Step-by-step checklist — what to do next

1. Ask for the offer in writing and a clear explanation. Request a written breakdown showing how the insurer calculated the payment, what was covered, and which policy provisions or exclusions they relied on. Written communications create a record.
2. Compare the offer to your policy and damages. Review your insurance policy for coverages, limits, exclusions, the deductible, and any appraisal, arbitration, or suit-forcing clauses. Gather estimates, invoices, repair bids, medical records, receipts, and photos that support your losses.
3. Check deadlines and notice requirements. Most policies have time limits for filing proof of loss or starting appraisal/arbitration. Also check Ohio statutes of limitations for related legal claims (for example, injury claims are typically governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10). Acting promptly protects your rights. See Ohio Revised Code Title 39 (Insurance) for the governing state law on insurance contracts: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/title-39
4. Send a reasoned, documented counter-demand. If the insurer’s computations look low or are unexplained, respond in writing with your demand, attaching supporting estimates, bills, and photos. Cite relevant policy language if you can. Be concise and factual.
5. Invoke contract dispute tools (appraisal, mediation, or arbitration) if available. Many policies include an appraisal clause for property-value disputes and arbitration clauses for other disputes. Follow the procedure in the policy exactly. If you are unsure where to start, ask the insurer for the policy provision they relied on.
6. File a complaint with the Ohio Department of Insurance. If you suspect unfair claim handling, you can file a consumer complaint with Ohio’s regulator. The Department can investigate market conduct and may help resolve disputes: https://insurance.ohio.gov/consumers/file-complaint
7. Preserve evidence and communications. Keep photos, repair estimates, records of lost income, medical documentation, and every written or voicemail communication with the company, including dates and names of people you spoke to.
8. Consider hiring an attorney. Talk to an attorney experienced in insurance claims if: the offer is substantially below your documented losses; the insurer denies coverage and you disagree; the insurer claims policy limits that may be insufficient; or if you see patterns of delays or misrepresentations. An attorney can evaluate bad-faith or contract claims and handle negotiations, appraisal, litigation, or regulatory complaints.

Common scenarios and tailored next steps

• Low settlement for property damage: Use the policy’s appraisal clause (if present) or get independent repair estimates. Send those estimates plus photos and invoices as a written rebuttal.
• Low medical or injury offer: Provide medical records, bills, and a clear summary of past/future medical needs. For serious injuries, consult a personal-injury attorney before accepting.
• Claim denied as excluded: Request the exact policy language and a written explanation. If coverage is debatable, an attorney can review the policy and advise whether to pursue litigation.
• Insurer calls an offer “final” but new information appears: Present the new evidence promptly. Many insurers will reopen a file when confronted with additional, supported proof of loss.

When to consider litigation or a bad-faith claim

Ohio law allows remedies when insurers breach the insurance contract. In some situations, insurers may also face regulatory action for unfair claim practices under state insurance laws (see Ohio Revised Code Title 39: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/title-39). Litigation is often appropriate when:

• The insurer unreasonably refuses to pay a valid claim or delays payment without a legitimate reason;
• The insurer intentionally misrepresents policy language or coverage;
• The offer is far below documented losses and negotiations cannot bridge the gap;
• There are strong factual or legal grounds that coverage applies and the insurer refuses to concede.

An attorney can evaluate whether a breach-of-contract lawsuit or regulatory complaint makes sense.

Helpful Hints

• Always get insurer statements and offers in writing.
• Keep a claim folder with dates, names, and notes of all communications.
• Do not sign a full release until you are certain the payment covers all damages and future needs; releases often bar further claims.
• If your policy includes appraisal, hire a qualified appraiser quickly and meet the policy’s timing requirements.
• Use concise, factual language in all correspondence; avoid admitting fault or downplaying losses.
• Consider a short consultation with a lawyer before accepting any offer if losses exceed a couple thousand dollars or involve injuries.
• If an insurer repeatedly fails to explain a denial or final offer, file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Insurance: https://insurance.ohio.gov/consumers/file-complaint
• Know key statutory timing: for example, many personal-injury suits in Ohio are subject to a two-year statute of limitations (Ohio Rev. Code § 2305.10). See: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2305.10