Insurance Claims in Buffalo, NY

What Are Insurance Claims?

Filing an insurance claim in Buffalo, New York can be a stressful process. Every policy is different, and insurance companies may not pay you what you deserve. In some cases, hiring an insurance claim attorney is necessary. This page breaks down the nuances of  different types of insurance claims.

What Is a Property Insurance Claim?

A homeowner’s insurance policy is an agreement to protect the home from damage under specific occurrences. When you as a policyholder suffer a loss, you should find a dedicated Buffalo, New York property insurance lawyer. Your legal advocate works on your claim to ensure that you receive the benefits necessary to repair or rebuild your property.

If the insurer denies coverage or delays, policyholders should consult a property insurance attorney about a bad faith claim. If your claim goes to court and you win, you can often recover your court costs, attorney fees, and coverage benefits. There is also the possibility of recovering more money depending on the state laws under which you file your claim.

What Types Of Damage Claims Apply to Property Insurance?

Specific geographic regions impact the design of insurance policies. For example, Florida property insurance policies have more provisions for hurricanes versus earthquakes.

The National Weather Service tracks the storms that hit Buffalo. While WGRZ reports that Buffalo had an unseasonably calm winter in 2021, damage from storms constitute a large number of the property damage claims filed in the city. High winds, ice, and freezing temperatures all contribute to these claims. The freezing temperatures especially, as they can freeze pipes and cause water damage.

How to File a Property Insurance Claim in Buffalo, New York

After you suffer a loss, you must contact your insurer as soon as possible. Taking this step begins the insurance claim process and gets things moving along. You need to notify your insurance company in writing or over the phone. From there, your insurer appoints a claim representative.

What to Expect Afterwards

WalletHub confirms that insurance companies in Buffalo have a total of 35 business days to pay a legitimate claim. This process begins with 15 business days to acknowledge that they have received your claim, and provide you with the necessary paperwork to move the process forward. They will then have another 15 business days to approve or reject the claim. Once your claim is approved, the company has to remand payment within 5 business days.

It’s important to remember that this is a process, and it may move slower than you would like. Several factors could lengthen this process, such as a high volume of claims coming in at the same time, for an event such as a storm. The company is also within its rights to request further proof of damage. However, if you feel the company is trying to drag out this process, you should contact an experienced Buffalo attorney.

What Is an Auto Insurance Claim?

Auto insurance claims involve requesting compensation from an auto insurer after an accident. Car accidents are incredibly stressful, especially if there are uncooperative responsible parties. However, your insurer’s job is to work on your behalf to secure compensation for repairs, injuries and other expenses.

What Do You Do After a Car Accident?

Medical Care of Western New York at Buffalo implores you to seek medical attention if you have been injured in a car accident. Never try to manage your symptoms or injuries on your own. If you’ve been in a car accident you should check yourself and others for injuries, and call medical services as needed. You should then gather as much information as possible. Gather information from both those involved in the crash, and anyone who may have witnessed the crash.

After you speak with the Buffalo Police office that arrives at the scene, you should inform your insurance agent as soon as possible about the crash. The quicker you inform the agent, and the more information you provide, the easier your claims process will be.

Auto Claims Adjuster

Your auto insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your claim report. Your adjuster acts as your representation in any mediation between you and all other involved parties. This insurance representative bears responsibility for investigating the claim and seeing that you receive compensation for any repairs or injuries.

Whether there are repair claims, personal injury claims, or you are dealing with someone who does not have insurance, your auto insurance adjuster should see you through the process. Your claims adjuster may recommend a garage to handle your vehicle repairs. They may also make arrangements for a rental vehicle if required. The most important thing to note is that your auto claim adjuster is your primary point of contact regarding the status of your claim in Buffalo.

Health Insurance Claims

Buffalo, New York policyholders file health insurance claims when they seek reimbursement for medical services or treatments. When you obtain a medical service from a provider, your health insurance carrier should become notified directly. If there are any discrepancies in your claim, consider hiring a health insurance claim specialist attorney.

How Do You File a Health Claim in Buffalo, New York?

There are two ways to file a health insurance claim on your behalf. The first is the medical facility notifies your insurer for you. You may be able to walk out of the facility without spending anything, but that depends on your policy. The other way is to file a health insurance claim yourself. Taking this route can occur when a health provider you use is not in your provider network. The facility may still file the claim on your behalf, but you may need to file it yourself.

NY State of Health provides online guidance for residents of Buffalo that are seeking to file a health insurance claim. While many choose to allow their provider to file on their behalf, there may be times where it is necessary for you to file; such as receiving treatment or therapy outside your network. You’ll generally receive an itemized bill, totaling all services provided. It is important that you stay up to date on your policy, and know what is and isn’t covered by your provider.

Work with an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer in Buffalo, New York.

If your health insurance provider refuses to honor a claim, seek out a qualified Buffalo insurance claim attorney’s help. An insurance claim attorney can help if you have been improperly denied coverage or sent a bill for a service you never received. We can even help you connect with an attorney across New York state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!