When an insurance payment is disputed
A policyholder may receive a refusal, an offer that does not cover the claimed loss or a request for further documents without a clear explanation of what happens next. We review the policy, the claim and the insurer’s correspondence to identify the points that need an answer.
Our work can include preparing a response to the insurer, organising supporting documents, discussing a settlement and representation in a dispute. We consider the circumstances of the loss and the policy wording together.
Understanding the policy before a dispute
Insurance agreements can contain several connected documents: the policy, schedules, general conditions, amendments and correspondence about particular cover. We help clients read those documents as a whole and understand where the terms need clarification.
A review can focus on the cover described, exclusions, notification requirements, payment provisions and the proposed process for handling a claim. For business clients, we also consider how the policy relates to commercial contracts and day-to-day operations.
Claims involving other legal issues
An insurance dispute may also involve a road accident, damaged property, a healthcare matter or a commercial disagreement. We can coordinate the insurance questions with the related contractual or other legal work.
Before accepting a settlement, clients may want a lawyer to review the wording of a release, the scope of the payment and any obligations that continue afterwards. We can assist with that review and negotiations.
What to prepare for a consultation
- The policy and all schedules, conditions and amendments
- The claim submitted and the insurer’s written response
- Documents relating to the event or loss
- Correspondence, payment offers and any proposed settlement
Tell us what cover you expected, what happened and what the insurer has said. Include any response date or other deadline so we can consider the timing of the next step.