Install
Disputes and Denials terms
When the insurer says no.
Appraisal clauseA policy provision letting you or the insurer call in independent appraisers, plus an umpire if needed, to settle a dispute over the amount of a loss.Bad faithAn insurer's unreasonable handling of a claim, such as denying, delaying or underpaying without a proper basis, which can expose it to damages.Demand letterA written request to an at-fault driver's insurer that sets out your injuries and losses and asks for a specific settlement amount.Diminished valueThe resale value a car loses after a crash, even when fully repaired, because buyers pay less for a car with an accident history.Policy limits demandAn injured person's offer to settle for the at-fault driver's full liability limit by a deadline; mishandling it can expose the insurer to bad faith.Release of liabilityA document an injured person signs to accept a settlement and give up further claims against the at-fault party for that accident.Statute of limitationsThe legal deadline for filing a lawsuit after a crash, set by each state and often different for injury and property damage claims.