Filing an insurance claim after a car accident seems like a relatively straightforward process. But claim denials are unfortunately common, impacting your ability to seek reimbursement for accident-related expenses.
Understanding common reasons car accident claims are denied is a good first step in determining what you can do next. If you think the insurer is acting in bad faith, contacting a Queens, New York, car accident lawyer may be helpful.
Common Reasons Car Accident Insurance Claims Are Denied
According to data reviewed by Weiss Ratings, auto insurers in New York closed approximately 48.6% of liability claims in 2025 without payment to policyholders. This is a substantial increase compared to data from 2005, where only 33.6% of liability claims were closed without payment.
The data showed that while policyholders across New York State filed approximately 2.7 million liability claims in 2025, roughly 1.3 million were closed without payment, constituting “flat-out denials.” The following are some common reasons an insurer might provide for denying an auto accident claim:
- Not applicable coverage: New York law requires motorists involved in accidents to first file claims through their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. If you jumped straight to a liability claim, the insurer may deny it under this statute.
- Gaps in coverage: Perhaps the policy you are filing under was not active at the time of the accident, either because the policyholder failed to make a payment or the coverage was canceled altogether.
- Disputed liability: You may be filing a claim with the insurer of the party you believe to be at fault. But the insurer may disagree about their policyholder’s role in the accident. Liability disputes often delay claims and can lead to claim denials.
- Lack of supporting evidence: The insurer may state that you failed to provide enough supporting evidence to show their policyholder’s liability in the accident or to prove your damages.
- Delayed medical treatment: If you waited a while after the accident to seek medical treatment, you may have trouble tying your injuries to the accident. This can also lead to a claim denial.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Finally, the insurer may deem your injuries pre-existing rather than a result of the accident and refuse to pay for medical expenses.
Taking the time to understand why your claim was denied is important to exploring your options. You can have a car accident lawyer in New York review the denial letter with you for clarity.
What To Do After an Auto Insurance Claim Denial in New York
If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, consult a New York car accident lawyer about your options. They can help you understand whether you may have enough evidence to appeal the claim denial or even file a formal complaint against the insurer.
In some cases, you can appeal a claim denial by simply providing more evidence. This evidence should target the reason for the denial and seek to reverse the insurer’s decision. You might provide additional medical documentation, photos of the accident damage, police reports, or any other evidence you can gather that shows the accident details and your need for compensation.
Your injury lawyer in New York can help you understand whether your insurer may have acted in bad faith. This occurs when an insurer unreasonably denies, delays, or devalues a legitimate claim, which is a breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
Your attorney may advise you to file a formal complaint with state regulators or even pursue legal action to overturn their decision. If you are considering legal action, be sure to file within the car accident statute of limitations.
How To Strengthen a Car Accident Claim and Prevent Denials
You should never assume that an insurer is on your side, whether they are representing you or the at-fault driver. You need to provide sufficient evidence to show that your injuries and accident damage meet the terms of the relevant insurance policy.
Taking steps to strengthen your claim can help you prevent a denial:
- Start gathering evidence as soon as possible after the accident. Take photos and videos of the accident damage, record a pain log, and preserve all other evidence related to the accident.
- Maintain a paper trail of all financial actions you take after the accident, such as requesting repair estimates, seeking medical attention, purchasing medications, etc. This can help you prove the value of your claim.
- Document all interactions with the insurance company, including the date, time, and name of the representative you spoke with. You can even follow up important phone conversations with an email summarizing what you discussed.
Working with a New York car accident lawyer from the beginning can also be helpful, especially if your case involves multiple parties, you have little evidence to provide with your claim, or you anticipate complications.
Consult an Auto Accident Lawyer in New York
If your car accident claim was denied, choosing the right car accident lawyer may be your next step. Our attorneys at Elliot Ifraimoff & Associates, PC, represent accident victims through the insurance and legal process. Speak with a New York car accident lawyer today by calling 718-205-1010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you resubmit a car accident claim after it was denied in New York?
You can challenge and resubmit a car accident claim after it was denied in New York through either an internal appeal or an official dispute. You will likely need to provide additional evidence.
What are possible solutions to a denied claim?
The possible solutions to a denied claim may include correcting any missing information and submitting a formal appeal. If these actions are unsuccessful, you may be able to file a complaint with the state’s insurance regulator or take legal action.
What should you not say to an insurance adjuster?
You should generally avoid downplaying your injuries, guessing about important information like speed or distances, and even apologizing for the accident. It’s best to stick to the facts and have a New York car accident lawyer present during conversations with adjusters.