#1. If your agent is unable to resolve your problem, obtain the name and phone number of your insurance company's claims department. It's usually an 800 number. Call and ask if they have a consumer complaints department? Most do. If so, talk to them as they may be able to help you. Do not hang up until you have obtained the exact name of the person you spoke with. (Write down the person you spoke with and keep it until you are done with your argument).
#2. Be prepared to support your case by sending a cover letter (to the person you spoke with) that contains all the documents you have to back up your position.
#3. All insurance companies have either an “Assessment Department” or an “Arbitration Department” to help resolve disputes and/or disputes. Your policy should explain these options. (If you can't find any of these options, ask your agent to find them for you)!
#4. If you've followed their rules to resolve your dispute and you're still not satisfied, your own state's insurance department should be able to help.
#5. If, after hearing from employees of your own insurance company (you are convinced that you have not been treated properly), you should call 1-800-942-4242 (a toll-free consumer information service) sponsored by the insurance industry.
Trained staff are available to assist consumers with complaints. THIS "HELP LINE" OPERATES EASTERN TIME, MONDAY - FRIDAY, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
#6. ALSO: An "independent arbitrator", who would have experience in insurance issues, can decide if what you have been told (or offered to settle your claim) is fair. You can contact them by calling THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION 1 212 484-4000 or they can be reached (via the Internet) at .
#7. MEDIATION: Most often, the mediator does not have the power to make a binding decision or issue an award to either party. The mediator only recommends a solution.
Mediation is a solid first step because it can negate the need for additional expenses on both sides. The first thing you should do is check the wording of your auto insurance policy where it will say who will mediate (and/or arbitrate) in the event of a claim. You must submit a REQUEST FOR ARBITRATION FORM to the person listed in your policy. On this arbitration request form, you can specify whether you want "MEDIATION" or "ARBITRATION".
CLAIM FORMS FOR ARBITRATION are available from your state's Department of Insurance, or you can print a copy of a claim form from the American Arbitration Association website -- -- which can be found (as I l 've indicated above at number 6) to .
AS YOU MOVE FORWARD WITH THE FOLLOWING, YOU SHOULD NEVER FORGET THESE TWO (A & B = Below) CRITICAL FACTS:
A. Mediation is much cheaper than arbitration.
B. Mediation decisions are considered advisory only. However, arbitration decisions are absolutely binding!
DISCLAIMER: The sole purpose of this article "YOUR LOSS OF AUTO ACCIDENT INSURANCE - DEALING WITH YOUR COMPANY ON A DISPUTED CLAIM" is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Peter Go nor ARTICLE CITY makes any warranty of any kind; NOR purport to engage in rendering any legal service; NI to replace a lawyer, claims adjuster, claims consultant or similar. Where such professional assistance is desired, it is THE RESPONSIBILITY OF INDIVIDUALS to obtain such services.
