Insurance Claims in Lincoln, NE
What Are Insurance Claims?
Filing an insurance claim in Lincoln, Nebraska 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 Lincoln, Nebraska 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 USA.com, the chance of earthquake damage in Lincoln is about the same as the Nebraska average, but lower than the national average. However, the risk of tornado damage in Lincoln is higher than the Nebraska average and the national average. Other severe weather events include thunderstorm winds, hail, and flooding. Most policies cover hail and windstorms, but not flooding. However, Lincoln homeowners can purchase flood coverage separately through the National Flood Insurance Program.
How to File a Property Insurance Claim in Lincoln, Nebraska
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
Nebraska’s Insurance Regulations require an insurer to acknowledge a claim within 15 days of receiving it. As well, the insurer must provide the necessary claim forms, instructions, and assistance within this time period. An insurer must also initiate investigation of the claim within 15 days of receiving the claim. Once the insurer receives a properly executed proof of loss, they must accept or deny the claim within 15 days.
Although it sounds like a straightforward process, the claims settlement process can be frustrating if an insurer operates in bad faith. For example, this can happen if the insurer delays the investigation process unnecessarily, or offers an unfairly low settlement. In this case, it is best to consult with an experienced Lincoln insurance attorney to help determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit.
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?
Lincoln drivers involved in a collision should stay at the scene and call 911 for medical assistance. Once you move your car to a safe place, notify the Lincoln Police Department or Nebraska Highway Patrol. If the crash is not investigated by the police, Nebraska Statute requires you to submit a Driver’s Motor Vehicle Crash Report to Nebraska’s Department of Transportation. Specifically, you must do this within 10 days if the accident involved injury, death, or damage of $1,500 or more.
Next, you should exchange information with the other drivers and notify your insurance company. Nebraska is an at-fault state, so the at-fault driver’s insurance pays to cover the other driver’s damages. You can also sue the at-fault driver for losses that include lost wages, emotional distress, and hospital bills. Consequently, you should obtain a copy of the crash report, and consult with an experienced Lincoln 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 Lincoln.
Health Insurance Claims
Lincoln, Nebraska 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 Lincoln, Nebraska?
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.
It can feel overwhelming and stressful when your health insurer denies your claim in Lincoln. Fortunately, Nebraska’s Department of Insurance (NDI) outlines steps you can take to appeal a denied claim. Specifically, if your insurer denies health care services as not medically necessary, experimental, or cosmetic, you have the right to request an external review through NDI. In fact, the Health Carrier External Review Act, gives you the opportunity for a neutral third party to review a denied claim. Keep in mind, you must first exhaust the internal appeals process with your insurer. Additionally, you have four months from the date of denial to request an external review.
Work with an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer in Lincoln, Nebraska.
If your health insurance provider refuses to honor a claim, seek out a qualified Lincoln 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 Nebraska 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!
