Insurance Disputes

An insurance transaction can be divided into the following components: sale of the policy, underwriting, policy administration, and claims. Insurance disputes can occur in any part of an insurance transaction. The nature of insurance disputes can vary, and often depend on the phase of the insurance transaction in which they arise.

Sale of Policy

Insurance disputes can occur between the insured and an insurer over representations made at the time of the sale of an insurance policy. Disputes can involve differences in opinion between what the insurer asked for and what they were sold, or what was represented to them. Insurance disputes may also arise over the timeliness of an insurer or agent in providing coverage.

Underwriting

In the underwriting process an insurer considers the risk involved in providing coverage. The underwriting process is by its nature an inherently discriminatory process. The discrimination can be perfectly legitimate when it is based on certain risk factors. But when insurance companies or their agents discriminate based on some factors such as ethnicity, gender, or disability they are breaking the law. An insurance dispute can result and the insurance company can be held liable for injury to the applicant.

Policy Administration

Insurance disputes can arise over how an insurance policy is administered. Such disputes may result when an insured party is charged a higher premium than promised. Insurance disputes may also arise over the insurer's cancellation policy when the insured decides to cancel an insurance policy.

Claims

When insurance claims are made by the insured, there may be a dispute over the scope of coverage, the amount of payment, and missed or late payments by the insured. Disputes may also occur over the amount of coverage represented by the insurer or its agent at the time of the sale of the policy, and the amount of coverage provided by the insurer when a claim is made.

Contact an Insurance Lawyer

If you need help settling a disputed insurance claim, or if you have been injured by the misconduct or negligence of your insurance company, consult an experienced insurance lawyer to learn more about your options.