Understanding insurance can be challenging. With so many different types of insurance available, it can often be overwhelming. Claims can become tricky due to the complex nature of some policies, and you may find yourself in need of an expert.
That’s where insurance lawyers come in. Here’s an overview of what they do and how to know if you need one.
Overview of Insurance
Before examining what it is that insurance lawyers do, it’s important to make sure that you understand what the word means.
Insurance refers to a contract between two parties where one pays the other money for protection and support in case of an incident or loss. There are two main types of coverage.
The first refers to a monthly payment you make in which you don’t receive a reimbursement unless something happens. An example of this is the insurance taken out on your car that covers damage, theft, or a breakdown. Click here for more information.
Then there are policies where you make payments that accumulate over time. These include life insurance and pension plans where the company compensates you at a certain age or in case of death.
What Do Insurance Lawyers Do?
There are some government-run policies, such as unemployment insurance or workers’ compensation. However, insurance lawyers generally work within the private sector. This includes life, car, and health coverage.
In case you have to make a claim, they can guide you and navigate the discussions with the insurance company. Sometimes the policies are complex and require legal interpretation in order for there to be a final verdict.
Identifying Your Claim
Not every situation in which there’s an issue with an insurance provider warrants a lawyer. The first thing you should do is contact the company and make sure you identify the problem.
The need for an insurance lawyer comes in when you’re out of your depth or when the company isn’t complying. Smaller disputes tend to be easily settled, yet when there’s a lot at risk for both parties, it can become more complicated.
Here are a few instances in which you’d perhaps be in need of an insurance lawyer:
- If you’re not being covered by your insurance plan, even though you should be
- If you’ve been in an accident and the other person’s policy is refusing to pay
- If you’re unable to obtain coverage
- If there’s a claim where it’s difficult to establish who’s at fault
- If you need to make a large or complex claim that you don’t feel comfortable doing without legal assistance
Finding the Right Insurance Lawyer
Being sure about your claim and aware of all the pertinent information before entering a dispute is important to avoid hurting your case in the long run.
If you’re unsure whether you need an insurance lawyer, there’s no shame in reaching out and contacting one. Consultations are often free, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.