Executive Summary: Insurance companies often delay, underpay, or deny claims using tactics like lowball offers, technical denials, or misrepresenting coverage. These actions are common in Oklahoma and across the country. Knowing your rights and documenting everything can help protect your claim. If things don’t improve, you may need legal support to hold the insurer accountable.
You pay your premiums on time. You follow the rules. And when something goes wrong, whether it’s a car crash, storm damage, or a serious injury, you expect your insurance to come through. That’s the whole point, right?
Unfortunately, many insurance companies spend more time finding ways not to pay than they do helping people get what they’re owed. If you’re dealing with an insurance company, here are seven tactics they may use and what to watch for.
1. Delaying the Process Until You Give Up
One of the most common tactics is simply dragging things out. Adjusters may stop returning calls, ask for documents they already have, or keep “reviewing” your claim for months. The goal? To wear you down so you accept less or drop the claim entirely.
If an insurance company takes too long to process your claim without a valid reason, that delay may be considered bad faith.
2. Lowball Settlement Offers
Another trick is offering a settlement that sounds decent, but falls far short of what you’re owed. This is common in car accident and property damage claims. The first offer is often far below the real cost of repairs, treatment, or replacement.
Always review settlement offers carefully. Once you accept, you typically waive your right to pursue more money, even if the cost ends up being higher.
3. Blaming You for the Damage or Injury
Some insurers will try to claim you were at fault, even if the facts don’t support it. In Oklahoma, this is important because of comparative negligence laws, which mean your compensation can be reduced if you’re partially responsible.
This tactic is used to reduce the payout or deny the claim altogether. Be cautious when answering questions about fault and avoid recorded statements without guidance.
4. Claiming You Didn’t Follow the Policy Exactly
Insurance policies are full of fine print. Insurers may claim you didn’t follow a specific rule, missed a deadline, or used the wrong repair process. They may even deny a claim because of a technicality that seems unrelated to your loss.
It’s worth having someone review your policy and the denial letter if this happens
5. Misrepresenting the Coverage You Have
Some insurers will say a certain loss “isn’t covered,” even when it actually is. This is often a tactic to discourage you from pushing forward. In some cases, they may rely on confusing language in the policy or hope you don’t challenge them.
Make sure to get all statements in writing, and don’t be afraid to ask for a specific explanation.
6. Asking for Unreasonable Proof
You may be asked to send receipts, photos, reports, or other documents multiple times. Or they may demand hard-to-get proof that isn’t standard. These requests can slow down the process or lead to denial due to “insufficient evidence.”
Keep track of everything you send, and don’t be afraid to ask why additional documents are necessary.
7. Using Biased Medical or Repair Opinions
In injury cases, insurance companies may send you to a doctor of their choosing, and one who regularly works with them. In property claims, they might rely on their own contractor’s estimate rather than yours.
These evaluations often favor the insurer. If something feels off, it’s okay to get a second opinion from someone you trust.
What You Can Do About It
If you’re dealing with any of these tactics, don’t wait for the situation to get worse. Document every interaction with your insurer. Keep records of calls, emails, and mailed documents. Request everything in writing.
If your claim is being delayed or denied unfairly, you may be able to file a complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department or take legal action for bad faith.
At HB Law Partners, we’ve seen how often insurance companies try to take advantage of good people. If you think your insurer is playing games with your claim, we’re ready to help you hold them accountable. We believe in fighting businesses that do wrong and supporting the ones that do right. Call us today to protect your rights.
HB Law Partners
Latest posts by HB Law Partners (see all)
- How Arbitration Clauses Can Affect Your Business Dispute in Oklahoma - April 14, 2026
