What can I do if my claim is rejected?

It is not uncommon to come across cases where the insurer decides to lower the claim amount or even worse, altogether reject it and pay nothing. None of the insurers do this deliberately but if there is even a slight room for doubt, you will have to fight to get the amount you claim.

Rather than looking out for what to do in case of a rejected claim, it is best to avoid such situations altogether. The first step to prevention is to ensure that all details of your application for the claim are true. Moreover, you should ensure that all the details regarding your car and usage that you had provided in the initial stages of purchasing the insurance policy all add up and are consistent. For example, if you purchased insurance for a domestic use car and claim compensation on an accident that occurred out of you using it in a rental service (business purpose), you will not be entitled to compensation from the insurer. Another thing to remember is to never lie when filing the claim about what was stolen. Lying wouldn’t be the exact word but if you cannot prove something, don’t file for it because it can undermine the fate of the other aspects.

If your claim was rejected, there is nothing that can be done about it through the standard procedure. It is your right to dispute the claim and you can try settling with the company. Usually, the first step is to let the insurer know that you aren’t happy with the claim. However, unless you have any solid evidence to prove that your claim shouldn’t have been rejected or is of value much less than you expected, nothing good can happen.

The last resort in the UK for disputed car insurance claims it to file an official complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Office. This is the absolute last resort and only when all negotiation with the insurer has failed do you come here. This office does the best possible to come up with a fair solution but don’t expect it to be done quickly.

Of course, more reputable insurance companies in the UK will assist you in every way possible and recover the claim costs from the other party.