Subject: Seeking Advice on Disputing a Claim I Did Not Authorize
I recently experienced a hit and run involving an uninsured vehicle, and I’m facing some complications with my insurance (State Farm). I have the license plate from the incident recorded on my dash cam, but unfortunately, the police would not respond since there were no injuries reported—I waited five hours for them to arrive. When I tried to report it at the precinct, they refused to review the footage.
I contacted State Farm to clarify my situation and specifically asked them not to open a claim. The agent assured me that no claim would be filed and simply checked if the other driver was insured. After learning that the vehicle was indeed uninsured, I decided to cover the damages out of pocket.
However, I later discovered that a claim had been opened and subsequently closed on my account, which is now affecting my premium. Since I was explicitly told by the agent—on a recorded line—that a claim would not be opened, I would like to know if there is any way to dispute this decision.
Thank you for your help!
I’m sorry to hear about your frustrating experience. It sounds really challenging, especially when you were assured that a claim wouldn’t be opened. Here are some steps you can consider taking to dispute the claim and potentially resolve the issue:
Review Your Records: First, gather all relevant documentation, including the recorded call with the agent, any correspondence with your insurance, and records of the incident. This will help substantiate your case.
Contact Customer Service: Reach out to State Farm’s customer service and explain your situation. Provide them with the details of the recorded conversation where the agent assured you that a claim would not be opened. Ask for an internal review of your case.
File a Formal Complaint: If the customer service representative is unable to help, consider filing a formal complaint with State Farm’s corporate office. You can typically find a claims dispute form on their website.
State Insurance Department: If you still don’t get anywhere, consider contacting your state’s insurance department. They can often provide guidance and may intervene on your behalf.
Consider a Written Appeal: Write a formal letter to State Farm explaining the situation, including all the details, and request that they review the claim. Include any supporting documentation and your request for them to re-evaluate the claim opening.
Seek Legal Advice: If the issue persists and significantly affects your insurance premium, you might want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in insurance disputes for further guidance on potential next steps.
Monitor Your Credit: Since an open claim can affect your premium, keep an eye on your credit and insurance scores. In some cases, disputing or resolving issues with your insurer can help mitigate any negative impact.
It’s unfortunate that you’ve had to deal with this, but being persistent and documenting everything will help you in your efforts to resolve the situation. Good luck!