Insurance Claims in Fargo, ND
What Are Insurance Claims?
Filing an insurance claim in Fargo, North Dakota 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 Fargo, North Dakota 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.
According to The Flat, the chance of earthquake and tornado damage in North Dakota is lower than the national average. However, the state does suffer through floods, winter storms, wildfires, extreme heat, drought, and landslides. In fact, the state experienced almost a billion dollars in homeowner insurance claims between 2015 and 2019. Keep in mind, North Dakota’s Insurance Department states that homeowner policies specifically exclude flood damage. Consequently, the National Flood Insurance Program is the only source to get flood insurance for a Fargo residential property.
How to File a Property Insurance Claim in Fargo, North Dakota
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
North Dakota’s Consumer’s Guide to Homeowner Insurance provides helpful information for Fargo homeowners regarding the claims settlement process. For example, the Guide reports that your agent does not have the authority to make claims settlement offers on behalf of the company. However, the agent can help you complete the proof-of-loss report and forward it to the company’s Claims Department.
Additionally, the Guide reports that insurance companies are required by North Dakota to have standards for prompt investigation of claims. In addition, insurers must make prompt, fair, and equitable settlement claims where liability has become reasonably clear. If your claim is unreasonably denied or the insurer is taking an unreasonable amount of time investigating, you can contact the North Dakota Insurance Department. Additionally, it may also be time to consult with your Fargo insurance attorney about legal next steps.
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?
AARP recommends keeping calm, documenting everything for insurance claims, and calling the police after an accident. In fact, under North Dakota Code, you must notify the Fargo Police Department immediately if the accident involves injury, death, or property damage of at least $4,000. The North Dakota Highway Patrol states that this amount was increased from $1,000 effective August 1, 2019. If the accident occurs outside Fargo, you can contact the Cass County Sheriff or the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
Your next step is to call your insurance company. According to WalletHub, North Dakota is a no-fault state. This means your insurance company pays for your medical bills no matter who caused the crash. It is difficult, but not impossible, to sue another driver in a no-fault state. Consequently, you should still avoid discussing fault with anyone except your Fargo insurance attorney.
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 Fargo.
Health Insurance Claims
Fargo, North Dakota 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 Fargo, North Dakota?
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.
North Dakota’s Insurance Department reported that the North Dakota Insurance Commissioner has fined Blue Cross Blue Shield after a routine investigation. Specifically, the Commissioner fined the insurer $125,000 for improperly denying mental health, substance abuse, and telehealth claims. In addition, the fine reflected the company’s violations of external review procedures, policy form filing, insurance fraud reporting, and coordination of benefits. In addition to paying the fine and investing more than $300,00 to address process issues, the company will implement several corrective action plans.
Work with an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer in Fargo, North Dakota.
If your health insurance provider refuses to honor a claim, seek out a qualified Fargo 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 North Dakota 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!
