When to Take Your Auto Insurance Company to Court in 2025 (+Case Studies)

It's best to take your auto insurance company to court if you have evidence they wrongly denied your claim. Since 95% of bodily injury cases get settled out of court, you'll have good odds when suing your car insurance company. Below, we'll explain the process of suing a car insurance company for denying a claim.

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Laura Kuhl

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Laura Kuhl holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Writing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Her career began in healthcare and wellness, creating lifestyle content for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare and holistic professionals. She curated news articles and insider interviews with investors and small business owners, leading to conversations with key players in the le...

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Jeff Root

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Updated December 2024

If you have proof that your car insurance company unjustly denied your claim, you might consider filing a lawsuit against the car insurance company. It is essential to consult with a lawyer to help you navigate your car insurance claim going to court and the associated legal complexities.

when to take your auto insurance company to court

Read more: How to File an Auto Insurance Claim

So the answer to “Can I sue my car insurance company?” is yes. Below, we’ll explain how to sue your car insurance company, the process of suing a car insurance company for denying your claim, and whether you can sue an insurance company for taking too long with your claim. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool above if you’re looking for another insurer.

Things to Remember

  • You can sue your insurer if it wrongfully denies your claim 
  • Get advice from an insurance lawyer before you decide to sue
  • 95% of bodily injury cases get settled out of court

When to Sue Your Auto Insurance Company for Claim Denial

An insurance company has an obligation to its policyholders. The insurance company must abide by the terms of your contract, avoid unfair practices, and act in good faith. Your insurer is legally bound to pay for the damages suffered by you. The payout will depend on your type of auto insurance coverage.

These obligations mean that the best auto insurance companies should refrain from doing the following things:

  • Launch an inadequate and delayed investigation
  • Refusing to pay the claim amount even when the liability is clear
  • Failing to act on the claim within a reasonable period (see our article How long can an insurance claim stay open?)
  • Denying a claim without a valid reason 
  • Failing to defend the insured in a liability case even when one of the claims is potentially covered by liability auto insurance

A smart thing to do before you decide to sue is to fully understand your auto insurance policy when your claim is denied.

Read more: What to Do if Your Auto Insurance Company Won’t Pay a Claim

If you still believe that your claim was wrongly denied and your insurer isn’t ready to listen to you, you can look into suing your car insurance company. You can sue not only to recover damage suffered by your car but also for medical bills, liability, etc. Learn more about how a denied auto insurance claim will affect your rates.

How to Take an Insurance Company to Court

So what happens if you sue your own insurance company? If you decide to sue your insurer, it will be a civil suit. The exact course of action will depend on the state you’re in, as auto insurance laws are regulated by states.

In addition, there are various legal fees and court costs associated with suing an insurance company. Check out the map below to see how much it costs to sue an insurer:

The types of lawsuits you can file against an insurer vary, but a breach of contract action is always available in every state. Since insurance policies are contracts, you can sue an auto insurance company if they deny your claim and violate the contract terms. Taking an insurance company to court for breach of contract remains a constant legal recourse.

Winning in Court Against an Auto Insurance Company for Denying a Claim

You can sue your auto insurance company if it denies your claim.

Common grounds for suing an auto insurance company are not paying claims in a timely manner, denying properly filed claims, or denying claims in bad faith. In all these cases, you can take your insurance company to court.

Jeffrey Johnson Insurance Lawyer

In every state, there are laws designed to safeguard consumers from insurers. It is not uncommon for auto insurance policyholders to take legal action against a car insurance company. However, it is crucial to understand that insurers have the right to reject certain claims. To win in court, you must demonstrate that your claim was wrongfully denied. This is part of the basic mandate of the insurance commission. Even under the strict no-fault liability rule, you should not lose the claim if you’re not at fault.

Suing a car insurance company for denying your claim can be costly. Before taking action, ensure you have a solid case and seek advice from an experienced lawyer for a legal opinion on the matter, especially when dealing with an SD casualty producer.

Read more: How to Get an Attorney Auto Insurance Discount

Tips to Sue an Auto Insurance Company

If you’re contemplating suing your auto insurance company, it is important to be prepared.  Here are some tips on how to sue a car insurance company:

  • Keep a record of all your correspondence with your insurance company. 
  • Maintain a record of your car’s condition. Take a picture of your car the day it was insured. 
  • Keep a record of all the expenses you incur. Preserve the repair bills, medical bills, lawyer’s fees, and lost time at work. Be honest in your record keeping. 
  • Choose an experienced lawyer who has a background in insurance litigation. 

If you decide to hold your insurance company responsible for the accident and take them to court, avoid going alone. Make a compelling case involving non-accidental damage and no fault liability by hiring a lawyer to defend your interests.

More About How to Sue a Car Insurance Company for Claim Denial

Taking legal action against your car insurance company for denying a claim can be both costly and lengthy. This step shouldn’t be taken lightly and can often be avoided by selecting a reputable and trustworthy auto insurance provider that will properly manage your claims. Understanding the difference between no-fault vs liability, knowing how insurance works when it’s not your fault, and being aware of the impact on your no-claims after an accident are essential. Additionally, being mindful of the consequences of not paying excess can help you navigate the claims process more effectively.

We hope we have given you a good preparation for how to sue your car insurance company. If you’re looking for other options for auto insurance, enter your ZIP code into our free auto insurance comparison tool to evaluate auto insurance quotes from the top providers near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I consider taking an auto insurance company to court?

You may consider taking an auto insurance company to court if you believe they have acted in bad faith, denied your valid claim without proper justification, or you have encountered unreasonable delays or unfair practices during the claims process.

What steps should I take before going to court with an auto insurance company?

Before going to court, it is important to exhaust all possible options for resolving the dispute outside of litigation. Start by communicating with the insurance company directly and documenting all interactions.

Consider filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department and consulting with an attorney specializing in insurance law. Learn more in our article How to File a Complaint Against Your Auto Insurance Company.

Should I hire a lawyer if I decide to sue my insurance company?

Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a lawyer if you decide to sue your insurance company. An experienced lawyer will guide you through the legal process, build a strong case, and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. They will ensure your interests are properly represented and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

What should I do to prepare for suing my auto insurance company?

To get ready for suing auto insurance companies, maintain a comprehensive record of all your communications with them. Capture your vehicle’s condition with photographs and keep track of any costs you incur, such as repair bills, medical expenses, legal fees, and lost wages. Additionally, it’s essential to engage a skilled attorney with experience in insurance litigation to advocate for your case.

How can I sue my insurance company?

If you decide to pursue a lawsuit against a car insurance company, it will typically be a civil suit. The exact course of action will depend on the laws and regulations in your state. One common type of lawsuit is a breach of contract action, as insurance is a contractual agreement. It’s important to work with a lawyer who specializes in insurance litigation to navigate the legal process effectively.

Can I sue my auto insurance company for bad faith?

Yes, you can sue your auto insurance company for bad faith if they have acted dishonestly, unfairly, or unreasonably in handling your claim. Examples of bad faith include intentionally delaying claim processing, making unreasonable settlement offers, or denying a claim without a valid reason.

Is there a time limit for suing my auto insurance company?

Yes, there is a statute of limitations that sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit against your auto insurance company. The specific time frame varies by state, so it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer promptly to ensure you meet the deadline.

Can I sue my car insurance for underpayment of a claim?

Yes, you can sue your auto insurance company if they underpay your claim. If you believe that the settlement offered by the insurer is insufficient to cover your losses, you may choose to pursue legal action to seek the appropriate compensation.

What should I expect during the court process?

The court process can vary depending on your jurisdiction and the specific circumstances of your case. Generally, you can expect pre-trial procedures such as discovery, negotiations, and potentially mediation or arbitration.

If the case proceeds to trial, you will present your evidence, arguments, and witnesses before a judge or jury.

What factors can influence the outcome of the case?

The outcome of the case can be influenced by various factors, including the strength of your evidence, the expertise of your attorney, the applicable laws and regulations, the judge’s interpretation of the case, and the credibility of witnesses.

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