Insurance companies have their secrets, and they’re counting on you to stay clueless. Here are four things they hope you never find out.
1- You Can Find Their Insurer (and Policy Details) in Public Records 🕵️♀️
Did you know workers’ compensation insurance is public record in most states? Most businesses bundle their General Liability Insurance (GLI) with their workers’ compensation carrier. You can find the insurer’s name, address, any gaps in coverage and sometimes the policy number before the adjuster even picks up your call.
2- They Stalk Your Socials… Relentlessly 👀
Don’t let the adjuster’s easygoing personality fool you: if your Instagram is open, he’s peeking. That means the “What Happens in Vegas” pictures, the gym selfies mixed in with your physical therapy sessions, even your tagged locations are up for grabs. Expect it all to come up. Make your social media accounts private or refrain from uploading your “Day in the Life” posts until your case is over.
You haven’t truly lived until Dropbox’s legal team emails you and states, “There is a court order for your files, how would you like to respond?” (Yes, this happened to me. Yes, it’s a long story.) Never underestimate a petty attorney who loves a good subpoena.
3- You Don’t Have to Accept the First Settlement Offer 💸
That lowball first check is a starting bid, not a finish line. It does not mean you don’t have a case worth much more. Do not accept the check. Insurers are counting on you to be desperate, tired, or confused; don’t be.
4- Everything Is Logged (and Graded) 📝
From the first “How are you?” to your follow-up emails, every word is recorded and goes in your claim file. Adjusters literally get bonuses for “successful” denials and fast settlements. Be strategic, always.
Pro Tip:
Search all court dockets and state business databases for past lawsuits, corporate filings, and insurance policies. Investigate them before they begin investigating you.