- Claimhouse Claim Guides
Insurance claim lawyers: Do I need one?
- Complaints process
Introduction
Searching for an insurance claim lawyer for your Home and Contents, Strata, Landlord, Motor Vehicle, or Business Insurance claim? Ready to approach AFCA, but not wanting to do it alone?
Many Australians look for legal support when their insurance claim is denied, delayed, or underpaid. But hiring a lawyer is not your only option.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions people ask when looking for support with their insurance claims, and what a lawyer or advocate may be able to offer you.
When should I engage an insurance claim lawyer?
You would likely need an insurance claim lawyer if:
- You are planning to take your insurer to court
- Your dispute involves a large loss outside of AFCA’s jurisdiction, or complex legal issues
- You’ve already gone through AFCA and are seeking judicial review or damages
When could I engage a claim advocate?
For policyholders wanting support through the claims and complaints process (including when lodging and progressing an AFCA complaint), a claims advocate is an alternate option.
With an understanding of the insurance industry, and an appreciation of the legal and compliance requirements that insurers are expected to meet, an advocate may be able to help you improve your claim outcome.
Whilst an advocate will not provide financial or legal advice, they can help you navigate the confusing insurance claims process with confidence and clarity.
What does a claim advocate do?
Claim advocates may:
- Work within the insurer’s complaints process and AFCA’s resolution scheme to improve your claim outcome
- Rely on industry expertise to help you understand how insurers assess claims, including internal systems, scope reviews, and settlement tactics
- Help you build persuasive evidence, challenge unfair denials, and negotiate cash settlements, without going to court
Can a claims advocate represent me at AFCA?
Yes. While AFCA is not a court, it is a formal dispute resolution body, and you’re entitled to have an advocate act on your behalf.
Claim advocates can:
- Prepare and lodge your complaint
- Help gather evidence and draft persuasive submissions
- Challenge insurer reports, quotes, and exclusions
- Negotiate with the insurer to settle the claim early, or proceed to a determination
Conclusion
Searching for an insurance claim lawyer may have led you here, but it is not the only option.
If your goal is to:
- Challenge a denied or underpaid claim
- Negotiate a better settlement
- Push past delays and vague responses
- Lodge or progress an AFCA complaint
…then a professional claims advocate with industry experience is an alternative option you could consider.
At Claimhouse, we combine insurer insight, strategy, and evidence-based advocacy to give everyday Australians a fair shot at improving their claim outcome.
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Keen to learn more?
If you are exhausted with the claims process or want the support of an expert claim advocate in your corner, submit an enquiry and we’ll review your claim, for free, and help you move forwards with confidence.
Let’s talk about your insurance claim
Whether you need advice, support, or a second opinion, we’re here to help you understand your options and move your claim forward.
You can contact us using our enquiry form (to the right), or by calling or emailing us.