Filing an insurance claim after an accident or disaster can be stressful, especially depending on compensation to recover your losses. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always play fair. They prioritize protecting their bottom line, often at the expense of rightful claims. Whether it’s a car accident, property damage, or personal injury case, knowing these common tactics can help you avoid falling into their traps. An expert San Diego Personal Injury Attorney can often see these tricks firsthand. Good lawyers can help you navigate the complex world of insurance claims.
1. Delaying the Process Until You Give Up
One of the oldest tricks in the book is to drag out the claims process. Insurance companies know that time is on their side. By repeatedly requesting additional documentation, re-evaluations, or third-party opinions, they hope to frustrate you into dropping your claim or settling for less than you deserve.
Delays can be especially difficult for individuals facing medical bills, lost wages, or urgent repairs. While waiting for an answer, expenses pile up, adding pressure to accept a lowball offer to make ends meet.
How to Counter It:
Keep a detailed record of all communications with the insurance company. Document every phone call, email, and request for additional information. Setting clear response deadlines and seeking help from a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney can pressure the insurer to move things along.
2. Offering a Lowball Settlement Early
After an accident or disaster, insurance adjusters might appear eager to help by offering you a settlement quickly. At first glance, the amount might seem fair, but it’s often far below what your claim is worth. They’re counting on you being overwhelmed and unaware of the full extent of your damages.
This tactic is particularly common in personal injury cases where the long-term effects of injuries, such as ongoing medical treatments or lost earning capacity, may not be immediately apparent.
How to Counter It:
Never accept the first settlement offer without thoroughly evaluating your claim. Consult experts, such as contractors for property damage or doctors for injuries, to understand the true cost of your losses. A personal injury lawyer can help you assess the fair offer and negotiate for a better deal.
3. Disputing Liability
Insurance companies often try to deny claims by arguing that their policyholder isn’t at fault. In car accident cases, they may claim that you were partially or fully responsible, which can significantly reduce or even void your payout depending on the laws in your state.
This tactic creates doubt about what happened, often by misinterpreting evidence, twisting witness statements, or exploiting vague language in the police report.
How to Counter It:
Gather as much evidence as possible after the incident. This includes photos, videos, witness contact information, and official reports. If liability is disputed, consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to investigate your case and counter the insurer’s arguments with solid evidence.
4. Using Your Own Words Against You
After filing a claim, you’ll likely need to state the incident. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask seemingly harmless questions designed to elicit responses they can later use to minimize or deny your claim. For example, saying something as simple as “I’m fine” after an accident could be used to argue that your injuries aren’t severe.
Adjusters may also contact you repeatedly to get you to make inconsistent statements, which can weaken your credibility.
How to Counter It:
Be cautious when speaking with insurance representatives. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about what happened or the extent of your injuries. It’s best to consult a lawyer before providing a recorded statement, as they can guide you on what to say and what to avoid.
5. Claiming Your Policy Doesn’t Cover the Damages
Another common tactic is to deny coverage by pointing to obscure clauses in your policy or claiming that certain damages are excluded. This is particularly frustrating when you’ve been diligently paying premiums and expect full protection in the event of an accident or disaster.
For example, they might argue that your car insurance doesn’t cover certain collisions or that your homeowner’s policy excludes flood damage. Sometimes, they may even claim that you failed to disclose certain information when you purchased the policy, voiding your claim entirely.
How to Counter It:
Carefully review your policy and understand its terms. If the language is unclear or you suspect bad faith, consult a lawyer specializing in insurance disputes. They can help interpret your policy and challenge the insurer’s denial.
Bonus Tip: Beware of Surveillance
In some cases, insurance companies may go as far as surveilling you to find evidence that contradicts your claim. For example, they might hire investigators to photograph or record you engaging in activities that they can argue are inconsistent with your reported injuries. While this tactic is more extreme, it’s not unheard of, especially in high-stakes personal injury cases.
How to Counter It:
Be mindful of your activities and avoid behaviors that could be misinterpreted. Follow your doctor’s advice and stick to your prescribed treatment plan. If you suspect surveillance, consult your lawyer for guidance.
Conclusion
Insurance companies are skilled at using tricks to minimize payouts, but knowing their tactics gives you the upper hand. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect yourself from unfair practices and secure the compensation you deserve. If you feel overwhelmed, personal injury lawyers can provide the expertise and support needed to stand up to these powerful corporations. Remember, it’s not just about getting paid—it’s about fighting for what’s right.
