01Decision dispute
Rejected Insurance Claims
We examine the rejection letter, policy wording and evidence relied on to identify whether the insurer’s reasoning may be challenged.
Explore rejected claim helpRejected, underpaid or delayed claim?
Insurance Claim Disputes: Challenge an Insurer’s Decision
If your insurer has rejected your claim, offered too little, caused serious delay or relied on an allegation or exclusion, we can review the decision and help you understand the strongest available complaint, Ombudsman or litigation route.
Insurance Dispute Specialists
FCA Regulated
Litigation & Direct Access Barristers
Free Initial Claim Review
Understanding the dispute
A Difficult Decision Is Not Necessarily the Final Word
An insurance claim dispute is rarely resolved by arguing only that the outcome feels unfair. A stronger challenge begins by identifying precisely why the insurer reached its decision, what the policy actually says and whether the available evidence supports the position taken.
We examine the insurer’s reasoning alongside the policy, claim documents, correspondence, valuations and technical material. We then explain where the decision may be open to challenge and which route appears most appropriate for the circumstances.
Find the right dispute route
What Problem Are You Having With Your Insurance Claim?
Choose the issue that most closely matches the insurer’s position. If more than one applies, begin with the principal reason given in the latest decision or final response.
02Settlement dispute
Underpaid Claims & Low Offers
We review valuations, scopes of work, settlement calculations and deductions where the amount offered does not appear to reflect the loss.
Explore underpaid claim help03Claims handling
Delayed & Stalled Claims
We examine the timeline, outstanding requests and insurer communications to identify what is causing the delay and how the matter may be escalated.
Explore delayed claim help04Policy information
Non-Disclosure Allegations
We assess the questions asked, the answers provided, the insurer’s underwriting evidence and whether the remedy used appears proportionate.
Explore non-disclosure disputes05Policy wording
Unfair Policy Exclusions
We compare the exclusion relied upon with the wording of the policy, the cause of the loss and the way the insurer has applied it.
Explore exclusion disputes06Serious allegation
Fraud Allegations
Where fraud or dishonesty is alleged, we carefully assess the insurer’s evidence, statements, inconsistencies and the wider consequences of the allegation.
Explore fraud allegation help07Sum insured
Underinsurance Disputes
We review the sum insured, valuation basis, any average clause and the information available when the policy was arranged or renewed.
Explore underinsurance disputes08Cause of damage
Wear & Tear Disputes
We examine whether gradual deterioration genuinely caused the loss or whether wear and tear is being applied too broadly to damage from an insured event.
Explore wear and tear disputesNot Sure Which Type of Dispute Applies?
Send us the insurer’s decision and the information you have. We can help identify the central issue during the initial review.
Building the challenge
What a Stronger Insurance Claim Challenge Needs
The right route depends on the policy, the reason for the decision, the available evidence and the outcome being sought.
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1
The Exact Decision
The rejection, offer, allegation or delay must be clearly identified rather than treated as a general disagreement.
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2
The Policy and Applicable Wording
Definitions, exclusions, endorsements, conditions and schedules can materially change how cover operates.
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3
The Evidence Behind Each Position
Decision letters, loss-adjuster reports, expert evidence, photographs, valuations and correspondence may all matter.
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4
A Clear Outcome and Route
The challenge should explain what is disputed, why the decision should change and what fair resolution is being requested.
When a complaint is not enough
Insurance Dispute Litigation & Direct Access Barristers
Many insurance disputes can be advanced through a structured complaint, negotiation or the Financial Ombudsman Service. However, a higher-value, legally complex or heavily contested claim may require a formal pre-action strategy or court proceedings to be considered.
Where appropriate, we can help organise the evidence, define the disputed issues, prepare the case for specialist advice and coordinate access to a suitably qualified barrister with relevant insurance and commercial litigation experience.
Direct Access, also known as Public Access, can allow an individual or business to instruct an authorised barrister without first appointing a solicitor. Not every case is suitable, and a solicitor or authorised litigator may still be required for some work.
Advice on Merits and Strategy
A specialist barrister may advise on policy interpretation, legal arguments, evidential weaknesses, proportionality and the prospects of available routes.
Drafting and Pre-Action Work
Assistance may include drafting correspondence, formal documents, statements, pleadings and instructions for an appropriate expert.
Negotiation and Representation
Where proceedings or a hearing become necessary, an appropriately instructed barrister may negotiate, provide advocacy and represent the client in court.
A clear initial process
How We Review an Insurance Claim Dispute
The initial review is designed to establish what has happened, where the dispute lies and whether there may be a realistic route forward.
Send the Claim Information
Tell us what has happened and provide the insurer’s latest decision, policy documents and any supporting material you currently have.
We Examine the Dispute
We review the policy, reasoning, evidence and calculations to understand the strengths, weaknesses and unanswered questions.
We Explain the Options
We provide an initial view of the available routes, any further information required and what could happen next.
For solicitors and professional advisers
Specialist Support When an Insurance Dispute Sits Alongside Your Client Work
We work with solicitors, accountants, brokers and other professional advisers who need focused assistance with the insurance element of a client matter.
View Professional Referral Information- Initial merits and route assessment
- Policy, decision and evidence review
- Clear communication and defined scope
- Litigation and Direct Access barrister coordination where appropriate
Common questions
Insurance Claim Dispute FAQs
These answers provide general guidance. The correct approach depends on the policy, evidence, type of claimant and stage reached.
Can I challenge an insurer’s decision?
Yes. A decision can be challenged where the policy wording, evidence, valuation, claims handling or reasoning may not support the outcome. The first step is usually to identify the precise basis of the decision and gather the documents needed to test it.
What should I send for an initial claim review?
The policy schedule and wording, the insurer’s decision or offer, relevant correspondence, reports, photographs, estimates and valuations are useful. If you do not have everything, send what is currently available and explain what may be missing.
Can I dispute an insurance settlement that is too low?
Potentially. The scope of damage, repair methodology, valuation evidence, policy limits, excess, underinsurance and specific deductions can all affect the figure. A useful challenge addresses the insurer’s actual calculation and supports the alternative amount sought.
Do I have to complain to the insurer before approaching the Financial Ombudsman?
Generally, the insurer must first be given the opportunity to investigate the complaint. For most complaints it has up to eight weeks to issue a final response. Eligible complainants can usually approach the Financial Ombudsman after a final response or when the applicable response period has passed.
Are there time limits for escalating an insurance complaint?
Yes. For most eligible complaints to the Financial Ombudsman, the referral normally needs to be made within six months of the insurer’s final response. Other complaint and legal time limits may also apply, so check the final response carefully and do not delay in obtaining guidance.
What if the insurer has alleged fraud or non-disclosure?
These allegations can have consequences beyond the immediate claim and should be handled carefully. Preserve the proposal or renewal questions, your answers, the insurer’s evidence and all relevant correspondence, and seek assistance promptly before making unnecessary admissions.
Can I instruct a barrister directly for an insurance dispute?
Potentially. Under the Public Access scheme, an appropriately trained and authorised barrister may accept instructions directly from an individual or business without a solicitor. Barristers can advise, draft documents and represent clients, but many do not conduct the day-to-day litigation. Suitability must therefore be assessed and a solicitor or authorised litigator may still be needed in some cases.
Is the initial claim review free?
Yes. The initial review is free and there is no obligation to proceed. If further work may be appropriate, the proposed scope and pricing will be explained before you decide whether to continue.
Information on this page is general and is not a guarantee that a claim decision can be changed. Each matter depends on its facts, policy wording, evidence, eligibility and applicable time limits.