Over the years I have had several encounters with insurance claims adjusters. They have repeatedly lied to me, and I have won every time I've butted heads with them, starting with a time I was only 19.
Recently I had a claim. I am a Private Investigator, and do a lot of surveillance. I have a long-time client who rents a car for me, at her cost, to use. Recently I hit a deer while I was working for her. About $2,000 damage. I had called my insurance agent prior to this to see if I was covered on my automobile policy. She advised that as long as I had full coverage on one of my cars, I was covered. I called in the claim, and some time later got a call from the adjuster. He advised me, in very confident terms, I was not covered. I asked why, and he said because I had not rented the car. He said I was not on the contract. I told him I certainly WAS on the contract as an approved driver. He paused and said that didn't matter.
Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am in my element. I said "you need to understand something: I know what your job is. Your job is to save your company money any way you can, including lying if need be. You are used to dealing with people who are intimidated by you. Sir, I am NOT even slightly intimidated. I am right. What we are doing right now is playing poker. You are bluffing with a pair of 3s. I have a Full House.
He all of a sudden wasn't so blustery.
Long story short, after almost two months and numerous phone calls, he suddenly approved the payment. I have found if you stand up to these people, they are not used to that, and will back down, and I have a good time doin' it.
I hope no insurance people on the Forum take offense. I have good friends in the business. But there are certainly some bad apples.
Jim
Recently I had a claim. I am a Private Investigator, and do a lot of surveillance. I have a long-time client who rents a car for me, at her cost, to use. Recently I hit a deer while I was working for her. About $2,000 damage. I had called my insurance agent prior to this to see if I was covered on my automobile policy. She advised that as long as I had full coverage on one of my cars, I was covered. I called in the claim, and some time later got a call from the adjuster. He advised me, in very confident terms, I was not covered. I asked why, and he said because I had not rented the car. He said I was not on the contract. I told him I certainly WAS on the contract as an approved driver. He paused and said that didn't matter.
Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am in my element. I said "you need to understand something: I know what your job is. Your job is to save your company money any way you can, including lying if need be. You are used to dealing with people who are intimidated by you. Sir, I am NOT even slightly intimidated. I am right. What we are doing right now is playing poker. You are bluffing with a pair of 3s. I have a Full House.He all of a sudden wasn't so blustery.
Long story short, after almost two months and numerous phone calls, he suddenly approved the payment. I have found if you stand up to these people, they are not used to that, and will back down, and I have a good time doin' it.
I hope no insurance people on the Forum take offense. I have good friends in the business. But there are certainly some bad apples.
Jim
). One day I blew the left rear tire.....at 120 MPH.
Was in my agent's office talking to the adjuster. He saw a 19 year old kid and knew this was gonna be easy. Said my estimate was too high. I pointed out it was from a very well respected GM dealer. Strike One. Then he said there was too much rust in the fender, along with putty. I said they still had to at least put it back in that condition. Strike Two. Now..he's got me. Said the claim was not covered, because I didn't have collision insurance. I looked at him and said "explain something to me, please....how did I have a collision.... WITH MYSELF!?"
