Are All Insurance Companies the Same?
How Will They Fight?
How Will They Fight?
It can be challenging to pinpoint every single strategy that a specific insurance company will use, and there are a lot of different factors that can change the outcome of your case or how you need to fight. But chances are you’ll be up against one of the types of insurance company mentioned here… and here’s what you can expect.
SMALL AND SLOW BUT EASY TO SETTLE WITH
Typically, smaller insurance companies will settle more easily and more fairly. If a settlement isn’t reached, lawsuits can be filed, and when lawsuits are filed, much more time and money need to be spent to keep fighting the case. Small companies generally don’t have the staff or resources to fight these suits-- they’d rather settle more generously and keep things moving. That said, because they are a smaller company, your case will progress more slowly, especially when it comes to handling property damage. But most accident victims are okay with a slower process if they know it will produce a higher settlement amount.
BIG AND AT YOUR SERVICE, BUT TOUGH TO SETTLE WITH
Not every big insurance company is difficult to settle with… but if you’re in a fight, it’s usually with a larger company. Bigger insurance companies have more resources to spend on legal battles and more staff to work on your case to their advantage. Commonly, they will simply offer you a very low settlement amount just to test your willingness to fight back. They know that human nature is to take the money in front of us and not consider the longer-term impacts, and they’re counting on the fact that you won’t get an attorney involved. If you do have legal representation though, even if it’s a fight, larger companies will generally turn your claim around much faster just because their workforce is so much larger.
BIG OR SMALL, MIDDLE GROUND TO ALL
A “middle ground” insurance company will rarely give you a generous offer or a petty offer. They believe in finding a sweet spot that is less than ideal for you personally, but still enough that you are uncomfortable about losing the offer on the table. You or your attorney will have to be tough negotiators and be ready to make tough decisions about filing a lawsuit. It’s a risk/reward scenario, and an experienced law firm will understand the true value of your case so thoroughly that you can make wise decisions when dealing with a middle ground insurance agency. Additionally, you can expect the same response with turnaround time. Your claim will generally be processed at a moderate speed that won’t break any records in either direction.
"OUR NAME ACTUALLY MEANS SOMETHING TO US"
There are very (VERY) few insurance companies that make a diligent effort to leave you feeling like you were treated fairly with your case. However, there are a few that pride themselves on maintaining a good reputation and honoring the terms of their policies. These companies are the easiest to settle with. They understand if they treat you right and don’t play games with your well-being, their bottom line will take care of itself. They aren’t going to coach you through the process to make sure you’re getting top dollar, but they will be fair with the case you’ve built when it’s time to settle. A good attorney will immediately know when you’re dealing with one of these companies and can ensure that your case is built correctly to its maximum value so you get the compensation you deserve.
What Else is Good to Know About
Insurance Companies?
Insurance Companies?
As with everything, who you’re dealing with makes all the difference. Key people in your claims process can dramatically impact the outcome of your case and how much you’re able to receive in damages when it’s all said and done. Let’s take a look at a couple of those people.
Who is Your Lawyer?
When you bring a lawyer into the equation, insurance companies are going to do their homework on who they’re dealing with. They want to know how hard they’re going to fight, what their track record is in a courtroom, and how much they win in settlements for their clients. Everything about your attorney’s experience and how they manage cases is relevant to how an insurance company will fight to devalue your case. You’ll want to be confident that you have an attorney who knows the law, knows Texas car accidents, and knows how to fight insurance companies so you get fairly compensated. The insurance companies will be aware of this stuff, and you should too.
Who is the Insurance Company Adjuster?
The adjuster who is handling your case can significantly affect the direction that negotiations take. Some adjusters are more experienced than others and therefore have more authority to make decisions and concessions. Additionally, some adjusters are only authorized to handle cases without lawyers. Experienced car accident law firms know that you can run into all kinds of adjusters depending on your case, whether it’s adjusters who are trying to close out claims as quickly as possible or those who will fight all the way to court. Whoever your adjuster is, a good attorney knows how to handle their approach to your case and ensure that you get the most value no matter what.