filing a claim through the at-fault driver's liability policy, the victims should file their injury claims first with their insurance carriers.
Because injury victims will be working with their own insurance carrier first, it is critical to be aware of your rights at all times.
Our auto accident lawyers are ready to walk you through the process of making a claim and explain your rights as a vehicle insurance policyholder under state law.
Your right to receive a response from the insurer in a timely manner
Within 10 business days of the date you filed your claim, the insurance company must acknowledge receipt. Only if they paid the claim within that time frame is there an exception to the norm, which is exceedingly improbable.
When your claim is received, the insurer must supply you with the relevant forms as well as clear instructions on how to fill them out. If the instructions are confusing or you require assistance, the insurance provider is also expected to respond within 10 business days after receiving your request for assistance.
Your right to expedition and fairness in the handling of claims
When you file a first-party claim, your insurance carrier is obligated to conduct a fair and timely investigation. In most cases, an insurance company has 30 calendar days to pay a claim unless they show enough justification and at least 45 days' notice of why the claim is not being paid.
Remember that no-fault insurance, also known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP), is designed to expedite the process of injury claims so that victims can receive medical treatment regardless of who is to blame for the event.
When a claim is denied, what are your rights?
If the insurance company determines that your claim is invalid for any reason, they must send you a rejection letter explaining their reasoning. According to legal precedence, the letter's explanation for your refused claim cannot be vague or open to alternative interpretations. In reality, OKC law requires insurance companies to provide a specific reference to a policy as well as a written statement of facts explaining why your claim was refused when declining a claim.
You have the right to challenge a refused claim through the insurer's internal appeals process if the insurance company follows these requirements processes but you disagree with their reasoning.
Get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney
When you get a vehicle insurance coverage in New Jersey, you have certain rights. Unfortunately, when they are engaged in an accident, few people are aware of their rights. To safeguard their profit line, insurance firms bank on this reality and may refuse or discount your claim.
If you are harmed in an accident caused by someone else's negligence, let our experienced auto accident lawyers at The West Law Firm fight for your rights.
** Disclaimer: The above article does not imply a relationship between attorney and client, nor is it legal advice.