What steps do I need to take if my insurance refuses to settle a claim?
January 25, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Katrin Sontheimer
Dear insurance lawyer,
I am reaching out to you because I am in a difficult situation and urgently need advice. My name is Albrecht Stamm and I recently discovered damage to my house caused by a burst water pipe. I immediately informed my insurance company and submitted a claim report. Unfortunately, my insurance company has now declined to settle the claim and I am facing an uncertain future.
The current situation is that I urgently need financial support to repair the damage. The water has already caused significant damage to my property and I do not know how I will be able to cover the repair costs alone. Additionally, I am concerned that my insurance company will let me down and I will be left without any compensation.
I am worried that I will be left alone with the denial of the claim settlement and do not know how to proceed. What steps do I need to take to compel my insurance company to settle the claim? Are there legal options to challenge my insurance company's decision? What deadlines do I need to be aware of and what documents are required to assert my claim?
I am grateful for any help and support, as I feel overwhelmed in this situation and do not know how to assert my rights. Thank you in advance for your professional advice.
Sincerely,
Albrecht Stamm
Dear Mr. Stamm,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise in the field of insurance law. I understand that you are in a difficult situation and urgently need help. Damage to your property caused by a burst water pipe can be very costly, and it is understandable that you are concerned about the insurance settlement.
In your case, it is important to first understand why your insurance company has denied the claim. Insurance companies often deny claims if they believe the damage was caused by an uninsured cause or by the negligence of the policyholder. It is important that you gather all documents and evidence that can prove the damage and the cause of the water pipe burst. This could be, for example, an expert's report or photos of the damage.
To compel your insurance company to settle the claim, you should first file a written appeal against the denial. In this appeal, you should provide all relevant information and evidence and request a re-evaluation of your case. It may also be helpful to seek legal advice to assert your rights against the insurance company.
If the appeal is unsuccessful, you can take legal action against the decision of your insurance company. In this case, it is advisable to seek support from a lawyer specialized in insurance law to assert your rights in court. There are certain deadlines that must be met to make claims against the insurance company, so it is important to act promptly.
I strongly recommend that you contact a specialized lawyer in insurance law immediately to discuss your situation and take further steps. An experienced lawyer can help you enforce your rights and support you in this difficult situation.
I wish you success in asserting your claims against your insurance company and am available for further questions and support.
Best regards,
Katrin Sontheimer
