What are the most common reasons for disputes with insurance companies?
August 8, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Katrin Sontheimer
Dear Insurance Law Attorney,
I am reaching out to you with a question that has been bothering me for some time. My name is Elvira Friedendahl and I recently had a dispute with my insurance company. I took out a household insurance policy to protect my property against damage from theft, fire, or water damage. Unfortunately, I found that my insurance company was not willing to cover the damage to my property, even though I believe it was caused by a covered incident.
The situation has left me feeling very uncertain, and I am wondering what the most common reasons for disputes with insurance companies are. Are there specific clauses in insurance contracts that often lead to misunderstandings or denials of claims? What legal steps can I take to enforce my claim and uphold my rights as an insured party?
I am concerned that my insurance company is not handling my claim fairly and transparently, and that I may end up bearing the costs. Therefore, I kindly ask for your advice and possible solutions to successfully resolve my issue and enforce my right to compensation. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Elvira Friedendahl
Dear Mrs. Friedendahl,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as a lawyer specializing in insurance law. I am sorry to hear that you have had a dispute with your insurance company and that you feel unsure about how to assert your claim for damages. In such cases, it is important to be well informed and take the right steps.
There are a variety of reasons why disputes with insurance companies can arise. Often, it is due to certain clauses in insurance contracts that are either not clearly formulated or difficult for the policyholder to understand. A common reason for rejection of claims for damages is, for example, that the damage is not covered by the insured risks or that the damage has not been sufficiently proven. It can also happen that insurance companies try to evade their obligation to pay by pointing out alleged breaches of duty by the policyholder.
To assert your claim for damages, you should first gather all relevant documents that prove the damage and the cause of the damage. This could include a damage report, photos, invoices, or expert reports. After that, you should assert your claim in writing and in a verifiable manner to your insurance company. It is important to formulate clearly and precisely and to provide all relevant information. If your insurance company continues to react negatively, you can seek the assistance of a lawyer to assert your claims through legal means.
It is understandable that you are concerned that your insurance company is not handling your claim in a fair and transparent manner. However, as a policyholder, you have certain rights that allow you to assert your claim for damages. It is important not to be discouraged and to actively defend your rights.
I hope that my explanations help you and support you in your situation. If you have any further questions or need legal advice, I am happy to assist you. Thank you for your trust and I wish you success in asserting your claims.
Sincerely,
Katrin Sontheimer
