What Does “We Are Investigating Coverage and Liability” Mean in a Car Accident Claim?
If you’ve been in a car accident in Texas, you’ve probably heard the insurance company say something like, “We’re still investigating coverage and liability.” This can feel confusing or intimidating, but it simply means the insurance company is reviewing two separate issues—coverage and liability—as part of your car accident claim. Understanding these terms is key to knowing where your claim stands and what to expect next.
1. What Is Coverage?
Coverage refers to whether the at-fault driver’s insurance policy is valid and active at the time of the accident. Essentially, the insurance company is checking whether they are contractually obligated to pay for your car accident claim. Some common questions they review include:
Is the policy active? If the driver hasn’t paid their premiums or the policy has expired, the insurance company may not have to pay.
Was the driver covered? Some drivers may be excluded from the policy. For example, a teen who was not listed on the insurance policy may not be covered.
Does the insurance contract apply? Insurance agreements are legally binding contracts. If the accident falls outside the terms of the policy, the insurer may deny coverage.
Coverage is usually just a matter of verifying insurance policy details, which your attorney can help confirm. Most of the time, these issues are out of your control.
2. What Is Liability?
Liability refers to who is responsible for causing the car accident. Even if coverage exists, the insurance company may initially dispute liability if they believe their insured wasn’t at fault. Some points they review include:
Fault investigation: The insurance company will examine police reports, witness statements, and other evidence from the accident to determine fault.
Disputing your claim: They may deny responsibility if they think their insured did not cause the crash.
If liability is disputed, it doesn’t mean your case is over. With an experienced personal injury attorney, you can fight for your rights and prove fault in court if necessary.
