Writing a Car Insurance Dispute Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample car insurance dispute letter as a template for your formal dispute letter.
Last updated on July 27th, 2022
Sometimes there is a dispute about how a car insurance claim should be resolved. There may be a difference of opinion about how payments should be made, who is at fault for the accident or the quality of car repair that is needed.
These disputes may leave the customer feeling frustrated, but there are some steps he or she can take to dispute the claims adjuster. A car insurance dispute letter can be sent to the insurance company, but before sending a letter, the customer should look in their insurance benefit guide book or at their policy information and see if there is a time limit for disputing the claim.
Customer Service Department
If they can’t find the information, they should call their insurance company’s customer service department and ask about the statute of limitations.
If the customer plans to dispute a claim, they should not sign any paperwork or accept any money from the insurance company. Doing so could mean they cannot seek a different adjuster or hire a lawyer.
As soon as the insurance company has denied a claim or not given a satisfactory response to a claim, the customer should write a letter. The letter should state that the customer does not agree with the result and that they plan to dispute it.
These disputes may leave the customer feeling frustrated, but there are some steps he or she can take to dispute the claims adjuster. A car insurance dispute letter can be sent to the insurance company, but before sending a letter, the customer should look in their insurance benefit guide book or at their policy information and see if there is a time limit for disputing the claim.
Customer Service Department
If they can’t find the information, they should call their insurance company’s customer service department and ask about the statute of limitations.
If the customer plans to dispute a claim, they should not sign any paperwork or accept any money from the insurance company. Doing so could mean they cannot seek a different adjuster or hire a lawyer.
As soon as the insurance company has denied a claim or not given a satisfactory response to a claim, the customer should write a letter. The letter should state that the customer does not agree with the result and that they plan to dispute it.
The customer may also state that they plan to file an appeal. The letter should be addressed to the specific customer service representative who deals with denials.
The following customer information should be clearly given:
The following customer information should be clearly given:
- Their contact number
- The policy number
- The claim number
- The date the claim was made
- The date the claim was denied
- The name of the agent who denied the claim
Enclosed in the letter should be copies of all the documentation connected with the accident. If photos of the accident were taken, copies of these can also be included.
Claim Settlement
In many cases, this letter will be enough to open negotiations for a better claim settlement. The insurance company may make another offer because it is in their best interest not to go to court over the claim.
Some steps the customer can take when they want to dispute a car insurance claim:
Here is a sample car insurance dispute letter. The customer should make sure they include their insurance ID or group number as well as the claim number or any other identification, so they can be easily located in the system.
The letter should be sent by certified mail, so the customer has proof that it was received within the time limit for a dispute. No original documents should be sent, only copies.
Claim Settlement
In many cases, this letter will be enough to open negotiations for a better claim settlement. The insurance company may make another offer because it is in their best interest not to go to court over the claim.
Some steps the customer can take when they want to dispute a car insurance claim:
- The customer can call the claims adjuster and tell him or her that the claim is not fair. In some cases, this will be enough to get a better settlement.
- Independent, professional estimates can be obtained from three auto body specialists. They can review the damage to the car and submit an estimate in writing. This can be given to the adjuster and his or her manager. The accompanying letter can state that the customer would like the insurance company to pay an amount that is close to the average of the three estimates submitted by the customer.
- A private adjuster can review the claim. Private adjusters will provide an estimate and negotiate with the insurance company for a better result on the claim.
- An insurance lawyer can also help the customer get a better claim. There are lawyers who specialize in auto insurance.
Here is a sample car insurance dispute letter. The customer should make sure they include their insurance ID or group number as well as the claim number or any other identification, so they can be easily located in the system.
The letter should be sent by certified mail, so the customer has proof that it was received within the time limit for a dispute. No original documents should be sent, only copies.
Sample Car Insurance Dispute Letter
Customer’s Name
Customer’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Insurance Adjuster
Name of Insurance Company
Address of Insurance Company
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Dispute of claim NUMBER resolution for customer ID NUMBER or policy NUMBER
Dear Name of Adjuster,
This letter is to inform you that I plan to dispute your decision on my claim number NUMBER for the collision I had with a van on DATE that rear-ended me at a stop light on the corner of STREETS. The no-fault claim was filed on DATE with claim number NUMBER.
I was not injured in the accident, but my car is small, and the back was smashed in by the van. The amount suggested by you does not cover the cost of repairing my car. My policy covers up to $10,000 in no-fault liability damage, and, as you can see, the cost of repairing my car is well below that.
I have enclosed three independent estimates for repairing my car and they are all higher than the amount you offered. I would accept the amount of any one of these estimates.
This is not a complicated case. Please respond favorably by DATE. If I do not hear from you, I’ll file a complaint against you with the STATE Consumer Protection Agency. I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or at [email protected]
Sincerely,
Customer’s Signature
Customer’s Name Printed
List of Enclosures:
Three car repair estimates
Photos of the accident
Documentation of the insurance claim
By Andre Bradley
Interesting Finds