After an accident, most people expect their insurance company—or the other driver’s insurer—to step up and cover damages. After all, that’s what insurance is for, right? Unfortunately, many victims quickly discover that insurance companies don’t always act in good faith.
Instead of paying out quickly, insurers often delay, deny, or minimize claims in hopes of saving money. These tactics can leave accident victims feeling powerless at the exact moment they need financial help the most.
In this article, our friends from Mickey Keenan P.A. explain why insurance companies delay or deny claims, the strategies they use, and what you can do to protect your rights.
Why Insurance Companies Act This Way
It’s important to remember insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is profit, not fairness. Every dollar they avoid paying in claims is a dollar added to their bottom line.
That’s why adjusters are trained to:
- Scrutinize claims carefully for reasons to deny them
- Delay payouts in hopes victims give up or accept less
- Offer quick lowball settlements before victims understand the true value of their case
What feels like stonewalling isn’t personal—it’s strategy.
Common Reasons For Delays
Delays are one of the most frustrating tactics insurers use. They can stretch out the process for months, all while victims face mounting bills. Common excuses include:
- “We’re still investigating.”
Insurers often claim they need more time to review records, interview witnesses, or examine property damage. While investigations are normal, dragging them out is a delay tactic. - “We’re waiting on paperwork.”
They may request duplicate documents, lose forms, or claim medical records are missing to stall payments. - Low staffing or backlog.
Some companies cite staffing shortages as a reason for delays, even though they’re legally required to handle claims promptly. - Endless back-and-forth.
Adjusters may repeatedly ask for additional documentation or clarification, slowing the process unnecessarily.
Why Claims Get Denied
Outright denials are another way insurers limit payouts. Common justifications include:
- Disputing liability: Arguing their policyholder wasn’t at fault.
- Questioning injuries: Claiming injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident.
- Policy exclusions: Pointing to fine print that limits coverage.
- Missed deadlines: Denying claims because the victim didn’t report the accident quickly enough.
- “Lack of evidence”: Asserting there isn’t enough proof of damages. erting a “lack of evidence”
Even if these reasons sound legitimate, many denials can be challenged with the right evidence and legal support.
The Human Cost Of Delays And Denials
For accident victims, these tactics aren’t just inconvenient—they’re devastating. Delays and denials can lead to:
- Unpaid medical bills piling up
- Missed rent or mortgage payments due to lost wages
- Credit damage from unpaid debts
- Emotional stress at a time when recovery should be the focus
Insurance companies know this pressure often pushes victims to accept settlements far below what their cases are truly worth.
What Victims Can Do
If you’re facing delays or denials from an insurance company, you do have options:
- Document everything
Keep a record of every conversation, email, and letter exchanged with the insurer. Note dates, times, and the name of each adjuster you speak with. Documentation makes it harder for insurers to misrepresent the process. - Seek immediate medical care
See a doctor right away, follow treatment plans, and keep detailed records of medical visits. Prompt medical evidence strengthens your case and limits an insurer’s ability to dispute injuries. - Know your policy
Review your insurance policy closely to understand coverage limits and exclusions. This can prevent insurers from misleading you about your rights. - Avoid recorded statements without counsel
Adjusters may ask you to give a recorded statement, hoping you’ll say something that undermines your claim. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with an attorney. - Contact a personal injury attorney
An experienced lawyer can take over communications, ensure deadlines are met, and fight back against bad-faith tactics. Just having an attorney often changes how insurers handle claims.
Signs An Insurance Company Is Acting In Bad Faith
Insurance companies have a legal obligation to act in good faith when handling claims. Some signs they’re crossing the line include:
- Refusing to investigate a claim in a timely manner
- Ignoring evidence provided by the claimant
- Misrepresenting policy terms
- Offering an unreasonably low settlement without justification
- Delaying payment without cause
In some cases, victims may even be able to file a bad faith insurance lawsuit to recover additional damages.
How Long Do Insurance Claim Delays Last?
The length of a delay depends on the complexity of the case, but many stretch from weeks into months. In severe cases, delays can push the entire lawsuit timeline back by years.
That’s why many victims feel forced into taking the first offer on the table, even if it’s far below what they deserve.
Why Having Legal Help Levels The Playing Field
Insurance companies know that individuals without lawyers are easier to pressure. With legal representation, however:
- Communications go through your attorney, reducing stress
- Evidence is gathered efficiently to challenge delays and denials
- Settlement offers are carefully evaluated before acceptance
- Insurers are more likely to negotiate fairly to avoid trial
In short, hiring an attorney shifts the balance of power back in your favor.
You Have Choices
Insurance companies may advertise themselves as being “on your side,” but when it comes time to pay out, they often act very differently. By delaying or denying claims, they hope victims will give up or accept less than they deserve.
The good news? You don’t have to accept these tactics. By documenting everything, understanding your rights, and working with an experienced car accident lawyer, you can push back against insurers and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
Remember: insurance delays are not a dead end—they’re a challenge that can be overcome with the right strategy and support.