Florida auto insurance tips

There’s nothing worse than paying automobile insurance premiums for months on end only to find out after an accident that they will not pay your claim; claim denial is very common and more often than not, it’s due to insurance policy terms and conditions that you have failed to read. Insurance policy terms and conditions are generally mailed to you or given to you on a yearly basis. It’s usually very lengthy and most people never read them. As well, most insurance companies do not spend the time necessary explaining the terms when you seek service. Because of these two common factors, many people find themselves being denied compensation when they file a claim or they may find themselves in a situation where the insurance company will only pay a partial amount on the claim. 

 

If you feel that you are being treated unfairly by the insurance company that carries your automobile insurance, there are several steps that you can take to settle the disagreement; you are not at their mercy entirely. Your first step is to deal with the actual insurance companies claims department, most of the times agents aren’t the one’s settling your claims and have very little to do with it. Find out the number to your insurance agencies claims department and ask to speak to the consumer complaint division. When you do speak with an actual person, be sure to record his or her name, as well as their title and what was said. Follow-up that phone call with a letter addressed to that person in the consumer complaint department, with this letter, include any and all documents that support your claim. In many situations, you will hear back from this person and hopefully all will be settled, however, if this is not the case; there’s still more steps you can take.

 

Most insurance policies if read through completely have guidance documents regarding arbitration services for claim holders if they feel they are being treated unfairly. These services are put in place to resolve conflicts between policy holders and insurance companies. If you do as these terms say and you’re still not satisfied; you may need to contact an outside consumer information service that is sponsored by the insurance industry. These are trained mediators that work with you and your insurance company. Although, their final decision is not set in stone or binding; they are often used for advisory and many times, insurance companies will heed their advice. The help line number is 1-800-942-4242; this toll-free number is available Monday thru Friday from the hours of 8am to 8pm EST.

 

As a last stitch effort, there is something called arbitration. The American Arbitration Association is set up to hear insurance disputes and decide the outcome. Most of the time, this type of service is not free. As well, this service is legally binding; therefore, their decision will be the final and absolute.