Paul Sanchez
If your insurance company won't return your calls, you're not alone. There are several reasons why this might be happening, including the adjuster having too many cases, the insurance company deliberately delaying your claim to avoid paying damages, or the adjuster being out of office. Whatever the reason, there are several strategies you can use to get a response. These include persistently calling the insurance company, contacting a supervisor, filing a complaint with the relevant state department of insurance, and seeking legal advice from a personal injury lawyer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for unreturned calls | Adjuster is delaying the claim to avoid paying damages |
| The insurance can’t get ahold of the person at fault for the car accident | |
| The at-fault driver won’t contact the insurance company to make a statement | |
| The insurance company believes it is not liable for your claim | |
| The adjuster is on vacation or out of work because of an illness | |
| Clerical error | |
| Adjuster might be overly busy | |
| Adjuster has multiple cases | |
| Strategies to get a response | Squeaky wheel strategy: Call frequently to get a response |
| Ask for a supervisor to intervene | |
| Contact a lawyer | |
| File a complaint with the state's Department of Insurance |
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What You'll Learn
Be persistent: call frequently and leave messages
If your insurance company isn't returning your calls, it's likely because they are overloaded with cases or are purposely avoiding your calls to try and decrease the value of your claim. In any case, you should not have to suffer the consequences of their inaction.
One strategy that may help is the "squeaky wheel" approach. This involves calling the insurance company frequently and leaving messages to try and get your name to the top of the adjuster's list. It is important to be polite and persistent in your calls, as this will increase the chances of your call being returned. Make sure to document all your contact attempts, including dates, names, and positions of the people you spoke with, as well as what was discussed and any proposed resolutions. This will help create a verifiable track record that can be used as evidence if needed.
While it may be frustrating to feel like a nuisance, it is important to remember that you have a right to be persistent in getting the information and assistance you need. By being persistent and keeping a record of your efforts, you can increase the chances of getting a response and having your claim addressed in a timely manner.
In addition to calling frequently, you can also try to get your case escalated to a supervisor or manager. When speaking with a supervisor, be sure to express your concerns about the adjuster's handling of your claim, including their lack of response to your calls, emails, or messages. Ask the supervisor how they intend to address the issue and when you can expect to hear back from the adjuster. This can help to expedite the process and ensure your claim is being handled by someone with greater authority and expertise within the company.
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Contact a supervisor to push your claim forward
If your insurance adjuster is not returning your calls, it is likely because they are too busy or because they are purposefully avoiding your calls to reduce the value of your claim. If you are facing this issue, one strategy is to ask for a supervisor to intervene and push your claim forward.
First, call the insurance company's customer service line and ask to speak to a supervisor. When you get through to them, be polite but firm in expressing your concerns about how the adjuster is handling your claim, including that they haven't returned your calls, emails, or messages. Ask the supervisor how they intend to handle the problem and when you can expect to hear from the adjuster. Make sure to document the date, name, and position of the person you spoke to, as well as what was discussed and the proposed resolution. This documentation can be used as evidence if you need to escalate your case further.
If you are unable to reach a supervisor or if your issue is still not resolved after speaking to one, you may need to take additional steps. Consider contacting a personal injury lawyer, who can protect your rights and interests and handle your claim. A lawyer can often secure callbacks in a much timelier manner, as insurance companies know that you mean business when a lawyer is involved. Most law firms that handle accident cases offer free consultations, so it is worth taking advantage of this offer early on in the claims process.
In some cases, you may also want to consider filing a complaint with your state's insurance watchdog agency or department of insurance. For example, in Texas, you can file a complaint with the Texas Department of Insurance if the adjuster is from your insurance policy. Keep in mind that this should be a last resort, and it may not be effective if the adjuster is from the other person's insurance company.
By following these steps and contacting a supervisor, you can increase the chances of getting your insurance claim addressed and resolved in a timely and satisfactory manner.
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Seek legal advice: a lawyer can help secure a callback
If your insurance company is not returning your calls, you may want to seek legal advice. Lawyers can help secure a callback and guide you through the complex world of dealing with insurance companies and negotiating full and fair settlements.
Lawyers can help you navigate the process, taking away the stress and frustration of handling an insurance claim on your own. They can also help you build a strong case by gathering evidence, including medical bills, photo documentation, police reports, and other evidence to present to the insurance company. This evidence, along with a verifiable track record of your communications with the insurance company, can be used to support your claim.
In most cases, lawyers are able to secure callbacks much more quickly. This is because once a lawyer gets involved, the insurance company knows that you are serious about your claim. The presence of a lawyer can also deter adjusters from stalling or delaying your case, as they know they cannot get away with such tactics when a legal professional is involved.
If you are having trouble getting a response from your insurance company, consider reaching out to a lawyer for a free consultation. Many law firms offer complimentary case evaluations to help you understand your options and determine the best course of action. During the consultation, the lawyer can review your case and advise you on whether filing a lawsuit or taking other legal action is necessary to get a response from the insurance company.
It is important to act promptly when seeking legal advice, as there may be time limits for filing a claim or lawsuit. By involving a lawyer early in the process, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the claims process.
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File a complaint with a state insurance watchdog agency
If your insurance company is not responding to your calls, you can file a complaint with a state insurance watchdog agency. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
- Contact your insurance company: Before reaching out to the watchdog agency, start by contacting your insurance company directly and asking them to resolve the issue. State your complaint clearly and ask for guidance on the next steps to take, such as submitting a formal letter of complaint or filling out specific forms. Keep detailed records of all your communications, including the dates, names of the representatives you speak with, and a summary of your conversations.
- Gather supporting documentation: Collect and organize all relevant documents, emails, photographs, and logs of phone calls related to your case. This documentation will support your complaint and help explain the situation to the watchdog agency.
- Identify the appropriate watchdog agency: Determine the specific state insurance department or watchdog agency responsible for handling consumer complaints. Each state has its own department of insurance (DOI) or a similar agency, such as the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire or the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. These agencies are dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable dealings between insurers and policyholders.
- File a formal complaint: Visit the official website or office of the identified watchdog agency to initiate the complaint process. You will likely need to fill out a form, either online or on paper, providing your personal information, such as your name, address, and type of insurance, along with a detailed description of your complaint. Include all the supporting documentation you have gathered.
- Follow up on the complaint: After filing your complaint, stay engaged in the process. You may need to provide additional information or documentation. Some agencies may assign a Complaints Analyst to handle your case and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. Keep track of any correspondence or updates you receive regarding your complaint.
- Enforce corrective action: If the watchdog agency finds that your insurance company violated any state insurance laws or failed to abide by the terms of your policy, they will take enforcement action. This may include requesting corrective action from the insurance company to resolve your issue and ensure fair practices in the future. Stay in communication with the watchdog agency to understand the outcome of their investigation and the next steps to take if needed.
Remember that the process may vary slightly depending on your location and the specific watchdog agency involved. Always refer to the official sources and guidelines provided by your state's insurance department or watchdog agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Use your own insurance to cover damages
If your insurance company isn't returning your calls, you may want to consider using your own insurance to cover any damages. This is known as a "first-party" claim. Even if another driver caused the damage, you have the option to file a claim with your own insurance company, provided you have the appropriate coverage.
The first step is to check your insurance policy to see if you are eligible for benefits. If you are, you will need to submit a proof of loss to your insurance provider. Once you've done that, your insurance provider should send you a check that covers your damages. If they don't, a lawyer can step in to ensure you receive compensation that covers all your damages.
If you decide to use your own insurance, you will likely have a deductible. If there is no dispute as to liability, you will ultimately get your deductible reimbursed by the adverse insurance company. Your insurance carrier may even be willing to waive the deductible, which is fairly common upon request. You will generally get better service running the property damage through your own insurance company, and you won't have to wait for the adverse insurance company to approve a rental car or other delays.
However, there are some downsides to using your own insurance. You may have to pay a deductible, and your premiums may rise, even if the accident wasn't your fault. Additionally, if you don't have full coverage, you may need to work with the adverse insurance company to handle your property damage and rental vehicle.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why insurance companies don't return calls, including being overworked, not having enough resources, or even avoiding your calls to devalue your claim. If you're facing this issue, try the ""squeaky wheel" approach by calling frequently to get your name at the top of the list. Alternatively, ask for a supervisor to intervene, or contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the complex world of insurance claims.
There are several reasons why insurance companies don't return calls. One common reason is that adjusters are overloaded with claims and don't have the bandwidth to respond promptly. In other cases, it could be a deliberate tactic to delay the claim and reduce the amount of money paid out.
The "squeaky wheel" approach involves calling the insurance company frequently to get their attention and increase the chances of them returning your call. This strategy is based on the idea that persistent calls will put you at the top of their list. While it may not work every time, it's a strategy that many people employ to get a response.
If you're facing challenges with your insurance claim and the insurance company isn't responding, it may be time to involve a lawyer or attorney. They can provide guidance, protect your rights, and handle your claim more effectively. It's recommended to consult a lawyer early on in the claims process, especially if you've suffered injuries or significant property damage.
When dealing with insurance adjusters, it's important to remain polite and firm. Understand that they may be overloaded with cases, but also be aware of your rights and the value of your claim. Document all your communication attempts, as this can be used as evidence if needed. Additionally, consider seeking help from a personal injury lawyer who specializes in these cases.
