What to Do When You’re Denied Insurance Coverage in 2025 (Take These 5 Steps)

What to do when you're denied insurance coverage often depends on understanding your rights and the options available to you. An auto insurance denial doesn’t always mean the end—many are reversed with the proper support. Legal help, starting at $150 per month, can offer guidance and improve your chances of getting approved for car insurance.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate
AllstateProgressiveState FarmNationwideLiberty MutualFarmers Insurance
Alexandra Arcand

Insurance and Finance Writer

Alexandra Arcand is an outreach administrator and insurance expert located in North Central Ohio. She has a passion for writing, investing, and education. As an insurance content writer for over three years, Alexandra has first-hand experience in business finance, economics, and real estate. She leads an outreach writing team that specializes in travel, real estate, healthcare, law, finance, an...

Written by
Alexandra Arcand
Sara Routhier

Senior Director of Content

Sara Routhier, Senior Director of Content, has professional experience as an educator, SEO specialist, and content marketer. She has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. As a researcher, data nerd, writer, and editor, she strives to curate educational, enlightening articles that provide you with the must-know facts and best-kept secrets within the overwhelming world of insurance....

Edited by
Sara Routhier
Ty Stewart

Licensed Insurance Agent

Ty Stewart is the founder and CEO of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about life insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as a life insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications.  As an independent licensed life insurance agent, he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the...

Reviewed by
Ty Stewart

Updated September 2025

What to do when you’re denied insurance coverage is to act promptly and gather documentation in support of your claim for an appeal, and seek legal assistance starting at $150 a month to raise your chances of success.

What to Do When You’re Denied Insurance Coverage

An attorney can help you navigate the appeals process for the most favorable consideration of your case and knowledgeable handling of deadlines. Again, be aware of your policy and all laws within the state.

Enter your ZIP code below to instantly compare car insurance premiums from top-rated insurers available in your area and find the best coverage at the most competitive rates.

5 Steps to Take If Your Insurance Claim Gets Denied

Receiving a denial on your insurance claim can feel like a gut punch, and it’s maddening. But don’t panic. You still have avenues to strike back and perhaps overturn the decision. The main thing is to know why you were denied, get everything you need, and see it through. Explore how to buy auto insurance to get more details.

Step 1: Analyze the Denial Letter

To get started, read the letter your insurance company sent you carefully. Do the reasons they gave you make sense — maybe they said something was missing or that your policy didn’t cover what you claimed? If it’s confusing or vague (as it often is), don’t hesitate to pick up the phone to ask for clarification. Read how to finance what your health insurance won’t cover to find out more.

Getting legal help starting at $150 a month can improve your chances of appealing an insurance denial. Experts guide you through your rights and the process.

Justin Wright Licensed Insurance Agent

Step 2: Gather Support Documents

Gather any documentation that will be in your favor. That may be medical bills, receipts, or your policy. The more detailed and organized your documents are, the better your chances of winning when you appeal the ruling. Discover our visual guide to auto insurance for further insights.

Step 3: Inform Your Insurance Provider

Call them on the phone. Sometimes, just giving more information or stating your position can be the difference-maker. Being firm in your position yet polite is key. You have discovered that presenting your argument in a clear and articulate fashion is highly effective. Browse our ultimate insurance cheat sheet to gain more information.

Step 4: Make an Appeal

If things still aren’t resolved, you must go through the official appeal process. Follow their steps carefully, submit everything on time, and include all your supporting documents. It’s not fun, but staying on top of the deadlines makes a big difference. Refer to our complete guide to health insurance for additional details.

Step 5: Get a Lawyer

If you’ve done all that and still get nowhere, it might be time to bring in a pro. An attorney, insurance advocate, or even a trusted broker can help you understand your options and possibly speak on your behalf. They know how the system works and might be able to push things in the right direction. Take a look at our guide on what to do if you can’t afford your auto insurance to get all the information you need.

Free Auto Insurance Comparison

Compare Quotes from Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate

How a Denied Claim Can Impact Future Insurance

You didn’t realize this initially, but having a claim denied can affect you. Insurance companies often check shared databases like Clue or MVR when reviewing applications.

What to Do If You're Denied Car Insurance Coverage

ActionWhy It Matters
Request the Reason in WritingHelps you understand and address the reason for denial.
Check Your Driving & Credit RecordsFixing errors could improve your eligibility.
Shop Around with Other InsurersSome companies are more flexible with risk factors.
Look for High-Risk or Non-Standard InsurersThese insurers specialize in covering denied applicants.
Improve Your Risk ProfileDefensive driving courses or clearing tickets can make you insurable.
Contact Your State Insurance DepartmentThey can guide you or investigate unfair denials.
Explore State-Assigned Risk PoolsA last-resort option for drivers who can't get coverage elsewhere.

Compare RatesStart Now →

If they see a denied claim on your record, it could lead to higher prices or even another denial. That’s why it’s worth checking what’s in your report and fixing any errors before applying elsewhere. Learn more about life insurance here.

The Difference Between Denial vs. Cancellation

Here’s something else you learned the hard way: a denial means you were never given a policy in the first place—maybe because of a past issue or something in your application. A cancellation, on the other hand, happens after you already have coverage.

What to Do When You’re Denied Insurance Coverage: Definition card personal injury protection.

That can occur if you miss payments, provide wrong information, or are flagged for fraud. Both can hurt your chances of getting insured again, so it’s essential to understand what’s going on and why. Dive into whole vs. term life insurance for more insights.

When You Can’t Get Coverage: Other Options Exist

Knowing what to do when you’re denied insurance coverage can make a big difference, especially when it comes to something as important as health or home insurance. Being turned down is tough, but it’s not the end of the road. You may be able to appeal the decision, and alternative markets and programs are available for those who have been rejected.

Start by understanding the reason, gathering your documents, and going through the steps of the appeal mentioned above. You might be surprised how far you can get by staying persistent.

Have a look at the millennials’ guide to health insurance to understand more. Enter your ZIP code to compare quotes instantly and find the cheapest insurance available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can auto insurance companies deny coverage?

An insurer can deny coverage if you don’t meet its underwriting criteria. Common reasons for being refused car insurance include:

  • Poor driving history (accidents, DUI, speeding tickets)
  • Lapses in previous coverage
  • Fraudulent or incomplete information on your application
  • Very high-risk vehicle (e.g., modified for racing)

Why was my car insurance rejected?

Your car insurance rejection notice may be due to factors such as your driving record, credit score, or vehicle type not meeting an insurer’s risk criteria, which could result in being denied auto insurance or being unable to get car insurance elsewhere. Explore the best homeowners insurance companies for a detailed breakdown.

What does it mean when the information provided does not meet our minimum underwriting standards?

If you receive a notice, then your application doesn’t align with the insurer’s internal risk assessment criteria.

What should I do if my car insurance is declined?

If your car insurance is declined, review your application for accuracy, consider requesting a written explanation, and shop for insurers with more flexible risk tolerance. Enter your ZIP code to get personalized insurance quotes tailored to your needs and budget.

Can you explain, “Based on our underwriting guidelines, we cannot provide you with a quote at this time”?

Your application doesn’t meet the insurer’s internal eligibility criteria, so they’ve chosen not to offer you a policy. Learn how to get cheap auto insurance for disabled veterans.

Can you be denied car insurance for past claims?

Yes, you can be denied car insurance. This applies when you’ve had multiple claims, lapses in coverage, or major violations like DUIs, which raise red flags for many insurers.

What does “declined car insurance quote” mean?

A “declined car insurance quote” indicates the insurer reviewed your profile but chose not to offer coverage, usually due to risk concerns or eligibility rules.

Why would Liberty Mutual deny a quote to me?

Why won’t Liberty Mutual insure me? Liberty Mutual can deny a quote due to issues like a poor driving record, a suspended license, or information that didn’t meet Liberty Mutual’s underwriting standards. Understand how to compare auto insurance companies.

How does Geico DriveEasy affect eligibility?

The Geico DriveEasy program monitors your driving habits. Risky behaviors recorded through the app could influence your premium or eligibility for coverage.

What does it mean when you’re refused car insurance?

Being refused car insurance means the insurer evaluated your risk and decided not to offer coverage based on its internal criteria. Enter your ZIP code to start comparing premiums from highly-rated insurers in your area.

More FAQs

Get a FREE Quote in Minutes

Insurance rates change constantly — we help you stay ahead by making it easy to compare top options and save.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate
State FarmLiberty MutualFarmers InsuranceAllstate

Free Insurance Quote Comparison

Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

By clicking, you agree to our Terms of Use

Nationwide State Farm Allstate