Let’s face it: You’re probably not an insurance expert. However, there are easy tells — think of them like poker “tells” — that are common signs your insurance provider isn’t giving your claim the attention and scrutiny it deserves. Keep in mind these are the 5 most common tactics and tells, though a professional attorney is most likely more qualified to help navigate an insurance company’s tricks.
1. Your claim is flat-out denied: Denying your claim is low-hanging fruit for most insurance providers. While your provider has the right to deny your claim, they MUST document and respond to you as to why. It’s possible that your claim was denied due to the fact that an inadequate investigation into your accident was conducted meaning your provider was unable to come to a fair conclusion.
2. You’re being threatened: No party has the right to threaten you from continuing to pursue your claim, or get you to make a statement you don’t feel comfortable making. Additionally if you’re given unreasonable demands (for example, being asked for documents that have nothing to do with your case) beware that your insurer may intentionally be making your claim a long, difficult process.
3. Your settlement seems low… a little too low: Litigation is necessary to recoup a fair and accurate settlement. However, this is a cost that your insurer must incur. Don’t be surprised if your first option for a settlement is merely a way for you to be passed through their system.
4. You’re being ghosted: Following an accident, timing is crucial. Insurance companies know this, and take advantage of this: If you can’t get in touch with your provider there’s a good chance they’re giving you the runaround. Lack of communication could mean your provider is acting in bad faith in an attempt to devalue the claim.
5. Your policy has suddenly changed, and without notice: Another bad faith tactic involves your insurance company canceling or making changes to your policy without giving you prior notification. This may be done in an effort to minimize the compensation you receive or deny coverage completely. The idea is that the eligibility of the claim is based on the newly revised policy instead of the original policy terms under which the claim should be evaluated. Always keep a copy of your original insurance policy on hand to help ensure this does not happen to you.
Remember: After an accident, you don’t have to go through this alone. Get an attorney immediately to save yourself from the headaches, traps, and financial risks you face without proper representation.