A June 10-12, 2013 Google Consumer Survey revealed that 83% of consumers don’t trust the insurance industry. The survey was sponsored by the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN) in the state of Michigan. It was administered to 500 Michigan residents through Google Consumer Surveys.
Although this wasn’t an Arizona survey, I’m pretty sure the results would have been similar had the survey been done here. So, while the insurance companies inundate us with warm and fuzzy commercials promising to take care of us in the event of a loss, consumers have wised up to the truth: the insurance companies’ main concern is profit. It’s plain and simple.
Here at our firm, we’re seeing more and more claims going to appraisal as the insurance companies hold their ground, refusing to pay legitimate claims. The “delay, deny, defend” strategy has become so commonplace that we expect it now as the norm rather than the exception.
Recent catastrophes like Katrina and Sandy, along with events closer to home (such as the 2010 hailstorm in Phoenix) have revealed the ugly side of the insurance claim process. The popularity of Facebook has made every consumer a journalist, sharing photos and horror stories about their insurance claim nightmares with friends and acquaintances. Some stories have even gone viral. It’s obvious that just don’t trust the insurance industry any longer.
Distrust isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s a great place to start, as it often propels people toward knowledge. When it comes to knowing your rights during an insurance claim, knowledge is power. As the public becomes more informed about their right to retain a public adjuster to represent their interests during a fire claim, water claim, wind claim, or some other type of damage claim, the playing field will be leveled and policyholders won’t find themselves always holding the short end of the stick.
