Home›Insurance
Practice area
Insurance Law
You have been paying premiums for years. A loss occurs, and the response is slow, the offer is lower than expected, or the claim is refused outright. I act on the policyholder's side.
When the insurer's answer doesn't hold up
A denial is not necessarily final. It rests on an interpretation of the policy, on an exclusion being invoked, or on the insurer's assessment of the facts — three things that can be examined, documented and challenged.
The work begins with reading the policy closely, understanding precisely what ground is being relied on, and establishing what can actually be proven. Only then does the question arise of whether the file warrants proceedings or can be resolved through negotiation.
Common situations
- Claim denied in whole or in part
- Indemnity offered below the value of the loss
- An exclusion invoked that you believe doesn't apply
- Allegation of misrepresentation or non-disclosure
- Unreasonable delay in handling the file
- Disagreement with the insurer's expert or adjuster
Home and property insurance
Water damage, fire, theft, vandalism, breakage. Disputes over the cause of loss, replacement value, depreciation applied, or additional living expenses.
Movable and immovable property
Damage to a building, a vehicle, equipment or stored goods. Questions of coverage, applicable limits, and liability between the parties involved.
Life insurance
Refusal to pay the death benefit, contested beneficiary designation, alleged misstatement at the time of application, contestability period invoked.
Keep everything, and put it in writing
Photographs, invoices, expert reports, emails, call notes: in an insurance file, documentary evidence is what makes the difference. Deal with your insurer in writing where you can, and ask that the reasons for a denial be given to you in writing rather than over the phone.
A limitation period also applies to these claims. The earlier the file is looked at, the more options remain open.
Has your claim been denied?
Tell me what the insurer said. Fifteen free minutes to assess whether their position holds.
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.