What You Should Know
- If USAA denies or underpays your claim, double-check your policy details before escalating the situation
- USAA may have a legitimate reason for denying your claim
- You can file an appeal or consult with a lawyer if you still disagree with USAA’s claim
Not every auto insurance claim goes smoothly. Sometimes, when you file a claim with USAA, the company may deny it or offer less compensation than you need. Therefore, it’s important to not panic and first check your policy and coverage limits and ensure you have the right type of auto insurance coverage for this event.
If everything makes sense on your end, you can contact USAA for an explanation and pursue an appeal or lawyer if necessary. Read on to learn more about what happens if you disagree with USAA’s decision on your auto insurance claim.
Review Your USAA Policy Before Making an Appeal
When you log in to check the status of your auto insurance claim from USAA, it may alert you that you were denied or underpaid. Your first step is to review your policy details, coverage limits, and what type of auto insurance you have. Your coverage limit may reduce how much money you expect to get.
These limits determine the highest amount an insurance company will pay in case of a covered incident. Likewise, many drivers assume state-mandated coverage is enough for most scenarios, but you need a specific type for different events.
For instance, if you’re dealing with car theft, you won’t get far without comprehensive coverage. And if you were in an accident with another car, you need collision or liability coverage. Learn more about comprehensive vs. collision coverage.
Frequent drivers should consider affordable full coverage auto insurance to secure compensation for different events.
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Other Reasons for USAA’s Decision
If you feel you have a case after reviewing your coverage, the next step is to call USAA for more information. For example, you may not have provided enough evidence to support the claim or have taken too long to submit it.
The company could also suspect negligence or your coverage may have lapsed due to late premium payments. USAA may also have reason to believe you misrepresented yourself and your driving record when you became a client.
Your adjuster may have also made a simple mistake, as they deal with several claims simultaneously.
If You Still Disagree With USAA’s Decision on Your Claim
If talking to USAA doesn’t resolve the situation, You can appeal for USAA to reconsider or seek legal guidance.
USAA can direct you on how to file an appeal and where to mail it. Make sure you explain why you disagree with USAA’s decision. Focus on the evidence you have and reiterate how it supports your claim. Make sure you also include basic details like your policy claim number.
You can even file an appeal if you misunderstood the terms of your policy. If the phrasing of your coverage terms is confusing or misleading, point it out and show proof on your policy documents.
If you suspect USAA is not acting in your best interest, you can seek legal guidance before sending your appeal. You should also consult with a lawyer if USAA denies your appeal.
Disagreeing With USAA’s Decision on Your Auto Claim: The Final Verdict
Not receiving the compensation you need can throw you for a loop. But as long as you remain calm and follow the appropriate steps, USAA may reverse its decision and pay the correct amount. As a last resort, you can pursue legal action if you believe USAA is treating you unfairly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I deal with a rejected insurance claim?
You have the right to an appeal if your insurance claim is denied or underpaid. Remember that “rejection” may sometimes mean your claim is incomplete because you didn’t follow the correct steps.
What is the process of claim denial?
Claim denial occurs when your insurance company reviews your claim and refuses to pay. The company will notify you via your online account and by mail.
How far back do insurance companies look at your driving record?
Insurance companies can look back several years for accidents and sometimes shorter for minor violations like tickets. So it’s always best to be upfront and honest about your driving record, or your insurance company can deny your claims.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years
Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insurance…
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