Insurance Claims in Mobile, AL
What Are Insurance Claims?
Filing an insurance claim in Mobile, Alabama 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 Mobile, Alabama 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.
Property damage from severe weather is always top of mind for Mobile homeowners. According to USA.com, the risk of tornado damage in Mobile is much higher than the national average. In addition, Mobile residents face severe flooding, hail, and thunderstorm winds. The University of Alabama’s Insurance Guide can help you make informed coverage decisions in the face of these weather events. Be aware, standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically exclude flood damage. However, Mobile property owners can buy flood coverage separately through the National Flood Insurance Program.
How to File a Property Insurance Claim in Mobile, Alabama
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
If you live in Mobile, Alabama Administrative Code will govern your homeowner claim process. For example, your insurer must provide all claims forms and instructions within 15 calendar days from the receipt of the claim. Additionally, your insurer must accept or deny your claim within 30 days of the receipt of the proof-of-loss. Furthermore, Policy Genius reports that an insurer must make a payment within 30 days of accepting a claim.
Mobile property owners also enjoy protection under Alabama’s Policy Holder’s Bill of Rights. For example, you have the right to reject the insurance company’s initial settlement offer. In this case, consulting with an experienced Mobile attorney can help you determine your options. You may have grounds for litigation, mediation, or a review by Alabama’s Department of Insurance. Additionally, Alabama offers a special mediation process in the case of damage from natural disasters, such as hurricanes.
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?
According to Alabama Legal Aid, you should stop at the scene of an accident in Mobile and call the Mobile Police Department (MPD). Tell the officer who investigates what happened, but do not say it was your fault. This is because Alabama is an at-fault state for car insurance. This means the at-fault driver’s insurance pays to cover the other driver’s damages. As well drivers can sue the at-fault party for lost wages, emotional distress, and hospital bills.
Be aware, you must report an accident involving injuries, death, or at least $250 of property damage. Specifically, you must send an accident report to the Alabama Department of Public Safety within 30 days of the accident. You can obtain the necessary form MPD, the Mobile County Sheriff, or the Alabama Highway Patrol.
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 Mobile.
Health Insurance Claims
Mobile, Alabama 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 Mobile, Alabama?
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.
According to Coverage Rights, a Mobile patient has options when faced with a denied health claim. Your first step is an internal appeal through your insurer. Alabama’s Department of Insurance (DOI) states that your insurer must make a decision regarding your appeal within 72 hours for urgent care claims. However, they have up to 60 days for regular treatment claims. Your next step is to request an external review. Alabama participates in the external review process administered by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Finally, you can file a complaint with DOI. It is also advisable to consult with an experienced Mobile attorney to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit.
Work with an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer in Mobile, Alabama.
If your health insurance provider refuses to honor a claim, seek out a qualified Mobile 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 Alabama 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!
