Comprehensive insurance is a type of insurance that car owners take out to secure their vehicles against possible accidents, theft, natural disasters or other unexpected situations. However, from time to time, there may be disputes between motor insurance and insurance companies. These disputes usually arise over issues such as the scope of the insurance policy, the rate of damage coverage, the amount of compensation and the payment process. When insurance holders feel that they have not received their full rights, they may have disagreements with insurance companies and this situation may be carried to legal proceedings.
Comprehensive insurance undertakes to cover material damages under certain conditions. However, in some cases, insurance companies may underpay the damage or not pay at all. Unexpected situations may arise because the clauses specified in the insurance policy are sometimes not fully understood by the insured. For this reason, it is of great importance to examine the policy in detail and to know which damages are covered and which are not. Comprehensive insurance disputes are one of the most common disputes between insurers and companies, and the resolution process must be carefully managed.
Causes of Motor Insurance Disputes
There may be many different reasons for disputes regarding motor insurance. First of all, there may be differences between the coverage stated in the insurance policy and the expectations of the insured. While some car owners think that their insurance will cover all types of damage, insurance companies may make certain exceptions. For example, some policies may only cover certain risks, while others may include extended coverage.
Another cause of disputes is underpayment of damages by insurance companies. Instead of fully covering certain damages, insurance companies may cut repair costs. In particular, issues such as whether the spare parts to be used in vehicle repair will be original or not, and whether labor costs will be covered or not may cause disputes between insurance holders and companies. In addition, the “expert reports” specified in motor insurance policies can sometimes be unfair to the insured. The fact that the loss adjusters who determine the amount of damage work closely with insurance companies can lead to victimization.
Apart from these, some damages covered by motor insurance may be considered as “driver’s fault” by insurance companies and may not be paid. For example, accidents caused under the influence of alcohol or drugs are generally excluded from coverage by insurance companies. Similarly, using the vehicle for other than its intended purpose or driving by an unlicensed person may also result in denial of compensation.
Legal Procedures in Motor Insurance Disputes
In the event of a dispute regarding motor insurance, there are various legal avenues for the insured to defend their rights. First of all, it is advisable to contact the insurance company directly and negotiate the dispute. The insurance policy should be carefully examined and it should be checked whether the claim is in accordance with the policy.
If the negotiations with the insurance company fail to reach an agreement, the insured may apply to the Insurance Arbitration Commission. The Insurance Arbitration Commission is a fast and effective method of resolving insurance disputes in Turkey, allowing policyholders to seek their rights at low cost and in a short period of time. Before applying to this commission, it is necessary to submit a written objection to the insurance company and wait for a certain period of time for a response. If the insurance company does not provide a satisfactory response, the Insurance Arbitration Commission may step in.
In some cases, the dispute may be brought to court. If the amount of compensation to be paid by the insurance company is high and the decision of the Insurance Arbitration Commission is not sufficient for the insured, a lawsuit can be filed before the Consumer Courts or the Commercial Courts of First Instance. This process can often be lengthy and costly for the insured. However, in a justified case, lawsuits filed against the insurance company usually end in favor of the insured.
How to Avoid Auto Insurance Disputes
When taking out motor insurance, some steps should be taken carefully in order to avoid possible disputes in the future. First of all, the insurance policy should be read and understood in detail. Coverage scopes, exclusions and exemption rates in the policy should be analyzed well. Instead of the standard policies offered by the insurance company, additional coverage tailored to specific needs can be evaluated.
Choosing an insurance company is also very important. Reliable insurance companies that attach importance to customer satisfaction can minimize potential disputes. It will be useful to make a decision by examining the insurance company’s past customer reviews and complaints. In addition, before signing the policy, detailed information should be obtained about the types of damages and payment terms covered by motor insurance.
When an accident or damage occurs, all documents must be submitted in full when applying to the insurance company. Documents such as the accident report, expertise report, repair invoices and insurance policy will ensure that the process proceeds quickly and smoothly. If the insurance company refuses to pay compensation, a detailed objection should be made in writing and legal remedies should be considered.
