Accidents take seconds. Recovery takes months—sometimes years. And when your insurance claim gets denied, everything gets harder. The bills don’t stop. Your paycheck might. And now the company you’ve paid to protect you won’t return your calls.
If that’s where you are right now, you’re not alone. At HHR, we’ve represented injured Pennsylvanians for over 100 years—and we know how insurance companies operate. They stall. They nickel-and-dime. They hope you’ll give up before they have to pay.
But a denied claim isn’t the end of the road. Here’s what to know—and what to do next.
Understanding the Claims Process
A denied claim isn’t random—it’s a tactic. From the moment you report your accident, insurers are collecting information and evaluating how to protect their bottom line. If you accept an early settlement, they’re off the hook. If you push back, they’ll make it difficult.
Typical stages of a car insurance claim:
- Investigation: Police reports, witness statements, and your medical history get reviewed.
- Initial Settlement Offer: Usually low. Usually fast. Meant to wrap things up before you know what your claim is really worth.
- Demand Letter: Your counteroffer, backed by evidence: medical bills, repair costs, lost income, and more.
- Negotiation or Lawsuit: If your attorney’s demand is denied, they’ll negotiate. If that fails, they’ll take your case to court.
- Final Settlement: You decide whether to accept. Once you do, you sign away the right to seek more.
That’s why the first settlement offer is rarely the best. It’s a calculated attempt to close your case for as little as possible. A personal injury attorney helps you hold the line and demand more.
Why Was Your Claim Denied?
Insurers are legally required to investigate claims quickly and pay out valid ones. The only legitimate reasons for denial are if your damages fall outside your coverage or if you breached your policy—like committing fraud or causing intentional harm. But in practice, insurers deny valid claims all the time.
Sometimes it's an error. Sometimes it's strategy. Insurance companies know that the longer and more complicated they make the process, the more likely people are to give up. That’s why having a lawyer can make all the difference.
There are dozens of reasons insurers give for denying claims. Here are a few of the most common—and what they really mean.
You Missed the Filing Deadline
Most policies require claims to be filed “promptly.” Some mean within 24 hours. If you wait too long, your claim may be rejected outright.
Pennsylvania also gives you only two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If that window closes, the insurance company knows it doesn’t have to negotiate anymore.
You Have Limited Tort Coverage
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, but drivers can opt out of the no-fault system by choosing full tort coverage. If you chose limited tort, you might be blocked from suing—even if the other driver caused the crash.
Full tort coverage costs more, but it lets you file a claim for pain, suffering, and other losses. Limited tort might save you money in the short term—but it can cost you when it matters most.
You Didn’t Document the Scene
Insurance companies look for any excuse to pay less—or nothing. If you didn’t take photos, get a police report, or see a doctor right away, they’ll claim there’s not enough evidence to support your case.
Even if your injuries didn’t show up until days later, they’ll argue they’re unrelated. That’s why it’s critical to:
- File a police report or complete a Driver’s Accident Report
- Get medical attention ASAP—even if you feel okay
- Keep records of every appointment, expense, and missed day of work
You Changed Your Vehicle’s Value
If you recently modified your vehicle or bought a new one without updating your insurer, they might reduce the settlement—or deny it altogether. Always notify your provider of major changes.
Appealing a Denied Insurance Claim
If your claim was denied, you still have options. Most insurance companies offer an internal appeal process—and if that fails, you can often escalate to a third-party review. But the process is technical, document-heavy, and intentionally intimidating.
To appeal, you’ll need:
- Your denial letter
- The paperwork from your original claim
- Additional evidence (e.g., medical records, accident reports, photos)
- A written appeal explaining why your claim should be covered
Every insurance provider has its own requirements and deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly and carefully. Missing a single detail could set you back—or cost you everything.
How a Lawyer Helps You Fight Back
A denied claim doesn’t mean the insurer is right. It means they think you won’t fight. That’s where we come in.
At HHR, our car accident attorneys know the system because we’ve fought it for decades. We review your policy, gather supporting documentation, and prepare the strongest possible case—whether you’re appealing a denial, negotiating a higher settlement, or taking your insurer to court. Our firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients who were told “no” by insurers.
When you call us, here’s what you can expect:
- A free consultation with an experienced attorney
- Clear guidance on your rights and next steps
- No pressure, no upfront fees—we only get paid if you win
We serve clients across Pennsylvania from offices in Lancaster, Harrisburg, Carlisle, York, and Hanover. If your insurance claim was denied, call (888) 498-3023 today. Let’s talk about what comes next.