Post-Loss Underwriting Tactics: 5 Red Flags to Watch Out For | Call Us First for Expert Guidance!
When disaster strikes, you rely on your insurance to help you recover. Unfortunately, some insurers use post-loss underwriting tactics to make the claims process more difficult, creating unnecessary delays or even attempting to deny or reduce your claim. These tactics are designed to protect the insurer, not you.
Call us first to help you navigate these challenges. As experienced public adjusters, we know exactly how to identify and handle post-loss underwriting tactics.
Here are 5 red flags you should watch out for when an insurer might be using post-loss underwriting to delay or deny your claim:
1. Excessive Documentation Requests—Are They Trying to Wear You Down?
If the insurer suddenly starts requesting documents or information that were never part of the original claim process, this is a red flag. You may be asked for years of maintenance records, financial documents, or photos that weren’t part of your initial filing. These requests can feel overwhelming, but call us first—we’ll ensure that only the necessary documentation is provided and that the insurer isn’t trying to create unnecessary hurdles.
2. Repeated Examinations Under Oath (EUOs)—When Insurers Go Too Far
An Examination Under Oath (EUO) is a standard practice in insurance claims. It’s typically used early in the process, especially when there’s suspicion of fraud or a lack of clarity around certain facts of the claim. The EUO is designed to allow the insurer to ask the insured under oath about the details of the claim, their loss, and any supporting documents. It’s a legitimate tool in the right circumstances to clarify discrepancies and ensure the validity of the claim.
However, in post-loss underwriting, insurers often misuse the EUO to apply undue pressure on the insured. Here’s how it’s typically abused: Repeated Requests for EUOs: Once an EUO is conducted, the insurer should have the information they need. However, in post-loss underwriting tactics, the insurer may ask for additional EUOs multiple times, often without clear justification. This can make the insured feel like they are under constant scrutiny and may force them into giving inconsistent answers, which could then be used against them.
EUOs as a Delay Tactic: Insurers may demand an EUO at the last minute, just before the final decision on the claim is made. This can be a tactic to delay the settlement and buy more time to avoid paying the claim or reduce the payout. Post-loss underwriting is about reopening the claim unnecessarily, not in the spirit of a fair investigation. EUOs as a Condition Precedent to Payment: Another abuse is making an EUO a condition precedent for receiving even undisputed portions of the claim. In legitimate cases, the insurer has already gathered sufficient evidence and should not withhold payment simply because they want to use the EUO as leverage to get additional information that isn’t necessary.
3. Retroactive Policy Changes—Don’t Let Them Alter the Deal After the Fact
Post-loss underwriting also involves changing the terms of your policy after the claim has been filed. Insurers may try to assert exclusions or limit coverage based on new interpretations of the policy, even though these terms weren’t communicated before the claim. Don’t let the insurer play games with your policy. Call us first to review your policy terms and ensure you’re not getting taken advantage of.
4. Unnecessary Delays—They’re Stalling for a Reason
Insurers may drag their feet during the claims process, requesting multiple inspections, delaying responses, or simply going silent. This is a common tactic used to frustrate you into accepting a lower settlement or abandoning the claim. Call us first—we know how to escalate the process and ensure the insurer stays on track to make a fair and timely payment.
5. Demanding Additional Inspections and Expert Reports—They’re Making You Pay Again
You’ve already had your property inspected by their experts, but now the insurer demands additional inspections or reports at your expense. For example, they may send out a company like American Leak Detection, and then demand you pay for your own plumber to come out too. Call us first to make sure that these demands are legitimate and not an attempt to delay payment or reduce the claim value. We’ll ensure the insurer plays by the rules.
Why Call Us First?
If you’re facing any of these post-loss underwriting tactics, call us first to level the playing field. We are experts in handling insurance claims and know exactly how to respond to insurer delays, unnecessary demands, and bad faith practices. With GlobalPro on your side, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled efficiently and that you will receive the compensation you’re owed.
Don’t let the insurer take advantage of you. Call us first to get the expert guidance you need, protect your rights, and ensure you get a fair settlement.
