Does Your Disability Insurance Company Have You Under Surveillance?
Surveillance is a common tool used by disability insurance companies during the claims process. Insurance companies often hire private investigators to follow the activities of claimants who file for disability insurance benefits. Surveillance and Claim Investigations Disability insurance companies often use surveillance tactics during the claims process to determine benefit eligibility. Insurers claim that surveillance is used only as a fraud prevention tool to ensure that a claimant’s disabilities are legitimate. However, in some cases, surveillance is also used to deny claims. Private investigators are often employed by [...]
Why Disability Claims Assessors “Like” Social Media
Insurance claims assessors often review social media sites to determine eligibility for disability benefits. Media posts that raise concerns or show conflicts can result in disability claim denials. The Dangers of Social Media Millions of people regularly use social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter to share personal information and photos with the public. For people who apply for disability benefits or are already receiving them, social media can have negative effects on disability claims. Insurance claims assessors commonly review claimants’ social media sites to [...]
When the Insurance Company Uses Pre-existing Conditions to Minimize Your Claim
Some insurance companies use pre-existing medical conditions as an opportunity to save money on claim payments. Pre-existing illnesses can reduce payments for policyholders’ medical expenses by as much as 50 percent. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions Most insurance companies place significant emphasis on pre-existing medical conditions. They always ask a variety of questions regarding prior medical history and illnesses. Some companies even ask policyholders to give a recorded statement about pre-existing conditions to create a way to deny or minimize injury claims. If an injury claim is filed, pre-existing medical [...]
The Impact of Legalized Marijuana on Car Accidents [Infographic]
Auto crashes are on the rise in states with legalized marijuana laws. States that support the recreational use of marijuana have a higher rate of vehicle collisions and auto accident claims than states without legalized marijuana. (Article continues below infographic) Marijuana Use and Car Accidents According to a study by the Highway Loss Data Institute, there is a rise in vehicle collisions and accident claims in states where the sale of marijuana for recreational use is legal. In Oregon, Washington, and Colorado, insurance companies reported a three percent [...]