Legal Information Notice: This checklist provides general educational information only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and may not apply to your jurisdiction or circumstances. Laws and deadlines vary. Do not rely on this checklist for a specific legal decision or deadline; consult a qualified attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
A claim being denied does not necessarily mean the story is over—but the next step matters.”
The NAIC says consumers with insurance disputes should first attempt to resolve the issue with the insurer and may then contact their state insurance department; documentation and communication records are important.
25 Buyer-Beware Warnings
- ☐ Don’t rely on a verbal denial.
- ☐ Request the denial in writing.
- ☐ Obtain the policy.
- ☐ Identify the exact provision cited.
- ☐ Preserve photographs.
- ☐ Preserve receipts.
- ☐ Preserve estimates.
- ☐ Preserve correspondence.
- ☐ Track every phone call.
- ☐ Record dates.
- ☐ Ask what evidence is missing.
- ☐ Check policy deadlines.
- ☐ Check appeal procedures.
- ☐ Don’t destroy damaged property prematurely.
- ☐ Don’t exaggerate a claim.
- ☐ Don’t sign releases without understanding them.
- ☐ Compare the denial against the policy language.
- ☐ Determine whether coverage issues are factual or contractual.
- ☐ Identify potential valuation disputes.
- ☐ Identify causation disputes.
- ☐ Check state complaint options.
- ☐ Verify attorney specialization.
- ☐ Understand fee arrangements.
- ☐ Calculate the economic value of pursuing the claim.
- ☐ Preserve evidence before it disappears.
Premium Checklist
Claim File
☐ Policy.
☐ Declarations.
☐ Endorsements.
☐ Denial.
☐ Photos.
☐ Estimates.
☐ Receipts.
☐ Communications.
Coverage Analysis
☐ Coverage grant.
☐ Exclusions.
☐ Conditions.
☐ Limits.
☐ Deductibles.
☐ Endorsements.
Escalation
☐ Internal appeal.
☐ Insurer complaint.
☐ State DOI.
☐ Attorney review.
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