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Explore Our Criminal Law Services

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01

Business Insurance

03

Home Insurance

02

Contents Insurance

04

Life Insurance

Has Your Insurance Claim Been Denied, Delayed or Underpaid?

When you take out insurance, you expect your insurer to support you when something goes wrong. Unfortunately, many Australians discover — often during stressful circumstances — that their insurance claim has been rejected, delayed, disputed, or only partially paid.

At Maguire & McInerney Lawyers, we help clients across Wollongong and the Illawarra challenge unfair insurance decisions and pursue insurance claims when disputes arise.

Whether your matter involves life insurance, disability insurance, home insurance, or business insurance, our experienced insurance lawyers can help you understand your rights and take action.

Why Are Insurance Claims Rejected?

Insurance claims can be denied for many reasons, including:

  • Disputed policy wording or exclusions
  • Missing or incomplete information
  • Delays by insurers or assessors
  • Allegations of underinsurance
  • Claims being unfairly assessed or rejected

Insurance policies can be complex, and many people only discover the fine print when they try to make a claim.

If your insurer has denied your claim or is refusing to pay the full amount you believe you are owed, obtaining legal advice early can make a significant difference.

We Help With Insurance Claim Disputes Including:

  • Life insurance
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Home insurance
  • Contents insurance
  • Commercial & business insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Building and construction insurance
  • Travel insurance
  • Fire and burglary claims
  • Warranty insurance
  • Accident policies

Home Insurance Claims

A home insurance policy is designed to protect one of your most valuable assets. However, disputes frequently arise when insurers deny coverage, dispute the cause of damage or offer settlements that do not adequately cover repair or replacement costs.

If your insurer has denied your home insurance claim or offered a settlement that does not reflect your loss, we can review your policy and advise on your options.

Contents Insurance Claims

Contents insurance is intended to protect personal belongings against loss or damage. Unfortunately, disputes can arise regarding valuation, exclusions and the extent of coverage available under a policy.

Our team can assess whether your insurer has properly applied the policy terms and whether the settlement offered accurately reflects your loss.

Business Insurance Claims

Business interruption and property damage can have significant financial consequences for businesses. When insurers refuse to pay or significantly reduce a claim, the impact can threaten ongoing operations and profitability.

We work closely with business owners to understand the nature of the loss, assess policy coverage and pursue fair compensation where disputes arise.

Life Insurance Claims

Life insurance is intended to provide financial security during some of life’s most difficult circumstances. Unfortunately, insurers sometimes deny or delay claims based on disputed policy terms, medical evidence or disclosure issues.

Our team provides practical advice and representation to beneficiaries, policyholders and family members seeking to secure the benefits they are entitled to receive.

Experienced Insurance Lawyers Serving Wollongong & The Illawarra

Maguire & McInerney have extensive experience acting for clients in disputed and denied insurance claims throughout Wollongong and the Illawarra.

We can:

  • Review and explain your policy
  • Assess the strength of your claim
  • Help gather supporting evidence
  • Negotiate directly with insurers
  • Represent you in insurance disputes

Our focus is always on achieving the best possible outcome for our clients as efficiently as possible.

Proven Experience Standing Up To Insurers

Mark McDonald led the fight against insurers following the devastating 1998 Illawarra storms, where many homeowners faced insurance claim refusals after widespread storm and flood damage.

Our firm took on some of the largest insurers in Australia and assisted affected homeowners across the Illawarra in resolving insurance disputes and obtaining compensation.

That same commitment continues today.

Speak With An Insurance Lawyer Today

If your insurance claim has been denied, delayed, or disputed, our experienced Wollongong insurance dispute lawyers can help you understand your options and protect your interests.

Contact us today to discuss your claim and understand where you stand.

Steps To Get Started

Reach Out

Whether it’s phone, email, or dropping by our Wollongong office, book a date to sit down with one of our team.

Make a Plan

Understanding where you are coming from, and what you are looking to achieve means that our lawyers can craft the best course of action.

Take Action

Whether it’s litigation or mediation, our team of experts have decades of experience in and outside of the courtroom and are committed to reaching the best possible outcome.

FAQs

Taken out by the builder prior to works being commenced, the costs and coverage of Home Owners Warranty Insurance are passed on by the builder to the owner.

When claiming within the effective period, homeowners should promptly notify their insurer and solicitor, and follow the designated claims process outlined in their policy, as this can differ between insurers.

Depending on the type of claim, there are a variety of channels you can take. New South Wales’ State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) handles complaints regarding CTP insurance, workers compensation insurance and the home building compensation scheme, however other complaints can be lodged directly with the insurer. One of Maguire & McInerney’s experienced lawyers can help explain the options and advise on the best path forward.

A litigation lawyer specialises in the court system and court-based disputes.

Litigation is the process of taking legal action, often via the court system.

When choosing between mediation and litigation, consider various factors such as cost considerations, time constraints, the importance of preserving business relationships, and the complexity of the dispute. Consulting with legal experts experienced in construction disputes can help you make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances.

It is required for projects over $20,000, which includes newly constructed residential properties as well as those undergoing substantial renovation or alteration.

Our Insurance Disputes Team

Mark McDonald

Partner

Lewis Bonney

Solicitor

What Our Clients Say

We’re here to help.

Enquire online, or call us today, and we will help you explore all your options. Your enquiry is completely confidential.