Do insurance companies keep records of denied claims?

Question

My former homeowner's insurer was Allstate. They denied a claim for water damage I made several years ago. Recently I learned that the water damage resulted from poor plumbing work (misfitting parts)which may show up in the old claim photos. I haven't yet repaired the damage but I need the photos to show that the fittings were there then and not changed in the interim.

Answer 1

for whatever reason you can not refer to a case relating to several years ago.

Answer 2

I'm not sure why some of the other answers are bringing up the CLUE reports if all you want is copies of the photos. The CLUE report will have nothing to do with your request fo rcopies of the photos.

It is true that the photos are the "work product" of the insurance company and most of the time they aren't released without a subpeona.  

However, I have had requests like yours before and have provided copies of file information if I get a written request outlining why they are needed.

Contrary to what at least answer stated insurance companies do not keep all claim files indefinitely. In most states the company is required to keep the file for 1 year past the Statute of Limitations (SOL) date. For most states you can assume between 3 to 7 years. After that the files can be destroyed (unless the involve minor children).  

Call the Allstate Claims office that handled your claim and get the name and address or email of the claim manager. Send them a letter or email explaining why you need copies of the photos. If you request them via mail send a SASE with the request.        

This isn't part of your question, but if you have the plumbing problem fixed do not throw away the misfitting parts. If you don't have the parts it can severely hamper your claim. You will also need to have an expert provide a written report indicating what the problem was. Odds are it going to be a "installation" problem, but you will need to document that in order to have a chance to make a claim against whoever installed the misfitting part.  

Good Luck

Answer 3

Typically, yes, though the period that they are required to keep archives (by the department of insurance) and/or company policies differ somewhat.  As to making a claim, you'll likely want to put the initial plumber (installer of the parts) on notice so they can inspect the fittings and determine the problem.  If they wish to take the parts and have them inspected off site, I would take photos of them (including any markings) and get a receipt from them (chain of evidence).  Note that the lack of photos from the prior claim may not be a deal breaker, if Allstate can't find them.

Answer 4

Yes!  Anyone who is serious about computers backs up their data.  Corporations do it on a regular basis.  The information can be accessed at any given time.  However, on the bright side, unless they have reason to suspect any foul play, there is no reason they would.

Answer 5

They keep records of all claims.  Now, with imaging  so common, any past claim is easy to access.Before imagig, old claims were kept in a warehouse.

But, no claim , paid or denied, is ever destroyed.

Answer 6

They keep records of ALL claims.  See Choicepoint.net for information on CLUE Reports.

Answer 7

Yes, and they report denied claims to the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange.  

You won't be able to have access to the adjuster's photos, most likely.    It's proprietary information, and the insurance companies do NOT like to share it.