When a claim goes wrong

Insurers make promises in writing and states set rules for keeping them. These pages show how to use both when the answer, the offer or the wait is wrong.

Pushing back on a decision

A denial, a low offer or a slow file: what the policy and state rules let you do.

Denials, updated Nov 11, 2026

When your claim is denied

What a denial letter must say, the records to ask for, and your options from cheapest to costliest.
Low offers, updated Nov 11, 2026

When the offer is too low

Where a low number comes from, the rules on estimates and shops, and how to answer with a counteroffer.
Total loss value, updated Nov 11, 2026

Disputing a total loss value

How to check the valuation report, the comparable car rules, the 35-day reopener, and what comes next.
Appraisal, updated Nov 11, 2026

The appraisal clause

How appraisal settles a dispute over the amount: appraisers, the umpire, costs, and new state laws.
Deadlines, updated Nov 11, 2026

When your claim drags on

The time limits insurers work under, why files stall, and the written steps that move a claim.

Taking it further

Regulators, small claims court and the duty of good faith insurers owe you.

After the claim is closed

What a claim does to your premium, your record and your policy.

When a claim goes wrong

Pushing back on a decision

When your claim is denied

When the offer is too low

Disputing a total loss value

The appraisal clause

When your claim drags on

Taking it further

Complaining to your state

Insurance bad faith

Small claims court after a crash

After the claim is closed

Premium increase after an accident

Your CLUE report and claims history

Cancellation or nonrenewal after a claim

SR-22 after an accident