Have you ever felt like your insurance provider is keeping you in the dark about your coverage? They might be banking on your lack of knowledge.
It’s crucial to understand that your insurance policy is more than just a piece of paper. It’s a contract of significant value, potentially worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Were you given the chance to review this contract before agreeing to it? In most cases, the answer is no. You might not have even received a copy of the contract until a month after it took effect.
When you received your insurance contract, did you take the time to understand what it covers and the conditions of the coverage? Did you spot the potential ‘landmines’ that could lead to coverage denials? Did you educate yourself on what’s expected of you before and after filing a claim? If you are like most policyholders, you did not. However, knowing and understanding how to successfully file a claim can also present you with issues.
My certification as a Senior Claims Law Associate required me to study many of the same materials and information provided to insurance company adjusters who handle claims on behalf of the insurance provider. Those studies included the identification and investigation of insurance fraud. I was surprised to learn that insurance adjusters are taught “Fraud Indicators” that include, as an indication of possible fraud, “An insured or claimant that is familiar with the claims process.”
Knowing your rights under the contract that was withheld from you before purchase, provided a month or more after it took effect, and never revealed to you in any detail before attempting to know and understand it on your own can be interpreted by your insurance adjuster as an indicator of fraud. Not only do they appear to be counting upon your lack of knowledge about your insurance coverage – any signs of knowledge or familiarity with the claims process is (in their mind) suspicious.
As you navigate an insurance claim on your own, remember this: don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a licensed public adjuster or attorney when an insurance adjuster pushes back. You don’t have to face this process alone.
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