Insurance Coverage: The Protection of Policyholder Rights During Disputes With Insurers

Question: What should I do if my insurance company in Ontario is denying, delaying, or undervaluing my claim?

Answer: Start by gathering your policy, denial or delay letters, adjuster notes, photos, receipts, and a clear timeline, then request the insurer’s written reasons and internal appeal process while tracking all deadlines.   Alfred Legal Services provides Affordable Legal Help in Ontario to review coverage terms, settlement releases, and proof-of-loss documents, and to help you respond effectively when an insurer acts in bad faith or disputes your claim value.

Troubled Insurance Relations

A legal fight against an insurance company requires special knowledge to help balance the playing field whereas an insurance company will have a large complement of personnel with understanding of the insurance guidelines, laws, regulations, and rules, in addition to the legal process and almost endlessly deep pockets.  These strengths create a David v. Goliath type situation just when the insured person needs help the most; and accordingly, the assistance of professional legal representation helps to ensure that the little guy, being the insured, gets a fair fight against the insurer within the insurance claim process.

Your Situation May Need Professional Assistance If:

• Your insurance company is declining your claim;
• Your insurance company is offering to pay too little for your claim;
• Your insurance company delayed your claim in bad faith;
• Your insurance broker failed to fully review your coverage needs;
• Your insurance broker failed to arrange coverage resulting in an uninsured loss; or
• Your premiums or deductibles unjustly increased.

Common Issues Include:

Even in situations where all is being well looked after by insurance coverage, assistance in reviewing the final settlement release documents may be available before signing-off of further claim rights.

Assistance may also be available in providing Commissioner of Oaths services to commission sworn declarations including the Proof of Loss documents that finalize the claims process.