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Disputing incorrect or unfair bills can be difficult, but comparing records and contacting insurance companies can help. Remaining polite and contacting higher-ups may also be necessary, and small claims court is an option as a last resort.
In the world of goods and services, incorrect or unfair billing is an unfortunate side effect. Sometimes it’s possible to challenge a bill that seems wrong or unfair, but it’s often an uphill battle. Whether it’s hospital bills, credit card charges, or even restaurant bills, taking careful and legally correct action can help a consumer dispute a bill and reach a successful resolution.
When a bill seems wrong or seems excessively high, try comparing it to any available record. For your credit card statement, check your receipts and bank statements to make sure every transaction is recorded correctly. If a restaurant bill seems huge, ask for a copy of the menu and compare the prices charged with the prices listed. Keeping good records is an essential part of successfully disputing an invoice; nothing will bring about a result faster than hard evidence proving the allegations are incorrect.
If the disputed bill is covered by insurance, such as a medical bill or an auto accident repair bill, contact your insurance company. As they are responsible for all or part of the payment, it is in their best interest to ensure that the charges are correct. A powerful insurance company may carry far more clout than an angry consumer, and therefore may be able to handle a fair settlement faster and more successfully.
Whether you’re trying to dispute a bill with a customer service representative, salesperson, or waitress, it’s important to remain calm, civil, and polite. Accusations, swearing, and general hostility fuel the defensive, and a simple misunderstanding can quickly escalate into a full-blown confrontation in no time. Making billing managers angry will make them reluctant to care about the situation or want to help an angry customer. Remaining polite not only keeps the situation calm, but can actually make the other party more motivated to find a fair solution.
Don’t be afraid to contact company headquarters if attempts to dispute an invoice are not met. Some people rely on “talking to the manager” if a lower-level employee refuses to change a disputed invoice, but managers and supervisors are often protective of their employees and may pay a customer by lip service when in reality argue employee behind closed doors. Contacting a business owner, posting unfavorable ratings on popular review websites, or filing complaints with regulators and agencies can help a person dispute a bill if entry-level employees aren’t helpful.
Worst case scenario, decide if there is enough evidence to go to small claims court. This may become necessary in situations where the transaction is large and the evidence is clearly in favor of the client. Remember, however, that small claims court can take some time to reach and that there are usually court fees associated with a trial. Make sure the battle is worth fighting before taking the matter to court.
Smart Asset.
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