How can I appeal a denied out-of-state insurance claim?

Myrtle Beach consumers have a lot of options when it comes to purchasing insurance. Many people choose to use a South Carolina-based company, but there are plenty of out-of-state insurance providers that are licensed to insure in South Carolina, as well. It is legal to use an out-of-state company, and when people choose this option, those companies have the same obligations as in-state insurers. Often, however, insurance companies will delay or deny legitimate claims. And when the policy holder is out of state, it’s important to understand your options for obtaining compensation if you’ve been in an accident. 

Understanding Consumer Responsibilities in Myrtle Beach

First, it’s important to understand that consumers do have responsibilities when obtaining insurance. While it is acceptable to use an out-of-state insurance company, the company does have to be licensed to do business in South Carolina. A comprehensive list of approved companies can be found on the state’s Department of Insurance website. If you purchase from an unlicensed insurer, there is no guarantee that your policy will be honored.

Second, consumers have a duty to be honest with their insurance company. If you provide untrue information about where you live or the property that you own or other key elements of a policy, this could be considered insurance fraud. Not only would this negate your agreement, it is also a crime.

When an Insurance Company Won’t Pay Your Claim

When consumers follow the rules and file a legitimate claim, their insurance company has a duty to provide compensation as defined by the policy. Too often, however, these companies attempt to reduce their own liability by delaying or denying claims. When your insurance company is out of state, it can feel more difficult to fight back, but the same rules apply. An experienced insurance attorney can help accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve by:

Appealing the Denial 

Claims are often denied due to application errors, policy ambiguities, lack of coverage, and simple errors. Insurance companies do have systems to appeal a denied claim. They may not make this process straightforward, but it can be possible to revisit your claim and obtain the compensation you deserve. An experienced attorney can investigate your claim, provide additional information, negotiate with the insurance company, and act as a tenacious, knowledgeable advocate.

Suing the Insurance Company 

In some situations, an insurance company is acting in bad faith, and it is necessary to file a legal claim against the insurance company to force it to pay the compensation that is owed.

Have You Been Denied An Insurance Claim? Is Insurance Delaying Your Payment?

If you've been denied an insurance claim or the insurance company is delaying your payment, you should to speak with an insurance claim attorney  as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Charleston, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.2359 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Conway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.