7 Things Your Insurance Company Doesn't Want You to Know
Many insurance companies act like your best friend (especially in their advertising), but their business model often depends on paying you as little as possible. Based on our experience, too many adjusters are trained to deny and minimize claims. To help you get the compensation you’re owed, here are seven things your insurance provider doesn’t want you to know.
1. Claims Adjusters Aren't On Your Side
When you file an insurance claim, the adjuster you speak with will almost certainly be friendly, patient, and quick to reassure you. But don’t forget that adjusters are trained professionals who negotiate claims every day. They work for the insurance company, not you. Their goal is often to minimize payouts and protect their employer's bottom line.
2. A Recorded Statement Can Be Used Against You
Shortly after you file a claim, an adjuster for the other driver’s insurance company may reach out to request a recorded statement about what happened. The request is often framed as a routine formality. But adjusters frequently use recorded statements to find inconsistencies, get you to downplay your injuries, or elicit responses that suggest you're partly at fault.
If the adjuster works for another party’s insurance company, you don't have to give a recorded statement. If it is your own insurance provider, they may require a statement under the company’s cooperation clause. In that case, always consult a personal injury attorney before agreeing.
3. The First Offer Is Rarely Fair
Be wary of an insurance company that moves fast to offer a settlement after an accident. Some companies offer a quick settlement, hoping you'll accept a lowball offer before you know what your claim is really worth. Once you sign, it’s too late to change your mind, even if you later find out your settlement doesn’t cover your injury.
The good news is you don't have to accept the first offer an insurance company makes. Before signing anything, talk to an attorney, who will calculate the true value of your claim, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Future losses
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Signing too soon is one of the easiest ways to miss out on the compensation you are owed.
4. Social Media Can Be Used as Evidence
Insurance companies and their attorneys can use any public information you share, including social media posts. Anything you post about your accident or injury could be used as evidence. For example:
- A photo of you walking your dog or attending a birthday party could be framed as “proof” that your injuries haven't affected your life.
- A post about a night out with friends could be used as evidence that your pain and suffering claim is exaggerated.
- A check-in at the gym or restaurant could be used to argue that you're more physically capable than your claim states.
- Telling friends you're "doing okay" or "hanging in there" could be pulled out of context to suggest your injuries are minor.
Also keep in mind that privacy settings may not be bulletproof. A friend's tag, a public comment, or a post shared before you locked down your account can surface later. In most cases, it’s better to keep a low profile on social media while your claim is ongoing.
5. You Don't Have to Sign Over Your Full Medical History
Early in a claim, an adjuster will often ask you to sign a medical authorization form. In theory, this is done to verify the extent of your injuries. However, these forms typically give the company access to your entire medical history, not just records related to your current injury. Once the adjuster has your full history, they’ll look for anything they can point to as evidence that your injuries were already present. They might seize on:
- A decade-old complaint
- An old sports injury
- An unrelated surgery or diagnosis
A prior condition doesn't disqualify you from compensation, but giving an insurer that information could weaken your claim and make it harder to fight for full compensation. Under Minnesota law, you don't have to sign over your full medical history after an accident. Before you consent to anything, have your attorney review the form to ensure the adjuster can access only what they are entitled to.
6. Insurers Can Be Held Accountable For Acting In Bad Faith
Minnesota law sets clear standards for how insurers can handle your claim. For example:
- Insurers must acknowledge receipt of a claim within 10 days of the filing.
- After that, they have 30 days to investigate and notify you whether they accept or deny the claim “unless the investigation cannot be reasonably completed within that time.”
- The insurer must conduct a reasonable investigation before denying a claim.
- If a denial is issued, they must give you a legitimate, policy-based reason.
- If you reach a settlement, the insurer has five business days to issue payment.
If an insurer ignores your claim, denies it without justification, or drags its feet at any stage, that can be a clear sign of bad faith practices. If a court finds that an insurer failed to meet its obligations, it can be held accountable, and you may be entitled to additional compensation.
7. Having An Attorney Changes How Insurers Treat You
Handling negotiations with an insurance company yourself can put you at a significant disadvantage. Adjusters know how to minimize payouts and protect their company's interests. When you hire legal representation, they take notice.
A qualified Minnesota personal injury attorney can help you:
- Accurately value your claim
- Avoid signing anything too quickly
- Gather evidence to support your case
- Negotiate with the insurance company from a position of strength
- If necessary, fight for your rights in court
