Faulty Brakes Can Mean Car Insurance Claim Rejection
Can faulty brakes result in a rejected claim?
Yes, faulty brakes is one among the more common reasons insurers cite for rejecting claims.
In addition to faulty brakes, some other causes are:
- Unlicensed drivers
- Unpermitted or unnominated drivers, according to policy terms
- Unroadworthy vehicle condition such as lights, wipers, faulty brakes, smooth tyres, etc
- Speeding, intoxicated by drugs or alcohol, grossly negligent
- Variance between claimant record of events and stored vehicle electronic data
- Type of damage incurred not covered by policy
- Fraudulent, inflated, inaccurate or incomplete information provided at claim or underwriting stage
- Non-provision of vehicle pre-inspection or upfront photos
- Lack of proper maintenance leading to mechanical failure
- Failure to obey with insurer requests for pertinent information
What is the basis for an insurance provider to reject a claim?
Usually, an insurance policy may be misunderstood, as opposed to a case of a below par product. Transparency is a hallmark of the insurance industry and their products.
It may help to understand early why an insurer rejects a claim
To lessen the instances of an insurer being accused of arbitrary claim rejections, the client will be 
explained fully by the insurer the main reasons claim rejections occur when buying a policy.
Following this briefing, most prospective policy buyers acknowledge their understanding. This leads to less likelihood of complaints, because there has been full appraisal.
Most people would rather know of all the reasons that would disqualify a claim ahead of a claim rejection than finding out after the rejection. Lessening the instances of misunderstandings through the exchange of information reduces the number of complaints.
This approach allows the insurer a basis of disputing any claims of a client not knowing why a reason for claim rejection by showing that the client knew about the most likely causes of claim rejection.
Insurance claim rejection letter
Once notified by the insurer of a claim rejection, a formal letter will follow confirming as much. There must be clearly stated reasons for claim rejection. At this point, and to find out whether you have any recourse, carefully go through the claim rejection letter and your insurance policy document, in order to find any inconsistencies.
Your insurance claim rejection is due to faulty brakes. What now?
Having compared the formal rejection letter and your insurance policy document, you will have to come to a conclusion as to their veracity. If you feel your claim rejection was unfair, you can complain. Keep in mind though that if you do decide to complain, you better have some evidence to back you up.
What should you centre on in an allegation of unfair treatment?
Take a step back and consider the facts. Objectively, was the insurer correct in rejecting your claim or not?
Make representations as quickly as possible
Deal with the matter without delay. Most policies set a time limit after which you cannot make further representations.
How should an insurance claim be submitted?
Honesty is the best policy when claiming from your insurer. Therefore, provide the entire picture of the matter, negative and positive. This allows for a both sides fully understanding the circumstances, reducing the likelihood of bad service, unfair treatment or a rejected claim.
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All info was correct at time of publishing January 18, 2018
