My Insurance Is Wrongfully Undervaluing My Car Accident Claim, What Can I Do?

Posted February 16, 2015

Americans purchase insurance assuming that their expenses will be covered in the event of an accident. However, this is not always the case. Unfortunately, many insurance companies and their employees will purposely undervalue a claim in order to save money, leaving people like you with expenses that you cannot afford.

However, there is recourse for people who have been the victims of this greed. Here are a few tips for moving forward when your car accident claim is wrongfully undervalued.

Do Not Give In

People often assume that they have no recourse when a company undervalues or denies their claim. This is not the case. Insurance claims adjusters often undervalue claims because they think you will go along, as so many people do. If you are being offered less than the amount of your damages, do not agree to it. Calmly explain why you need a larger amount and provide documentation that back up your case. This includes the value of cars similar to yours and repair estimates.

Communicate in Writing

Insurance companies often try to handle their cases in telephone calls or in person. This is done for several reasons. First, it is easier to manipulate their policy holders in a phone call. People do not have time to process information or look up the laws protecting them. Ask for details to be submitted in writing and refuse to make agreements before seeing things in writing. This will give you documentation of their words and also time to inform yourself.

Get Legal Representation

Insurance companies have an advantage. They deal with auto accident claims every day and are skilled at finding ways to avoid paying claims in full. Most consumers are not familiar with the insurance system and thus easy to shortchange. If you think your insurance company is trying to pay less than you deserve, you need a person on your side who understands the system and can act on your behalf.

You purchased insurance to have the damages covered in the event of a car accident. It is only fair that the insurance company hold up their end of the bargain. Contact us online or call (405) 272-0303 for Kevin Bennett today if you need an advocate who can get you the insurance payment you need and deserve.