Car accidents happen every day, and the inevitable aftermath is dealing with insurance companies.
When you call to file your claim, the company assigns an adjuster to handle your case. Adjusters notoriously put the interests of the company above yours, often resorting to bad faith tactics.
What are bad faith tactics?
In the simplest terms, bad faith tactics are the dishonest methods that insurance companies use to avoid making payouts on valid claims. People who suffer significant injuries and damages from auto accidents often have large claims and have to fight for fair compensation. This is especially true in cases where they file claims with an at-fault party’s insurer.
What do bad faith tactics look like?
Some commonly used bad faith tactics include:
- Refusing or delaying a payout for your valid claim
- Denying your claim and refusing to give a reason
- Ignoring reasonable requests for necessary documentation
- Delaying an investigation into your claim
- Submitting an offer significantly less than your claim’s worth
- Ignoring your attempts to communicate about the claim
- Prioritizing company profit over a valid claim
- Attempting to change the policy to avoid payment
- Misrepresenting the law in a policy
- Denying or delaying reasonable requests for necessary medical treatments
Among some of the worst tactics is the use of threatening language or accusations. Sometimes adjusters may behave egregiously, using inappropriate language or falsely accusing you of misconduct.
When you file an auto insurance claim after an accident, you need evidence to back every element of your claim. The more evidence you have, the less opportunity they have to contest.