How Insurance Companies Inspect Car Accident Claims 

If you’ve just been involved in a Florida car accident, you understand how stressful it can be. On top of the accident itself, you may find yourself dealing with the insurance company. 

You may be wondering, “how do insurance companies investigate car accidents?” As you may already have discovered, many insurers aren’t transparent when it comes to the process of claim investigation.  

Having an understanding of the claims process can empower you and help you avoid common pitfalls. In this post, we’ll shed some light on the often-opaque claims investigation process in Florida. 

Initial Steps in the Investigation Process 

After a car accident, the investigation usually begins relatively quickly. Here’s how the process starts. 

Step One: Reporting the Accident 

Each insurance company has their own deadline for reporting accidents. However, it’s generally best to inform your insurer immediately. You can often do this by phone or online. 

You should also notify the police at the time of the accident. Although the answer to “Can you make an insurance claim without a police report?” is “yes,” having a police report can significantly improve your chances of success. 

Step Two: Initial Contact and Information Gathering 

A few days or weeks after the accident, an insurance adjuster will likely contact you to gather information. They may ask for details of the accidents and the cars involved. 

The adjuster may ask you to give a recorded statement. You are not required to do this, and it’s generally not advisable to do so. The insurance company’s primary goal is not to help you — it’s to pay as little as possible. Insurers will often deliberately misconstrue recorded statements to protect their own interests. 

The adjuster may then offer a settlement. However, you should consult a Tampa car accident lawyer before accepting any offer. 

Who Is the Insurance Adjuster? 

The adjuster is an important part of the car insurance claim investigation process. They represent the insurance company while doing the following: 

• Determining if a claim is valid 

• Assessing the value of the damage 

• Recommending a settlement amount 

Keep in mind that adjusters work for the insurance company, and the insurance company’s primary goal is to pay as little as possible. If you think an adjuster is undervaluing your claim, there’s a good chance that you’re correct. 

What Do Car Insurance Investigators Look For? 

Your adjuster isn’t only investigating the accident — they’re searching for any factors that might reduce the total compensation you can claim. These are some of the most common things adjusters look for: 

• Evidence that you were partially liable for the accident 

• Any inconsistencies in your account of the accident 

• Pre-existing conditions that may have worsened injuries you sustained in the crash 

• The credibility of any witnesses 

Adjusters may not do much investigation for trivial accidents involving little damage. Generally, larger claims lead to greater scrutiny.  

Methods of Investigation Used by Insurance Companies 

So, what happens after the car insurance adjuster comes out? The insurance company will usually thoroughly review all of the collected evidence to determine whether your claim will be approved. 

Reviewing Documentation 

Documentation is one of the most important parts of any insurance claim investigation. These are some key documents the insurer will look at: 

• Police report: A police report is important because it proves that the accident happened. 

• Medical records: If you grant HIPAA authorization, adjusters may view your records. 

• Witness statements: The insurer will want to verify their legitimacy. 

• Photos of the accident scene: These give an idea of the damage done. 

• Repair estimates: This helps adjusters accurately value claims. 

Your medical records are a very important consideration. Many insurers ask for permission to view all of your medical records, but you shouldn’t do this. If they can see your whole medical file, adjusters may go looking for pre-existing conditions that could devalue your claim. 

Instead, you can limit the scope of the authorization to medical care stemming from the accident. 

Interviews and Recorded Statements 

Your attorney can help you decide whether to give a recorded statement to the insurer or not. However, it’s never wise to give one with no legal counsel present. Insurers want to record statements to gather any evidence they can later use against you. Even seemingly harmless statements like, “I think I’m okay now,” may later be used to “prove” your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. 

Accident Reconstruction (In Some Cases) 

Accident reconstruction isn’t always necessary. However, it can be informative if there are differing accounts of how the accident happened. 

How Long Does a Car Insurance Investigation Take? 

If you’ve been harmed or your car has been damaged (or both), you might understandably be impatient to receive a settlement. Unfortunately, without knowing the particulars of your case, it’s very difficult to make a determination. However, here are some general timeframes: 

• Initial contact: An adjuster usually calls within a few days of your claim being filed. 

• Full investigation: Florida gives insurers 30 days to physically inspect damage. 

• Settlement negotiation: Often, your lawyer can negotiate a settlement in a few weeks to a few months. 

Minor, uncomplicated claims tend to be resolved much faster. If there is a dispute over liability, the accident involved serious injuries, or one or more parties are refusing to cooperate, the claims process may take longer. If your case is very complex, it’s worth calling us to discuss legal representation. 

Can You Cancel an Insurance Claim Under Investigation? 

You may wonder, “Can I cancel an insurance claim under investigation?” Canceled claims aren’t common, but there are some situations where canceling may make sense. For instance, if you learn that the cost to repair your car is less than your deductible, canceling to save money may be wise. 

If you want to cancel your claim, you should contact your insurer and ask to do so. It’s generally best to offer a brief explanation of why you’re canceling. 

In many cases, instead of asking, “Can I cancel an insurance claim?” You should be asking whether canceling a claim is wise. Many people withdraw claims because they want to avoid rate increases. However, your insurance premiums might still go up. Always seek legal advice before canceling a claim. 

How Insurance Companies Pay Out Claims in Florida 

If you’ve just gotten your car insurance settlement approved, you might be breathing a sigh of relief. However, how do insurance companies pay out claims? There are two main distribution methods for car accident settlements: 

• Lump sum: You receive the money all at once. 

• Structured settlement: You receive the money in smaller payments over time. 

Each has their own advantages. A lump sum may be best if you have medical bills or other immediate expenses to pay, but a structured settlement may offer tax benefits and long-term security. 

Some people hesitate to hire a lawyer because they know they’ll owe part of their settlement to their attorney. However, car accident lawyers are skilled negotiators who are often instrumental in securing higher settlements for their clients — even when you take fees into account. 

What Is “Bad Faith” Insurance in Florida? 

Insurance companies are obligated to act fairly and honestly in their handling of claims. Unfortunately, some of them prioritize their own interests to the point of not fulfilling their contractual obligations to policyholders. When an insurance company does this, it’s known as acting in “bad faith.”  

For instance, if your car repair bills are $5,000, and your insurance company refuses to pay more than $500, it may be acting in bad faith. This kind of conduct is more common than you may think. Insurers do it because they think they can get away with it, and in many cases, they’re right. 

However, if you know your rights, you can stand up to bad-faith insurers. Florida law requires insurers to act in good faith and specifically outlines what that means. The core of the law is that insurers are obligated to settle claims fairly when they can and should do so. 

Common Examples of Bad Faith by Auto Insurers in Florida 

Some bad faith practices are very obvious, and others are far more subtle. These are some examples: 

Unreasonable Delays in Investigating or Processing the Claim 

How long does a car insurance investigation take? Exact timelines can vary, but if an insurer takes days to get back to you or repeatedly asks for unnecessary documentation, it may be acting in bad faith. 

Denying a Valid Claim Without Proper Investigation 

How do insurance companies investigate car accidents? They’re supposed to inspect damage and review all relevant documentation. Some bad-faith insurers may deny claims without investigating at all. 

Offering Too-Low Settlements 

Offering a settlement amount significantly lower than the actual value of the claim is a sign that you may be dealing with an unethical insurance company. 

Misrepresenting Terms or Coverage 

Some insurers deliberately misconstrue policy language to trick policyholders into thinking covered losses aren’t covered. 

Failing To Communicate Adequately 

Avoiding communication or failing to answer your questions is sometimes a sign of bad faith practices. 

Not Attempting To Settle When Liability Is Reasonably Clear 

Disputes over liability can delay a claim. However, if the other party’s liability is clear and the insurance company won’t settle, it might be acting in bad faith. 

Making Threats or Using Coercive Tactics 

Some unethical insurers may try to pressure you into quickly accepting an unfair settlement. 

Altering Documents Without Your Knowledge 

This fraudulent activity is an example of obvious bad-faith tactics. 

How Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, Can Help 

Figuring out how your medical care and car repair bills will be paid for after a crash can be confusing, and Florida’s no-fault system adds another layer of complexity. The Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, team is here to help you understand your rights and create a plan going forward. 

When you work with us, you won’t have to deal directly with the insurer. We understand how to gather supporting evidence and negotiate your claim.  

You don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, is here to support and guide you from start to finish.  

FAQ

Citations:

Bad Faith. (2022). 

FLA. STAT. §624.155. (2024). 

FLA. STAT. §627.70131. (2024).