Insurance Claims in Colorado Springs, CO
What Are Insurance Claims?
Filing an insurance claim in Colorado Springs, Colorado 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado 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.
Colorado Springs homeowners must prepare for winter storms, thunderstorms, and wildfires. In fact, the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association reports that Colorado residents file more catastrophic damage claims than almost every other state. Fortunately, a standard homeowners policy should cover these types of damages. However, that does not necessarily mean that your settlement will cover your repair or replacement costs in their entirety. For example, the Division of Insurance reports that a significant number of recent wildfire victims are underinsured.
How to File a Property Insurance Claim in Colorado Springs, Colorado
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
Settling your insurance claim can be frustrating and time-consuming. You want to rebuild as soon as possible, but your insurance company needs to complete their investigation. Unlike some states, Colorado does not set specific time limits for the claims process. However, Colorado law does require that the insurer settles claims reasonably and promptly.
In addition, the Colorado General Assembly recently passed new legislation that will benefit future wildfire victims. If signed into law, the bill will increase upfront payouts, allowing claimants to start the rebuilding process sooner. In addition, it will extend the time that homeowners have to rebuild. This will provide for longer term alternative housing, as well as preventing loss of payout due to extended rebuild times.
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?
Under Colorado statute, drivers must immediately report all accidents to the police, no matter how minor. Colorado Springs drivers can call 911 or contact the Colorado Springs Police Department. If there are damages of at least $1,000 or any injuries, the police will file a report. However, sometimes police do not respond to a minor accident, or they respond but do not file a report. If that happens, drivers have the option to file a report with the Colorado Department of Revenue. This can be helpful in a future insurance dispute or lawsuit.
You will also need to notify your insurance company after an accident. According to the Denver Post, Colorado has been a fault-based insurance state since 2003. This means that the at-fault driver’s insurance should pay for the damages. This system typically results in lower premiums. However, it can also mean longer claim processing times, since they are dependent on a determination of fault.
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 Colorado Springs.
Health Insurance Claims
Colorado Springs, Colorado 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 Colorado Springs, Colorado?
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.
Certain treatments, such as those for mental health, gender affirmation, and opiate addiction can fall within a gray area when it comes to insurance coverage. The controversy as to whether these types of treatments are medically necessary is still ongoing. However, according to the Colorado Sun, the state is taking the lead in trying to standardize this coverage. Beginning in 2023, independent and small employer plans in Colorado will have to cover these treatments. However, the laws do not yet apply to large employers that self-insure or use the large-group insurance market.
Work with an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
If your health insurance provider refuses to honor a claim, seek out a qualified Colorado Springs 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 Colorado 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!
