Regardless of how comprehensive someone may believe their insurance policies to be, any insurance professional can tell you that true "full coverage" is all but a myth. Whether someone has purchased protection for their home, car or any other assets, there are always instances in which a policyholder could have an insurance claim denied. According to the Zebra, common reasons for insurance claim denials may include: |

• The claim includes incomplete information.
• The service is not covered. It is always good practice to wait for approval from your insurance company before undertaking any action or repairs, as some of these things may not be covered by your policy.
• The claim was filed too late. Most policies have strict guidelines about how long an insured has to file a claim. If one is filed outside of the allotted timeframe, it can result in an automatic denial.
• The claim is a duplicate. When a claim is filed multiple times, it can lead to a denial. This is generally an easy fix, but it is best to avoid this situation as it can delay the claim payout.
• There was pre-existing damage to the covered article. If an insured files a claim that includes damage to their property that existed prior to the claim event, the claim could be denied.
• Lack of pre-authorization. Find out whether any services require pre-approval by your insurance company before they are completed, otherwise you risk having the claim denied.
• The insurance policy had lapsed at the time of the claim. Coverage lapses due to non-payment are common, but avoidable.

There are steps insureds can take should they find themselves on the receiving end of a denial. In the slideshow above, the Zebra offers advice regarding what insureds can do when they disagree with their insurer's decision.

Related:

• Insurance coverage Q & A: Which policy covers items damaged when moving homes?
• The evolution of the claims adjuster
• Insurer's prejudgment interest starts when payment is due, not when claim was denied