Auto insurance is mandatory in almost all states in the United States. Its purpose is to protect motorists from the risk of financial liability in cases of accident, damage, or loss of vehicle. Unfortunately, most auto insurance companies prioritize profits over the well-being and recovery of motorists. It's common to see adjusters from insurance companies play games with claimants seeking pecuniary compensation for damages. Understanding the games auto insurance companies play when pursuing negotiation will help you maximize your financial recovery. So, join us in this article as we discuss why you won't get paid by your auto insurance company and how to avoid them.
Delaying Settlements
One of the tactics insurance companies use to avoid compensating you when you have a valid claim is delaying the settlement. Insurance companies often use this delay tactic to drag out the process and frustrate the claimant into giving up or accepting a lower offer. If you find yourself in such a situation, don't hesitate to reach out to our car accident lawyer Wichita, for legal representation.
Dispute Liability
If you’ve ever played a crash game like Aviator, you’ll understand that pushing limits can lead to significant losses. Driving recklessly or ignoring your car maintenance can lead to an accident in which you will be liable. However, insurance companies often play the game of disputing liability to avoid paying for repairs. They may argue the policyholder was not at fault or that the claimant's injury pre-existed. You can protect yourself from this game by ensuring you have sufficient evidence and legal representation when you file a claim at an insurance company.
Deny Claim Based On Subjectivity
Another strategy insurance companies may use to avoid paying your claim is on the basis of subjectivity. Insurance companies will often indicate their terms are “subject to” certain terms. For example, an insurance company may have a term “subject to completion of a claim form within 30 days" or "subject to the vehicle being used for business." In a case where the claimant is non-compliant with such conditions, the insurance company has the right to deny the claim. To protect yourself, ensure you understand the terms and conditions of any auto insurance you get.
Trying To Get You To Sign The Documents
If the insurance company is pressuring you to sign documents you don't understand, it’s in your best interest to have your lawyer review them before signing any document. It’s typical to have to sign several documents like:
Claim form
Witness statements
Proof of loss form
Medical authorization form
Vehicle repair authorization
Settlement agreement
Subrogation agreement
The list goes on, but each of these documents can make or break your case. For example, a medical authorization form gives your insurance company authorization to visit your hospital to check your medical history, which can hurt your case.
Offering Quick Settlements
Additionally, when auto insurance offers a quick settlement, think twice before accepting it. In most cases where auto insurance offers to settle your claim quickly, they try to minimize their losses. Adjusters often offer a quick settlement because they know if the case were to drag longer into court, the insurance company would end up paying more. So, the settlement offer may be far below the actual value of your claim. You can protect yourself from this game by ensuring you seek guidance from a law firm before accepting any offer.
