How to Challenge an At-Fault Claim on My Record
In December 2022, while driving home during a heavy storm with flooded roads, I hit an object that damaged my tire and rim. Many others experienced similar issues due to the weather. The following day, I reported the incident to my insurance provider, Geico, and to my city. The repair cost was estimated at around $900, and with a deductible of $500, I received $400 from my insurance.
Recently, I obtained commercial insurance for my business, but my premium unexpectedly increased by $5,000 due to the 2022 claim being labeled as “At Fault.” Upon contacting them, they requested evidence to support my side of the story. Unfortunately, I don’t have any documentation, though I might be able to find a weather report.
What steps can I take to dispute this claim? Do I have a viable chance of success? I’ve heard about LexisNexis as a potential resource—would that be a good option to explore?
Disputing an at-fault accident report can be challenging, but it is possible if you gather the right evidence and present a solid case. Here are some steps you can take to dispute the at-fault designation:
Eyewitness accounts from other drivers who experienced similar issues due to the storm.
Contact Geico: Reach out to your insurance company (Geico) and ask for a copy of the claim report. Review the details to understand why they classified the incident as at fault. If there are inaccuracies, address them.
Write a Formal Dispute Letter: Prepare a letter outlining your dispute. Include:
A request for a review of the classification.
LexisNexis: Using LexisNexis can be a good idea as it is often used for background checks and insurance investigations. You can request a copy of your report from them and see what information they have on file. If you find inaccuracies, you can dispute them directly with LexisNexis as well.
Follow Up: After you submit your dispute, follow up regularly (by phone or email) to check on the status. Be persistent but polite.
Consider Further Action: If your dispute is not successful and you believe you have a strong case, you could consider contacting a lawyer who specializes in insurance disputes for further advice.
Remember, while there are no guarantees, providing clear evidence and maintaining communication with your insurance company can increase your chances of having the at-fault designation overturned.