Insurance Claims in New York

What Are Insurance Claims?

Filing an insurance claim in New York 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 New York property insurance lawyer. Your legal advocate works on your claim to ensure that you receive the benefits necessary to repair or rebuild your New York 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. 

The National Weather Service documents significant weather events that can lead to an influx of claims. In 2021, New York State largely felt the impact of winter storms, Tropical Storm Henri and Tropical Depression Ida. The resulting damages from these events cost homeowners and local governments tens of millions in repairs.

How to File a Property Insurance Claim in New York

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

You will need to prepare to share as much information as possible with the claims adjuster. But, consider having an independent evaluation of the damage. A representative from your insurance carrier may not have the same motivations as a neutral third party. The back and forth between yourself and the company that insures your home can take time. If you reach an agreement, the money should arrive on time and without unnecessary hoops to jump through.

Under New York law, first-party insurance payments are overdue if they take more than 30 days. The state imposes a 2% fine each month it doesn’t arrive. It also may indicate a potential bad faith case against the carrier if this occurs. This civil liability can become more likely if evidence exists that the company does not communicate promptly or honestly.

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 NYPD recommends pulling over, putting your car in park, and checking on passengers first. If the only damage is to vehicles, you do not have to call the police. However, if anyone suffers an injury, you must call 911. You will also have to complete a motorist accident report for the DMV, especially if there’s more than $1,000 in damages.

Generally, information gathering is the next most critical task to accomplish. New York residents should have as much detail as possible to share with law enforcement and their insurance company. While working through the claims process, insurers should follow these guidelines under the law:

• Identify a nearby repair shop upon request

• Deliver a written estimate promptly

• Provide a written explanation of why a claim becomes delayed past 30 days

• Deliver payment of a settlement within five days of an agreement

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 New York.

Health Insurance Claims

New York 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 New York?

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.

Hopefully, the process described above goes smoothly, and you do not have to contest a denial. As reported by WNBC, even those with insurance often still owe thousands of dollars. Based on recent data, a quarter of U.S. citizens owe more than $10,000 in medical bills. When the appeals process doesn’t work, it may take legal action to protect your financial interests and personal well-being.

Work with an Experienced Local Insurance Lawyer in New York

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