What does an insurance investigator do?

Asked by: Mazie Keebler Sr.  |  Last update: September 17, 2022
Score: 4.8/5 (67 votes)

Insurance investigators handle claims in which the company suspects fraudulent or criminal activity such as arson, staged accidents, or unnecessary medical treatments. The severity of insurance fraud cases varies, from overstated claims of damage to vehicles to complicated fraud rings.

How does an insurance investigation work?

Insurance claims investigations rely on evidence, interviews and records to conclude whether a claim is legitimate or illegitimate. There are several types of insurance investigations depending on the claim being made.

Why do insurance companies use investigators?

Did you know that sometimes insurance companies may hire private investigators to conduct surveillance in car accident cases? They are looking to uncover any information to use against you. An insurance company is looking to fulfill its best interests – which is to save as much money as possible.

Why is an insurance investigator calling me?

Even if you tell them you need to talk to a lawyer or are still in treatment, they may continue to call you. In most cases, they will want you to make a recorded statement. They may claim they need to confirm the details of your accident, but their actual goal is to get you on tape making a conflicting statement.

Are insurance investigators Real?

While it's true that insurance companies sometimes hire private investigators to gather information on people filing personal injury claims, it doesn't mean they're going to invade your privacy or hurt your case.

What is a Claims Investigator? What Does a Claims Investigator Do? P.I. Podcast #93

24 related questions found

Can insurance investigators tap your phone?

No, an insurance investigator cannot tap your phone – ever.

Tapping a phone involves using electronic equipment to secretly listen to someone's phone conversations, and it is illegal. However, tapping a phone should not be confused with taking a recorded statement, which many insurance companies do on a routine basis.

What questions do insurance investigators ask?

Questions Insurance Adjusters Commonly Ask in Recorded Statements
  • What is your full name?
  • Are you aware that this interview is being recorded?
  • Do I have your permission to record your statement?
  • Can I share the information we discuss with another adjuster?
  • What is your address, telephone number, and date of birth?

What does it mean when your insurance claim is under investigation?

When an insurance company says “investigation” and you may be thinking it's an investigation to process the claim, it's really a tactic by insurance companies to evaluate you and decide how they are going to handle the claim, and how much they feel they can get away with not paying on the claim.

How long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim?

Generally, the insurance company has about 30 days to investigate your auto insurance claim, though the number of days vary by state.

Can insurance companies read your text messages?

If there is evidence that you were talking on the phone, sending text messages, or otherwise distracted, your insurance company may seek to confirm those facts in order to deny your claim. They may also request records if they suspect you're involved in any form of insurance fraud.

Can insurance investigators track your car?

In California, Texas, Virginia, and Minnesota, a private investigator can install a GPS tracker on a vehicle.

How do insurance companies spy on you?

The insurance company could hire a private investigator to spy on you. Here are some of the common tactics they could employ: Stakeouts. In a stakeout, a private investigator would monitor your activities in one location either by hiding out in a vehicle or through the use of a video camera.

How often do insurance companies do surveillance?

Surveillance usually occurs in 3-day stints.

Insurance companies generally consider this ample time to get a good sampling of your activities.

What are some examples of insurance frauds?

Types of Insurance Fraud
  • False or inflated theft repair claim.
  • Owner “give up” (false stolen car report) “Jump in” (someone not in vehicle at time of accident)
  • Staged accident.
  • Intentional damage claim.
  • Falsifying the date or circumstances of an accident to get coverage.
  • Rate evasion.

What happens if you lie to an insurance company?

At best, you will have to remember your lie the entire time you are dealing with your insurer. They will most likely record calls and other interactions with you to uncover any discrepancies in your claim. At worst, you could face criminal penalties leading to fines and even jail time.

What does an insurance assessor look for?

Insurance assessor starts with evaluating the property and checks it for the damage done to it. For example, if a house caught fire and had been damaged, the insurance assessor would go and evaluate the house, check its monetary value, evaluate the damages done, and decide if they are claimable.

How do you scare insurance adjusters?

The single most effective way to scare an insurance adjuster is to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer. With an accomplished lawyer fighting for your rights, you can focus on returning to your routine while a skilled legal professional handles all communications with the insurance adjuster.

Can you cancel an insurance claim under investigation?

The first thing you should do is give your insurance agent a call. If you filed the claim yourself and the incident is still under investigation, you should be able to cancel the claim immediately.

Do insurance companies check claims?

More and more insurers are checking claims on CUE when you buy a policy. It is therefore likely that they will also check your claims history when you buy a policy or if you make a claim.

Why is my home insurance claim being investigated?

Investigating an insurance claim

Once liability has been accepted by the insurer, they will begin investigating the claim more thoroughly. They will be looking for evidence of the damage and the cost of repairs to determine the amount of compensation awarded to the property owner.

Who represents the insured in the work of investigating a claim?

Claims adjusters verify insurance claims and determine a fair amount for settlement. These can be any type of claim, from personal injury to property damage. In property damage claims, the main role of the insurance adjuster is to carry out a detailed investigation into the claim by: Inspecting the damage.

Why is Geico investigating my claim?

If someone in the accident claims that you were at fault and claims to have suffered bodily injury or property damage, it's up to us to investigate and evaluate the claims. Be aware that settlement might take a little longer in this situation, because we might need to investigate to determine who really was at fault.

How do you know if a private investigator is watching you?

Pay Attention to Others' Actions

Private investigators typically stay one or two cars behind a subject's vehicle and they tend to keep their vehicle in your blind spot. Try making a U-turn to see if the vehicle follows you. Watch for someone following you on foot.

Do insurance companies talk to each other?

Answer provided by

While car insurance companies don't talk directly to each other, they do share information. All car insurance companies can access your claims history through a database called the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE).

What should you not say to your insurance company after an accident?

Even if you know the accident was your fault, don't say sorry or admit guilt at the scene as your insurer might have a clause about it. Exchange details with the other's involved and get in touch with your insurer to report the incident.