If your insurance company has refused to pay out on a valid claim, it can leave you feeling frustrated, stressed and financially exposed. Insurers often rely on exclusions, technicalities or alleged non-disclosure to deny claims — even where the policyholder has acted honestly and reasonably.
At Aston Knight Solicitors, we specialise in insurance refusal claims, helping individuals and businesses challenge unfair decisions and recover the compensation they are entitled to under their policy.
What Is an Insurance Refusal Claim?
An insurance refusal claim arises when an insurer rejects, delays or underpays a claim that should properly be covered by the policy. These disputes commonly occur after accidents, illness, property damage or business interruption.
Insurers are required to act fairly, transparently and in good faith. Where they fail to do so, policyholders may be entitled to challenge the decision through legal action.
What Is an Insurance Refusal Claim?
An insurance refusal claim arises when an insurer rejects, delays or underpays a claim that should properly be covered by the policy. These disputes commonly occur after accidents, illness, property damage or business interruption.
Insurers are required to act fairly, transparently and in good faith. Where they fail to do so, policyholders may be entitled to challenge the decision through legal action.
Common Reasons Insurers Refuse Claims
Insurance companies often rely on complex policy wording to justify refusing claims. Common reasons include:
- Alleged non-disclosure or misrepresentation
- Breach of policy terms or conditions
- Disputes over exclusions or limitations
- Late notification of a claim
- Allegations that the loss is not covered
- Low or unreasonable settlement offers
- Delays in handling or investigating claims
In many cases, refusals are unreasonable or legally incorrect, and can be successfully challenged.
Types of Insurance Refusal Claims We Handle
Aston Knight Solicitors regularly assist with disputes involving:
- Home and contents insurance disputes
- Travel insurance claim rejections
- Life insurance and critical illness claims
- Income protection and health insurance disputes
- Business and commercial insurance claims
- Professional indemnity insurance disputes
We act for policyholders across a wide range of personal and commercial insurance matters.
Your Rights as a Policyholder
Under UK law and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations, insurers must:
- Handle claims promptly and fairly
- Provide clear reasons for refusing a claim
- Rely on policy terms that are transparent and reasonable
- Treat customers in line with the principle of “fair treatment”
Where an insurer has acted unfairly or breached its obligations, you may be entitled to compensation, interest and costs.
What Can You Recover?
Depending on the circumstances, an insurance refusal claim may allow you to recover:
- The full value of the insurance claim
- Interest on delayed payments
- Compensation for financial losses
- Costs incurred due to the refusal
- Legal costs (in appropriate cases)
We will advise you clearly on the prospects of success and the likely value of your claim.
Case Study
Insurance Refusal Claim
Aston Knight Solicitors acted for AB a company that owned and operated a large country property used as a wedding venue. Following a significant water leak, the property suffered extensive damage and was forced to close for repairs, resulting in substantial loss of business income.
Although the insurance policy provided cover for both property damage and business interruption, the insurer disputed the length of time the venue remained closed and attempted to attribute responsibility to the business itself. As a result, the insurer made a settlement offer of just £50,000, despite the company having suffered losses running into the hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The business initially sought advice from another firm of solicitors, who advised accepting the £50,000 offer. Unsatisfied with this advice, the client approached Aston Knight Solicitors for a second opinion.
After reviewing the policy wording, financial evidence and insurer correspondence, we advised that the offer was wholly inadequate. Court proceedings were therefore issued, and sustained pressure was applied to challenge the insurer’s position.
The matter ultimately resolved at a settlement meeting, where a significantly improved settlement of £215,000 was agreed more than four times the original offer.
This case highlights the importance of specialist legal advice when an insurer refuses or undervalues a claim, and the value of instructing solicitors who are prepared to robustly pursue a fair outcome.
Why Choose Aston Knight Solicitors?
Clients choose us because we provide:
- Specialist expertise in insurance disputes and refusals
- Clear advice on complex policy wording
- Strategic negotiation and litigation experience
- A practical, results-focused approach
- Transparent costs and funding options
We understand the tactics insurers use — and how to challenge them effectively.
Time Limits for Insurance Disputes
Limitation periods vary depending on the type of insurance policy and the nature of the dispute. Some claims must be brought within six years, while others may have shorter deadlines.
Early advice is essential to protect your position.
If your insurer has refused, delayed or underpaid your claim, Aston Knight Solicitors can help you challenge the decision and pursue your claim.
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Our friendly and professional team is always on hand to answer any of your questions, going above and beyond to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
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