5 Insurance Tricks That Can Ruin Your Claim

You’ve been in a car accident. You’re shaken, you’re in pain, and all you want is to get your car fixed and your life back on track.

Then comes the insurance company - smiling on the phone, promising to “help you get through this.” Spoiler alert: their job isn’t to help you. Their job is to save their company money, even if that means giving you way less than you deserve.

Here are five sneaky tricks insurance companies use (and how you can fight back like a pro).

1. Asking for a “Quick Statement”

They’ll call right after your accident and say, “We just need your side of the story to process your claim.”

What they’re really doing? Fishing for words they can twist against you later. If you say “I feel okay” (even if you’re just being polite), they’ll argue you weren’t really injured.

Fight back: Never give a recorded statement without a lawyer present. Period.

2. Dangling a Lowball Settlement

They’ll throw out a number fast, hoping you’ll take it before you realize how much your medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care might actually cost.

Fight back: Remember - once you sign, you can’t go back. Talk to an attorney before accepting a dime.

3. Delaying… and Delaying Some More

The longer they drag their feet, the more desperate you become. They’re hoping bills pile up so you’ll accept a bad offer just to get something.

Fight back: Keep detailed records of every call, letter, and medical expense. A lawyer can put pressure on them to stop stalling.

4. Sending You to “Their” Repair Shop

Ever notice how the shop they recommend always seems to cut corners? That’s because insurers have deals with certain shops to save money - not to get your car back to safe condition.

Fight back: You have the right to choose your own repair shop. Use one you trust, not one they push on you.

5. Blaming Pre-Existing Conditions

If you had a sore back once in 2015, suddenly that’s why you’re in pain today, not the accident. They’ll use any prior medical record to minimize your injury.

Fight back: Don’t let them gaslight you. Even if you had a pre-existing condition, the law says you can recover if the accident made it worse.

Bottom Line: Insurance Companies Are Not Your Friend

Their playbook is all about saving themselves money. Yours should be about protecting your health, your rights, and your future.

At Win Nguyen Law, we know all the tricks - and we don’t let insurers get away with them. Every case is personal here, and we fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

👉 Call us today for a free case review. Don’t let the insurance company write the ending to your story.