Navigating Claims with Multiple Carriers

Orthodontic malpractice claims are rarely simple, and sometimes they involve more than one insurance carrier. If you and a colleague share responsibility for a patient’s treatment, or if coverage changed hands mid-treatment, you may find yourself navigating a claim alongside another company. Here’s how that process typically works.

Making Contact

When AAOIC identifies that another carrier may be involved in the same claim, the first step is gathering their contact information; the claims handler’s name, email, phone number, and claim number. From there, we reach out directly to open a dialogue and understand their role in the case.

Sorting Out Responsibility

Not every carrier will share equal responsibility. A key part of the early conversation is determining how liability should be divided. Will it be split 50/50, or does one carrier bear more responsibility than the other? Will both companies share defense counsel and expenses, or will each retain separate representation?

These questions can get complicated, especially when a patient changed carriers mid-treatment. Each company may have a different perspective on when the problem originated. Was it rooted in the original treatment plan, or did it develop during a later phase of care? Pinning down an orthodontic date of loss isn’t always straightforward, and negotiation between carriers is sometimes necessary to reach an agreement.

Dividing the Work

When carriers are able to collaborate, they typically divide the investigative workload. This might include determining who selects expert witnesses, whether both parties will share the same experts, or whether each company needs to retain its own. In some cases—particularly when a carrier uses in-house defense attorneys—each company will manage its own defense independently with no cost-sharing. AAOIC generally prefers to work with attorneys who have extensive experience defending dental malpractice actions.

Staying the Course

Throughout the life of the claim, the claims representatives from each carrier stay in regular contact, sharing updates and working toward a resolution. The goal is always the same: an outcome that fairly addresses the situation and satisfies all parties involved.

Your Risk Management Partner

AAOIC The Orthodontists Insurance Company has the experience to navigate even the most complex claim scenarios, including those that involve multiple carriers. If you have questions about how a claim is being handled or what to expect when another company is involved, our team is here to help.

We are committed to protecting orthodontists and their practices. Stay informed and proactive about your insurance coverage to ensure continuous protection as you navigate different stages of your orthodontic career.

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