Insurance Claims in Iowa

What Are Insurance Claims?

Filing an insurance claim in Iowa can be a stressful process. Every policy is different, and insurance companies may not pay you what you deserve. In many cases, hiring an insurance claim lawyer 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 Iowa property insurance lawyer. Your legal advocate works on your claim to ensure that you receive the benefits necessary to repair or rebuild your Iowa 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. 

Severe storms in Iowa have made headlines for the damages and headaches they cause for homeowners. For example, the Washington Post reported that the August 2020 derecho was the most expensive in U.S. history. NOAA believed the costs would go as high as $7.5 billion. The Iowa Insurance Division reported more than 200,000 claims by November of the same year. In an interview with NPR, an Iowan caught in the storm with his family called the event apocalyptic.

How to File a Property Insurance Claim in Iowa

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

According to WalletHub, insurance companies must acknowledge your claim within fifteen days. The proverbial clock starts ticking after you submit proof-of-loss forms or other paperwork. You should have their decision within 30 days of their acknowledgment. Any payments then have another 30-day deadline to reach you.

While the previous paragraph represents a typical process, claims can become complicated quickly. In July 2021, KCCI reported on Iowans still dealing with carriers a year after the devastating derecho. According to the CEO of an insurance adjusters firm, it’s not unusual for companies to continue to try to underpay.

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?

The Iowa Bar Association recommends stopping your vehicle close to the accident. You can face criminal charges and a hefty fine if there is a perception that you tried to leave.

Aid anyone injured immediately by calling 911 before doing anything else. Then, call the police to conduct an investigation and complete a report. Document everything you can by taking pictures and asking witnesses for their contact information.

While you may plan to do the right thing, others may not. Different precautions can be necessary after a hit-and-run. Bankrate recommends that Iowa motorists check for injuries, call the police, document the scene, then contact their insurance. Once caught, the party that ran away can face significant penalties under current law.

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 Iowa.

Health Insurance Claims

Iowa 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 be 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 Iowa?

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.

The Office of the Iowa Attorney General recommends a double-check of your insurance coverage to avoid complications. You can accomplish this by using the state website that connects you to a licensed agent. Taking this step is especially wise if you become confused by disinformation about your options.

Unfortunately, issues with healthcare treatment approvals continue to make headlines in Iowa. In October 2021, KCCI in Des Moines reported ongoing problems with the privatized Medicaid system. State auditors assert that the state has seen an 891% increase in cases where a judge had to restore services.

Work with an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer in Iowa

If your health insurance provider refuses to honor a claim, seek out a qualified Iowa 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 Iowa 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!

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