6 Insurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For!
When you are involved in a car accident, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming.
One of the most challenging aspects is navigating interactions with insurance companies.
While insurance companies are supposed to help you, their primary goal is to minimize payouts.
Here are six common tricks that insurance companies use, and how you can protect yourself.
Delaying the Claims Process
Insurance companies might deliberately delay the claims process to wear you down.
The longer they take, the more desperate you might become to settle quickly.
This tactic can lead to accepting a lower settlement than you deserve.
In Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, state laws mandate that insurance companies must handle claims promptly and in good faith.
According to the Virginia Administrative Code, insurers must acknowledge receipt of a claim within 10 working days and must affirm or deny coverage within 45 days (about 1 and a half months) of receiving proof of loss.
In North Carolina, similar regulations apply under the North Carolina Administrative Code.
South Carolina law, under the South Carolina Code of Laws, requires insurers to act promptly.
What You Can Do: Keep meticulous records of all communications with the insurance company, and, if delays persist, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance department.
Requesting Unnecessary Information
Another tactic is asking for excessive or irrelevant information, which can cause delays and frustration.
The more complicated the make the process, the more likely you are to make a mistake or give up.
Under the laws of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, insurance companies are required to act in good faith and must not engage in practices that unfairly disadvantage the claimant. For example, the Virginia Code prohibits unfair claim settlement practices, including requesting irrelevant information.
What You Can Do: Understand what is required to process your claim. If you feel the requests are unreasonable, you can seek clarification in writing and consult with a law firm.
Offering a Quick, Low Settlement
Insurance companies often offer a quick settlement shortly after the accident. This offer is usually much lower than what you are entitled to.
They hope that you accept money without fully understanding the extent of your injuries or damage.
In North Carolina, for instance, the law under the North Carolina General Statutes requires settlements to be fair and not misrepresent the amount due. Similarly, Virginia and South Carolina laws require fair and equitable settlement practices.
What You Can Do: Never accept the first offer without consulting with an attorney. It is essential to understand the full extent of your injuries and damages before agreeing to any settlement.
Disputing the Severity of Your Injuries
Insurance adjusters may try to downplay the severity of your injuries. They might claim that your injuries are pre-existing or not as serious as you state.
In Virginia, the law requires that insurers investigate claims thoroughly and fairly. This includes an obligation to rigorously evaluate the extent of injuries. North Carolina and South Carolina have similar laws to protect claimants from unfair treatment.
What You Can Do: Have a thorough medical evaluation and keep detailed records of all treatments and expenses related to your injuries. An experienced attorney can help present your case effectively.
Misleading Statements or Advice
Insurance adjusters might give misleading statements about your policy or the claims process. They may suggest you do not need an attorney or that hiring one will reduce your settlement amount.
In South Carolina, the law under the South Carolina Code of Laws requires honesty and transparency in the handling of claims. Similar regulations exist in Virginia and North Carolina, where insurance companies must not engage in deceptive practices.
What You Can Do: Be wary of advice from the insurance company. Consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options fully.
Recording Statements to Use Against You
Insurance adjusters often ask for recorded statements shortly after the accident.
These statements can be used against you to reduce your claim. They might twist your words or take statements out of context.
Virginia law does not require you to provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. The same applies in North Carolina and South Carolina.
What You Can Do: Politely decline to provide a recorded statement until you have consulted with an attorney, any communication with the insurance company should be done, preferably, in writing.
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be challenging and stressful.
Understanding their common tactics can help you navigate the process more effectively.
Remember that state laws in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina are designed to protect you from unfair practices.
Consulting with an experienced attorney can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
By being informed and prepared, you can counter these tricks and secure a fair settlement.
Keep detailed records, understand your rights, and do not hesitate to seek professional legal advice when needed.
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