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What To Do If Your Insurance Company Won’t Pay After an Accident

UPDATED: June 23, 2026 at 10:30 AM by The Biker Lawyers

It’s not always the other insurance company that tries to stiff you.

A close-up of an insurance policy form with a pen resting on it, along with a pair of glasses. The form includes sections for personal information. It is bad enough when the other driver’s insurance company gives you the runaround.

It feels even worse when it comes from your own insurance company.

You paid the premiums. You kept the policy active. You thought you had coverage in place for exactly this kind of situation.

Then the crash happens.

You report the claim. You send the documents. You answer questions. You wait. And wait. And wait.

Then the insurance company delays, denies, underpays, questions your injuries, asks for more records, pushes a low settlement, or tells you the claim is not worth what you thought.

That is when people start asking the real question:

What do I do if my insurance company will not pay after an accident?

The answer depends on the type of claim, the policy language, the available coverage, the facts of the crash, and the reason the insurance company is refusing to pay. But one thing is clear: The insurance company’s answer is NOT the final word.

At The Biker Lawyers, P.C., we help injured riders, drivers, passengers, and families deal with insurance problems after serious crashes. Sometimes the problem is the other driver’s insurance company. Sometimes it is your own.

Either way, the next steps matter.

Quick Answer: What Should You Do If Your Insurance Company Won’t Pay?
If your insurance company will not pay after an accident, ask for the reason in writing, review your policy and declarations page, save every document, keep a claim communication log, continue medical treatment, gather proof of your injuries and losses, and NEVER sign a release before you speak with a personal injury lawyer.
If the claim involves serious injuries, a motorcycle crash, uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, MedPay, policy limits, or a disputed fault argument, the situation may be more complicated than it looks.
Do not let the insurance company define your claim before you understand your rights.

Key Takeaways Before We Dive In

Getting compensation after a crash can get complicated fast. There may be more than one insurance company involved, more than one type of coverage available, and more than one reason an insurer is refusing to pay what you believe the claim is worth.

Before we get into the deeper details, here are the 5 biggest things to remember:

Get everything in writing. Insist that all communications on your claim be in writing, preferably email (for speed). If your claim is denied, delayed, or met with a low settlement offer, ask for the specific reason, the policy language being used, any missing documents, and any deadlines in writing.
Know what your policy actually says. Review your declarations page and full policy to see whether you have coverage like MedPay, uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, collision, rental, towing, or other benefits. Do not assume “full coverage” means everything is covered.
Be careful with insurance communications. Keep a claim log with dates, names, phone numbers, and what was discussed. Be cautious with recorded statements and broad medical releases, especially if you were seriously injured or the insurance company is questioning your claim.
Document the full loss. Keep getting necessary medical care, follow your treatment plan, and save proof of your injuries, missed work, damaged property, riding gear, daily limitations, and anything else the crash has taken from your life.
Know when to get help. If you were seriously injured, riding a motorcycle, being blamed for the crash, dealing with UM/UIM issues, pressured to settle, or getting the runaround from your own insurance company, it may be time to talk with a lawyer before signing anything.

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First, Know Which Insurance Company You Are Dealing With

After a crash, there may be more than one insurance company involved.

That is where things get confusing fast.

You may be dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. That is usually called a third-party claim because you are making a claim against someone else’s policy.

You may also be dealing with your own insurance company. That is usually called a first-party claim because you are asking your own insurer to provide benefits under your own policy.

Both can create problems.

The other driver’s insurance company may deny fault, blame you, question your injuries, or offer far less than the claim is worth.

Your own insurance company may also push back, especially if the claim involves uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, MedPay, collision coverage, property damage, or a dispute over what your policy actually covers.

That surprise catches people off guard.

A lot of folks think, “This is my insurance company. They are on my side.”

Sometimes they are helpful.

All too often, they are not.

Why Your Own Insurance Company Might Refuse to Pay

Your insurance company may give several reasons for delaying, denying, or reducing payment after a crash.

Some may be legitimate policy issues.

Others may be arguments that need to be challenged.

Common reasons include:

The policy does not cover that type of loss
The vehicle was not listed correctly
The policy lapsed or was canceled
The claim was reported too late
The injury is being blamed on a prior condition
The treatment is being called unnecessary
The insurer says you were partly or mostly at fault
The company says the other driver was not uninsured or underinsured
The insurer says you did not follow policy requirements
The insurer says your damages are lower than you claim
The insurer is waiting for more records
The insurer is offering only policy limits and nothing more
The insurer is relying on an exclusion

The reason matters because your response should match the problem.

A missing document is different from a coverage denial. A low offer is different from a policy exclusion. A delay is different from bad faith. A disputed injury is different from a disputed crash report.

Before you argue with the adjuster, you need to know exactly what they are saying and why.

Ask for the Denial or Low Offer in Writing

If the insurance company says it will not pay, will only pay part of the claim, or is offering far less than you expected, ask for the reason (and the amount of the offer) in writing.Do not rely on a quick phone call.

Ask the adjuster to identify:
What part of the claim is being denied or disputed
The reason for the denial or low offer
The policy language they are relying on
Any deadlines to appeal, respond, or submit more information
What documents or evidence they claim are missing
Whether the decision is final or still under review
This is important because vague explanations are hard to fight.

You need the insurance company’s position pinned down.Once you know the reason, you can start gathering the right proof.

Pull Your Declarations Page and Policy

Most people do not read their insurance policy until something goes wrong. That’s normal. Insurance policies are not exactly beach reading.But after a crash, the policy matters. The declarations page usually shows the types and amounts of coverage. The full policy explains limits, exclusions, conditions, notice rules, duties after a crash, and what the insurance company may or may not owe.If you were in a serious crash, look for coverage such as liability, collision, comprehensive, MedPay, uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, rental reimbursement, towing, roadside assistance, and any umbrella policy.For motorcyclists, also check whether the policy covers custom parts, accessories, riding gear, passengers, and every bike you ride.Do not assume you have coverage just because someone once told you that you had “full coverage.” Full coverage is not one magic thing. It is a bundle of separate coverages, and each one has limits.

Diagram explaining that full coverage insurance may include separate coverages such as liability, collision, comprehensive, UM/UIM, MedPay, gap, umbrella, and motorcycle gear coverage.

The Iowa Insurance Division also recommends reviewing your declarations page and policy exclusions so you understand what coverage you actually have.

Understand UM and UIM Claims

Uninsured motorist coverage, often called UM, may help when the at-fault driver has no insurance or when a hit-and-run driver cannot be identified.Underinsured motorist coverage, often called UIM, may help when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover the harm they caused.These coverages can be critical after a serious motorcycle crash.A driver with minimum insurance may not have enough coverage to pay for ambulance bills, ER care, surgery, hospital stays, missed work, physical therapy, permanent injuries, pain, and long-term effects.That is where your own UM/UIM coverage may become one of the most important parts of the claim.But here is the part that surprises people:Even though UM/UIM comes from your own policy, your insurance company may still question the claim. They may dispute fault. They may argue about the value of your injuries. They may question treatment. They may say the at-fault driver’s policy is not exhausted yet. They may point to notice rules or consent-to-settle requirements.That does not mean you are wrong.It means you need to be careful.In Iowa, UM/UIM coverage is generally included in motor vehicle liability policies unless the named insured rejects that coverage in writing. Before settling with the at-fault driver, signing a release, or assuming your UIM claim is safe, make sure you understand your policy obligations.

Watch Out for Recorded Statements

After a crash, an adjuster may ask for a recorded statement.They may make it sound routine.Sometimes your own policy requires cooperation. Sometimes the other driver’s insurance company is fishing for information. Either way, you should be careful.

A recorded statement can lock you into early answers before you know the full extent of your injuries, before you have reviewed the crash report, or before you understand what the insurance company is really disputing. Small wording choices can matter.“I’m okay” may have meant “I am alive.”The insurance company may later treat it like you said you were not hurt.“I don’t know” may have been honest.The insurance company may later use it to make you sound unsure or inconsistent.

This does not mean you should lie or refuse every communication. It means you should understand what is being asked, who is asking, why they are asking, and how your answers may be used.If you are seriously injured, blamed for the crash, or dealing with a motorcycle accident claim, talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement.

Be Careful With Medical Releases

Insurance companies often ask for medical records. Some records are relevant. A broad medical release can be a problem.

A blanket release may allow the insurance company to dig through years of medical history. Then they may look for prior injuries, old pain complaints, unrelated conditions, or anything they can use to argue that your current symptoms were not caused by the crash.

That matters after motorcycle crashes, car accidents, and truck wrecks.

If you hurt your back ten years ago, the insurance company may try to blame your current back pain on that old issue. If you had shoulder pain years ago, they may argue the crash did not cause the current shoulder injury. If you had anxiety before the crash, they may try to minimize the trauma caused by the wreck.

Prior medical history does not automatically defeat a claim, but it can become a fight.

Before signing a broad medical authorization, make sure you understand what records are being requested and why.

A Low Settlement Offer Is Not the Same as Fair Compensation

A low offer can feel insulting. It can also be strategic.

Insurance companies know that after a crash, people are under pressure. Medical bills show up. Work is missed. The vehicle may be totaled. The bike may be gone. Pain makes everything harder. The mailbox keeps filling up with papers you do not understand.

That is when a quick settlement can sound tempting.

But early offers often come before the full damage is known.

You may not know whether you need surgery. You may not know how long you will miss work. You may not know whether the pain will become permanent. You may not know what future care will cost. You may not know whether the crash will keep you from riding, working, or living the way you did before.

Once you sign a release, the claim is over.

If the money runs out later, your case can not be reopened because your injury got worse.

Before accepting a settlement, make sure the offer accounts for the full picture.

What Compensation Might Be Involved After a Crash?

Depending on the facts of the crash and the available insurance coverage, compensation may involve more than the first medical bills.

A claim may include emergency care, hospital treatment, surgery, physical therapy, medication, future medical needs, lost wages, reduced earning ability, pain, suffering, scarring, disability, loss of normal life, home care, vehicle damage, towing, storage, rental costs, motorcycle gear, and custom parts.

Not every claim includes every category. Not every policy pays every loss.

That is why the details matter.

A motorcycle crash claim may involve the at-fault driver’s liability coverage, your own UM/UIM coverage, MedPay, collision coverage, health insurance, an umbrella policy, or other sources of recovery.

The insurance company may focus on one piece. You need to understand the whole board.

Keep a Claim Communication Log

When an insurance claim gets messy, details matter.

Keep a simple log of every insurance conversation.

Write down the date, time, name of the person you spoke with, phone number, claim number, what was discussed, what they asked for, what they promised, and any deadlines they mentioned.

Save emails. Save letters. Save text messages. Save voicemails if possible. Keep copies of anything you upload or mail. This may feel like overkill at the start.

It will not feel like overkill if the insurance company later says it never received something, claims you missed a deadline, or changes its explanation.

Keep Getting Medical Care

If you are hurt, keep treating. This is important for your health first, but it’s also important for the claim.

Insurance companies look for gaps in treatment. If you stop going to the doctor, skip follow-ups, miss therapy, or delay care, they may argue that you were not “that hurt” or that something else caused your symptoms. Real life is not always that simple.

People miss appointments because they are in pain, lack transportation, cannot afford copays, are waiting on referrals, or are trying to tough it out.

But the insurance company will still use gaps in treatment against you.

If you are having trouble getting care, tell your medical providers. If symptoms change, say so. If pain gets worse, report it. If work becomes harder, explain that too.

Medical records tell the story of your recovery.

Make sure the story is accurate.

Gather Proof of the Full Loss

The insurance company may already have photos, repair estimates, and medical bills. That does not mean it has the whole story. You should also gather proof of how the crash affected your life.

That may include photos of injuries, photos of the crash scene, photos of the motorcycle or vehicle, damaged helmet and gear photos, work restriction notes, wage records, mileage to medical appointments, receipts, medication costs, therapy schedules, and notes about daily pain and limitations.

If riding was part of your life before the crash, document how the injury changed that. For many bikers, losing the ability to ride is not a small thing. It can mean losing freedom, community, stress relief, and part of your identity.

That matters.

Do Not Let Rider Bias Shape the Claim

Motorcyclists often face unfair assumptions after a crash.

Maybe a driver says, “I never saw the motorcycle.”

An adjuster starts asking about speed. Someone questions lane position, helmet use, clothing, braking, weather, or whether the rider should have anticipated the driver’s mistake.

Those questions may be fair in some cases. They may also be a way to shift blame.

In Iowa, fault can affect an injury claim. If the insurance company can place enough blame on the injured person, it may try to reduce or avoid payment.

That is why evidence matters.

Crash reports, scene photos, vehicle damage, witness statements, traffic camera footage, helmet damage, skid marks, road conditions, and medical records may all help answer the blame game.

Do not assume the insurance company’s version of the crash is the truth.

Can You Appeal a Denied Insurance Claim?

Yes.

The right process depends on the type of claim, the insurance company, the policy, and the reason for the denial.

If your insurer denies coverage, underpays the claim, or refuses to reconsider, ask about the appeal or review process. Follow deadlines closely. Send supporting documents. Keep the tone factual. Address the specific reason for the denial.

If the issue involves a personal injury claim, UM/UIM claim, serious crash, or disputed policy language, it may be smart to get legal help before submitting an appeal or signing anything.

An appeal that ignores the real issue may not help.

A stronger response directly addresses the insurance company’s stated reason and supports your position with evidence.

Can You File a Complaint With the Iowa Insurance Division?

In some situations, you may be able to file a complaint with the Iowa Insurance Division, especially if the policy was issued in Iowa or the issue falls within the Division’s authority.

This is not the same as filing a lawsuit, and it does not replace legal advice about your injury claim. But it may be an option if you believe an insurance company, agent, or adjuster has mishandled a claim or violated insurance rules.

Before filing a complaint, gather the policy, claim number, denial letters, emails, adjuster notes, payment records, and any other documents that show what happened.

If you are dealing with a serious injury claim, talk with a lawyer before relying only on a complaint process. A complaint may help with some insurance conduct issues, but it DOES NOT protect legal deadlines or recover the full value of a serious injury claim.

Is This Bad Faith?

Maybe.

But not every denial is bad faith.

Insurance companies are allowed to investigate claims. They are allowed to ask questions. They are allowed to rely on policy language when it applies.

Bad faith is different.

Bad faith may be an issue when an insurance company unreasonably denies, delays, underpays, or refuses to properly investigate a valid claim.

The key word is unreasonable.

If your insurer is simply asking for a missing document, that may not be bad faith. If your insurer ignores clear evidence, keeps changing its reason, refuses to explain the denial, misrepresents the policy, or drags things out without a valid basis, that is a different conversation.

Do not throw the phrase “bad faith” around casually.

But do not ignore it either.

If your own insurance company is refusing to pay a valid claim, have the situation reviewed.

When Should You Call a Lawyer?

You may not need a lawyer for every fender bender or simple property damage issue.

But you should strongly consider calling a lawyer if:

You were seriously injured
You were riding a motorcycle
The insurance company denied your injury claim
The settlement offer is too low
You are being blamed for the crash
You were asked for a recorded statement
You were asked to sign a broad medical release
The other driver has no insurance
The other driver does not have enough insurance
Your own UM/UIM claim is being delayed or denied
You may need surgery
You missed work
Your injuries may be permanent
A loved one died in the crash
You are being pressured to settle fast

The more serious the injury, the more careful you need to be. A small claim may be resolved with patience and paperwork. A serious injury claim can affect your future.

What The Biker Lawyers Look At

When The Biker Lawyers review an insurance problem after a crash, we look beyond the first offer or denial.

We want to understand how the crash happened, who may be at fault, what insurance policies are available, what coverage applies, what the insurance company is disputing, what injuries were diagnosed, whether treatment is ongoing, whether work has been missed, whether future care may be needed, and whether the insurance company is trying to shift blame.

For motorcycle crashes, we also look at rider-specific issues.

Was the driver claiming they never saw the bike? Is the adjuster hinting that the rider was speeding without proof? Is helmet use being used as a distraction? Did the crash report miss important details? Was the rider’s gear damaged? Are custom parts being ignored? Is the insurer treating a serious motorcycle injury like a routine car accident?

Those details matter. We are not just looking for a payout. We’re looking for the truth of what happened and the real cost of the crash.

Insurance Company Won’t Pay FAQ

Click the (+) on any of the questions below.

What should I do first if my insurance company denies my claim?

Ask for the denial in writing. Request the specific reason for the denial, the policy language being used, any missing documents, and any deadlines for appeal or review. Then save every letter, email, and claim note.

Can my own insurance company deny my accident claim?

Yes. Your own insurance company may deny or reduce payment if it believes the policy does not cover the loss, the claim was late, the damages are not proven, the treatment is unrelated, or policy conditions were not met. That does not automatically mean the denial is correct.

What is the difference between a first-party and third-party insurance claim?

A first-party claim is made with your own insurance company under your own policy. A third-party claim is made against someone else’s insurance, usually the at-fault driver’s insurer.

What if the other driver does not have enough insurance?

If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover the harm they caused, your own underinsured motorist coverage may become important. Whether it applies depends on your policy, your damages, and whether policy requirements are followed.

What if the other driver has no insurance?

If the at-fault driver has no insurance, uninsured motorist coverage may help if you have it and the policy applies. Hit-and-run crashes may also involve uninsured motorist issues depending on the facts and policy language.

Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?

Be careful. A recorded statement can be used later to question your injuries, fault, or credibility. If the crash caused serious injuries or fault is disputed, speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement.

Should I sign a medical release for the insurance company?

Do not sign a broad medical release without understanding what it allows. The insurance company may use old records to argue your current injuries were not caused by the crash.

Can I reject a low insurance settlement offer?

Yes. You do not have to accept a low offer just because the insurance company says it is final. Before rejecting, countering, or accepting an offer, make sure you understand the full value of the claim and whether future medical care or lost income may be involved.

Can I file a complaint against my insurance company in Iowa?

In some situations, yes. The Iowa Insurance Division has a complaint process for insurance issues. A complaint may help address insurance conduct, but it does not replace legal advice about a serious injury claim or protect against deadlines.

Can I sue my own insurance company?

In some situations, yes. If your own insurance company wrongfully denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim, legal options may exist. The right path depends on the policy, the claim, the denial reason, and Iowa law.

Is a denied claim always bad faith?

No. Not every denial is bad faith. Bad faith usually involves unreasonable conduct by the insurance company, such as denying, delaying, underpaying, or failing to investigate a valid claim without a proper basis.

When should I call The Biker Lawyers?

Call if you were seriously injured, your motorcycle crash claim is being disputed, your own insurer is delaying or denying UM/UIM benefits, the settlement offer is too low, or you are being pressured to sign something before you understand the full damage.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Have the Last Word

An insurance denial is not always the end. A low offer is not always the final number. A delay is not always harmless, and your own insurance company is not always on your side.

If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash, car accident, truck wreck, or another serious crash and the insurance company is refusing to pay what it should, talk to The Biker Lawyers before you sign, settle, or give up.

You do not have to know whether the insurance company is wrong before you call.

That is what the consultation is for.

Call (319) 294-4424 or request a free consultation online.

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Reviewed by: Pete Leehey, Personal Injury Attorney and Rider

Last updated: June 2026