Overview
If an auto insurer closed your damage claim without notifying you or without resolving the loss, you can often get the carrier to reopen the claim. This article explains the typical steps under Maine practice, what to document, when to involve the Maine Bureau of Insurance, and when to consider other remedies. This is educational only and not legal advice.
Disclaimer
This information is for education only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every policy is different. For legal advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in Maine.
Detailed Answer — How to get a closed auto damage claim reopened in Maine
Insurers usually close claims after they believe the matter is resolved or when they think no further action is required. If your claim closed without notice or before you were satisfied, follow these steps to ask the insurer to reopen it.
1) Review your policy and the claim file
– Locate your insurance policy, declarations page and any claim correspondence or emails. Note the claim number, claim handler name(s), and any deadlines in the policy (for example, notice or appraisal clauses). Review coverage language so you understand what the insurer agreed to investigate.
2) Get the closure reason in writing
– Contact the claim adjuster or the insurer’s claim line and ask for a written explanation of why the claim was closed. If the adjuster gives a verbal reason, request the same information by email or letter. A written closure reason helps you challenge any incorrect facts.
3) Gather and prepare new or overlooked evidence
– If the claim closed because of insufficient evidence, gather additional proof: clear photos of damage, repair estimates from a reputable shop, the police report (if any), witness contact info, medical records (if there are injury issues), and receipts/estimates for loss-of-use or towing. Label and date every item.
4) Make a formal reopening request in writing
– Send a concise, dated written request to reopen the claim. Include:
- Policy number and claim number
- Reference to the written closure reason
- Clear statement asking the insurer to reopen the claim
- New evidence or explanation why the claim requires further investigation
- A deadline for acknowledgement (e.g., 10 business days)
Send this by certified mail with return receipt or by a traceable email so you have proof the carrier received it.
5) Ask about the appraisal or dispute resolution clause
– Many auto policies have an appraisal clause for disputes about the amount of loss. If the dispute is about the damage valuation rather than coverage, the appraisal procedure in your policy may be faster and cheaper than litigation. Review the policy and tell the insurer you are invoking appraisal if appropriate.
6) Escalate inside the company if needed
– If the adjuster does not respond, ask to speak to the claims supervisor or a regional claims manager. Keep notes of every phone call: date, time, who you spoke with and what they said.
7) File a complaint with the Maine Bureau of Insurance
– If internal escalation fails or the insurer’s conduct seems unfair, file a complaint with the Maine Bureau of Insurance. The Bureau can investigate claim handling and often pressures carriers to fix mistakes. Maine PFR Insurance consumer assistance and complaint info: https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/consumer-assistance. For the statutory framework for insurance regulation, see Maine Revised Statutes, Title 24-A: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/.
8) Preserve your rights and consider legal steps
– Keep every document, photo and communication. If the carrier continues to deny reopening the claim despite clear evidence, you may have remedies including appraisal, small-claims court for modest losses, or a civil action for breach of contract or bad-faith practices depending on the facts. Consult an attorney early if you plan to pursue those options.
Sample short letter to request reopening (use your facts)
[Date]
[Insurance Company — Claims Department]
Re: Policy #[policy number], Claim #[claim number]
Dear Claims Manager,
Please reopen the above claim. I received a closure notice dated [date] that stated [reason]. New information that requires further investigation includes: [briefly list new photos, repair estimate, police report, witness].
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and confirm that the claim will be reopened within ten (10) business days. If you will not reopen, please explain the legal basis for the decision in writing.
Sincerely,
[Your name and contact info]
When to contact the Maine Bureau of Insurance
- If you never received notice of closure.
- If the insurer refuses to explain the closure in writing.
- If the insurer will not consider new evidence that reasonably supports coverage or additional payment.
- If you suspect unfair claim settlement practices (delay, misrepresentation, or refusal to communicate).
File a complaint and see consumer resources here: https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/consumer-assistance/filing-complaint.
Practical timelines and tips
- Act quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it is to reopen a claim and preserve evidence.
- Document all communications. Keep copies of letters, emails, photos, estimates and phone notes.
- Use traceable delivery (certified mail or email with read receipt) for important documents.
- If an insurer reopened a file but then closed it again without addressing your new evidence, note that when you complain to the Bureau of Insurance.
- Consider getting at least one written repair estimate from a trusted shop to show the scope and cost of repairs.
Helpful Hints
- Start by asking the adjuster for a written closure explanation — often a simple correction will get the file reopened.
- Attach a clear cover sheet listing what’s new when you send evidence: photos, estimates, police reports, invoices.
- Keep the communication professional and concise. Clear, organized submissions get faster responses.
- If coverage is disputed rather than amount, focus your written request on facts that show coverage applies (who, what, when, where, how).
- If time is sensitive (rental car bills, safety concerns), mark that urgency and provide receipts for immediate expenses so the carrier can consider interim payments.
- Use the Maine Bureau of Insurance as a resource—filing a complaint does not prevent you from pursuing other remedies but often encourages a fair review.
- When in doubt about rights or possible bad-faith conduct, consult a Maine attorney experienced with insurance claims to review your policy and options.
For general information on Maine insurance law and regulation, see Title 24-A of the Maine Revised Statutes: https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/.