Tactics Car Insurance Companies Use to Devalue or Deny Valid Claims
Auto insurance companies are notorious for employing different methods to avoid compensating accident victims as they should. This is because they are primarily in the business for profit, and the less they pay out, the more their profit.
Whether you’re dealing with the insurance company of a driver who has caused your injury or your insurance company, it is common for these companies to try to deny or devalue your claim. Being familiar with their playbook helps you immediately recognize their cards and defend them appropriately when they try to play them. Below are some common tactics insurance companies use to devalue car accident claims.
Contacting You Shortly After the Accident
An agent from the insurance company or a claims adjuster might reach out to you within 24 – 72 hours after you report the accident. They will likely sound friendly and caring to assure you that the insurance company is in your best interests. They might even ask for a recorded statement where you describe the accident and the extent of damage or your injuries.
Ordinarily, this doesn’t seem like a bad thing. However, their primary goal is to get you to provide definite statements on information you don’t have yet. For instance, if you mention nothing about a concussion on this call, they will use that to contest your claim if your diagnosis later reveals a concussion. So be careful what you say, and do not provide a recorded statement.
Quick Settlement
The liable auto insurance company might offer you a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or damages. With a quick settlement, they will also ask you to sign a release form freeing them from subsequent liability. The quick settlement offer will be tempting to accept on the spot but less than what you’re entitled to.
Delay
Some insurance companies delay the settlement process to frustrate you so that when they make an offer, you accept it just to get something, even if it’s less than what you’re entitled to.
Dispute Policy Coverage
A few auto insurance companies may argue that your policy does not cover some of your claims. The coverage dispute tactic is most common when you’ve relied on your health insurance or other insurance to pay for damages or injuries immediately.
Weaponizing Social Media Posts
Finally, insurance companies are known to spy on you through your social media accounts. They then use the nature of your picture or posts to argue that you have not sustained the injuries or damages listed in your claim.
Protect Yourself From Insurance Company Tactics
Fighting these underhanded tactics requires experience and a rational third-party point of view. With your best interest in mind, a skilled attorney can advise on how to best respond to an insurance company’s attempt to deny or devalue your claim. At Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, PLLC, our century-plus of collective experience makes us the right firm to fight for compensation after an accident. Contact our Bozeman personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.