Why Insurance Adjusters Use Delay Tactics—and How to Fight Back
After a serious accident, the last thing you need is a prolonged battle with an insurance company. Yet many injury victims find themselves caught in a frustrating cycle of delays, requests for unnecessary documentation, and seemingly endless waiting periods. These experiences are rarely coincidental—they’re often part of calculated strategies used by insurance companies to minimize payouts and pressure claimants into accepting less than they deserve.
At Mintz Law Firm, we’ve seen these tactics repeatedly deployed against our clients. Insurance adjusters work for their employers, not for you, and their primary goal is protecting their company’s bottom line. Understanding why insurance companies delay claims and knowing how to counteract these strategies can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case and help you receive fair compensation more quickly.
Common Insurance Delay Tactics
Insurance companies have developed sophisticated methods to extend the claims process, often hoping that financial pressure will force you into accepting a lowball settlement. Recognizing these tactics is the first step toward effectively combating them.
One of the most prevalent delay tactics is the continuous request for additional documentation. Just when you believe you’ve provided everything necessary, the adjuster asks for another medical record, witness statement, or employment verification. While some documentation is legitimately needed to process your claim, excessive requests often serve primarily to extend the timeline and wear down your patience.
Another common tactic involves transferring your case between multiple adjusters. Each new adjuster needs to “get up to speed” on your claim, inevitably causing delays and often requiring you to repeat information you’ve already provided. This approach can be particularly frustrating as it disrupts any rapport or progress you’ve established with the previous adjuster.
Other delay tactics insurance companies frequently employ include:
- Failing to return your calls or emails promptly
- Making unreasonably low initial offers to initiate a lengthy negotiation process
- Disputing the severity of your injuries despite clear medical evidence
- Claiming they never received documents you’ve sent
- Unnecessarily extending investigations into the accident circumstances
- Misrepresenting policy provisions or coverage limitations
These strategies aim to exhaust your patience and resources, creating circumstances where accepting a quick but inadequate settlement seems like your only option.
How to Fight Back Against Insurance Delays
While insurance companies have significant advantages in the claims process, you’re not powerless. Taking proactive steps can help counter delay tactics and move your claim toward a fair resolution more efficiently.
Document Everything
Detailed documentation creates accountability and helps prevent the “we never received that” excuse. Keep meticulous records of:
All communications with the insurance company, including dates, times, and content of phone conversations Copies of all documents you submit, along with proof of delivery Names and direct contact information for every adjuster who handles your claim Written summaries of verbal promises or statements made by adjusters
Consider communicating via email when possible, as this automatically creates a written record of your exchanges. When phone conversations are necessary, follow up with an email summarizing what was discussed.
Set Reasonable Deadlines
While you can’t force an insurance company to move at your preferred pace, establishing clear expectations and deadlines can help prevent endless delays. After providing requested information, politely ask when you can expect a response and mark this date on your calendar. If the deadline passes without communication, follow up promptly.
Understand Your Policy Rights
Insurance policies typically include language regarding claim handling timeframes. In Colorado, regulations require insurers to acknowledge claims within a reasonable time period, usually within 30 days. Familiarity with these requirements allows you to reference specific obligations when delays occur.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you’re experiencing unnecessary delays with your insurance claim after an accident, professional legal assistance may be the key to breaking the stalemate. At Mintz Law Firm, we understand the strategies insurance companies use to minimize payouts and have developed effective countermeasures to protect our clients’ interests.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys have successfully represented countless Colorado accident victims against insurance companies of all sizes. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you. Don’t let insurance delay tactics prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today at (303) 462-2999 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you fight back against insurance company tactics.