You probably know “Flo,” the bubbly, energetic spokesperson for Progressive Insurance. She's even become a popular Halloween costume choice! Her cheerful commercials make choosing insurance seem easy—and even fun! In all their ads, Progressive makes dealing with insurance look like a breeze. But for injured car accident victims who need to file a claim with Progressive auto insurance, a storm is brewing.
Trust us when we say there isn’t anything “easy” about filing a car insurance claim with Progressive. Progressive might make it simple to purchase or change a car insurance policy, but they make it almost impossible to get paid for an injury claim! They only care about maximizing their profits, which explains why Progressive has a net worth of over $60 billion.
Our law firm has fought against Progressive Insurance claims adjusters for years. We know all their tricks, and how to successfully negotiate the most compensation for our clients. Progressive knows who we are, too, and that we won't back down when advocating for injured car accident victims.
We are a national law firm based in Houston with many offices around the country. We also work with law firms in most states that share our focus and dedication to excellence. No matter where you are located, we may be able to help you, so call or contact us now. We are open, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact us at 800-898-4877, or through our simple online form to submit your case for review.
7 SECRETS of Progressive Insurance Claims Guide
- SECRET #1: Profit Is The Top Priority at Progressive
- SECRET #2: Progressive Uses Sneaky Settlement Negotiation Strategies
- SECRET #3: Filing A Lawsuit Can Increase Your Compensation
- SECRET #4: Progressive Lowballs Its Own Policyholders on Uninsured Motorists and PIP Claims
- SECRET #5: Progressive Insurance Pressures Victims to Give Recorded Statements
- SECRET #6: Progressive Insurance Adjusters Know You Are Under Financial Pressure After a Crash
- SECRET #7: Progressive is Counting On You Not Realizing the True Value of Your Losses
- Consult a Law Firm That Knows How to Negotiate Progressive Auto Insurance Claims and Fight Adjusters Trying to Reduce Your Recovery
When it Comes to Progressive Auto Insurance Claims, Their Greed Knows No Bounds
Progressive is like any other insurance company. They happily take your money every month, but when you need to make a claim, they make it really tough. Each year, they make about a whopping $5.7 billion in profit!
The problem is, when people get hurt in accidents and need money for medical bills, rent, or food, Progressive doesn't always come through. They seem more interested in keeping their money than helping regular folks like you. So, where's your insurance when you really need it?
But don't worry, there are ways to fight back and get the money you deserve. The car accident attorneys at Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, have dealt with Progressive a lot. They know how to deal with the company's tricks, whether you were hurt by one of their policyholders or you're their customer making a claim.
Car accidents are super stressful, and insurance companies shouldn't make it worse. You don't have to face this alone. In this article, we'll share seven secrets from our experience with Progressive auto accident claims to help you out.
SECRET #1: Profit Is The Top Priority at Progressive
You've probably seen Progressive's ads on TV and online, claiming to be "The #1 Insurance Website." They're a big deal in the world of auto insurance, covering almost 15 million vehicles in the U.S. So, if you ever get into a car accident, there's a good chance the other driver has Progressive insurance, and that means dealing with a big company when it comes to your accident claim.
But here's the truth: Progressive didn't become so big by giving out lots of money for claims. Instead, they've always focused on giving out as little as possible. Despite those friendly commercials with Flo, our research and years of experience tell us that Progressive is all about keeping their money, not about helping you with your bills after an accident.
To put it simply, Progressive cares most about their money, and they'll try everything to give you as little as they can when settling your case.
That's why it's crucial to hire a car accident lawyer right from the start when dealing with Progressive insurance. If you don't, you might end up with way less money than you need to cover your expenses—or even worse, no compensation at all. When the stakes are high, you need the tough legal team at Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, on your side, fighting for what you deserve.
SECRET #2: Progressive Uses Sneaky Settlement Negotiation Strategies
When Progressive offers you a settlement for your claim, don't be shocked if it's way too low. This is all part of Progressive's plan. They start with a really low offer, thinking some people (especially those without a law firm like ours helping them) will accept it.
But here's the catch: when you accept a settlement, you're also giving up your right to ask for more money later! And that's not a good thing. Most folks don't realize that saying yes to a settlement means you can't ask for more money down the road, even if it turns out the settlement didn't cover all your costs. You'd have to pay any extra expenses yourself. That's why it's super important to make sure any settlement you agree to really covers all your injuries. A car accident lawyer can help figure out what you should get and make sure you don't settle for less.
Progressive's insurance adjusters can also be really tough. They might say you're making up how bad your injuries are, exaggerating your pain, getting unnecessary treatments, or having issues before the accident. This can be hurtful because you know how much you're suffering. They'll even snoop on your social media or hire people to spy on you in person to find "proof" that you're not really hurt. So, it's a good idea to stay off social media during your claim. Even a simple happy photo with friends could be used against you.
These are just some of the sneaky tricks Progressive uses in their playbook. You might not even realize they're doing it until it's too late. All the while, they'll act like they're on your side, but we know that insurance companies are more focused on their own interests. That's why you need someone like us, the dedicated car accident claim law firm at Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, fighting for you.
SECRET #3: Filing A Lawsuit Can Increase Your Compensation
hile Progressive might try to give you a low offer when you first talk to them about your insurance claim, things can change when you bring in a lawyer. If you decide to file a lawsuit or even just threaten to do so, it can make the insurance company more willing to work with you.
When we file a personal injury lawsuit, companies like Progressive start taking us seriously. They might quickly offer a better deal to settle the case. Maybe they want to avoid the costs of going to court, or their in-house lawyers can't handle all the lawsuits coming their way. Whatever the reason, we've seen this happen a lot with Progressive auto insurance claims!
Our law firm will give you solid advice on the offers you get. As your expenses go up, you might be tempted to take an offer, even if it's less than you really deserve. Some accident victims might not want to wait for a better offer or just want to finish the case quickly and move on. But being patient can pay off, especially when you have a skilled law firm like ours that knows how to deal with Progressive.
If you've made an insurance claim with Progressive and their first offer is way less than you hoped for, don't get discouraged. This is pretty common with this company, and sometimes you can't get a fair deal without going to court. We're familiar with how Progressive's insurance adjusters work, and we won't give in easily.
When your medical bills are piling up, it's natural to want money fast, but accepting an offer too soon might mean you'll have to pay a lot of your own money. Filing a lawsuit can be the difference between getting the FULL amount you should and MUCH LESS. Luckily, we're ready to take your case to court if Progressive won't make a reasonable offer. So, give us a call to talk about your claim or settlement offer right away!
SECRET #4: Progressive Lowballs Its Own Policyholders on Uninsured Motorists and PIP Claims
If you have Progressive insurance and need to make a claim because of an uninsured or underinsured driver, or if you want to cover your medical bills with PIP insurance, you might expect Progressive to be helpful since you pay them for coverage.
But think again.
Progressive, like other insurance companies, can sometimes make it really tough for their own customers when it comes to these types of claims. They care more about their profits than being loyal to their policyholders.
Imagine someone hits your car and takes off, and you remember you have uninsured motorist coverage with Progressive. Sounds good, right? But then, Progressive might delay, reduce, or even deny your claim!
The same goes for PIP insurance. If you live in a no-fault insurance state and get hurt in a car accident, you might think it'll be easy because you have your own PIP coverage. But these claims can be tricky and super frustrating.
You'd expect that dealing with your own insurance company would be smooth, right? Well, not always. Even if it's clear that the accident wasn't your fault, if you were hit by an uninsured driver or in a hit-and-run, you might still have a tough time. Sometimes, you might even have to take Progressive to court if they don't offer you the full amount you need.If you're in this situation, it's a good idea to get help from a law firm that knows how to handle Progressive insurance claims for injuries. Even if you've paid all your premiums on time and it's crystal clear who's at fault in the accident, you could face hurdles. Don't let them treat you like just another claim number. Team up with a car accident lawyer who will stand up for your rights and fight to get you the money you deserve.
SECRET #5: Progressive Insurance Pressures Victims to Give Recorded Statements
One of Progressive’s favorite tactics is telling injured victims that the adjuster needs a recorded statement about the accident to speed up the claim processing. They may even tell you that you must give them a recorded statement to receive a settlement offer.
This is simply not true. Recorded statements are unnecessary, and you are not obligated to provide one.
Progressive and other insurance companies only want recorded statements from injured claimants because it allows them to ask leading questions or trick you into saying something that will hurt your claim. They’ll twist your words and poke holes in your story to try to justify a lower settlement offer or even deny your claim altogether. Even if you’re confident you would never say anything against your interests to an adjuster, many people are shocked to realize that adjusters can twist around even the simplest statements and use them against you!
To understand the serious risks of giving a recorded statement, consider this example:
During a recorded statement, a Progressive claims adjuster may start the interview by asking, “How are you today?” Most people, even those in a great deal of pain, will automatically answer “fine”—it’s just what we do out of habit. The adjuster, however, then notes that you are feeling “fine,” which must mean that your injuries aren’t causing you any pain and you are healed, right?
Unfortunately, adjusters can use something as simple as this hypothetical conversation to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim.
In addition, an adjuster may ask questions specifically designed to get you to accidentally say something that implies you were partially or even wholly at fault for the accident in question.
For instance: An adjuster asks where you were driving when the accident happened, and you honestly answer that you were driving your kids to school. She asks when school starts, and you don’t think twice before answering 8:30 a.m. The adjuster then notes that since the accident happened at 8:25 a.m., about a mile from school on a crowded street, you were running late and in a hurry.
Also, the adjuster notes that you had two kids in the backseat, who may have distracted you while you were driving. Suddenly, Progressive claims that your distracted and possibly hurried driving meant that you weren’t paying enough attention to the road, resulting in an accident. If the insurer can find a way to hold you partially at fault, the company can limit your settlement!
Giving a recorded statement to an adjuster without speaking to an attorney can cause unexpectedly disastrous results for your claim. When you consult our office, we’ll inform you of your rights. We’ll also handle all communications with your adjuster to ensure you’re not caught in a trap of unknowingly saying things they can use against you. Remember, Progressive has no right to demand a recorded statement from you.
SECRET #6: Progressive Insurance Adjusters Know You Are Under Financial Pressure After a Crash
Progressive often uses a tricky tactic by telling injured people they need to give a recorded statement about the accident to speed up their claim process. They might even say it's required for you to get a settlement offer.
But here's the truth: you don't have to do it. Recorded statements are not necessary, and you're not obligated to provide one.
Progressive and other insurance companies want recorded statements because they give them a chance to ask questions that could trick you into saying something that hurts your claim. They might twist your words or find ways to make your story look bad, all in an attempt to offer you less money or even deny your claim. Even if you think you'd never say anything against your own interests, adjusters can make even simple statements work against you.
Let me explain with an example: Imagine a Progressive adjuster starts by asking, "How are you today?" Most people, even if they're in pain, would just say "fine" out of habit. The adjuster then notes that you said you're "fine" and might use it to argue that your injuries aren't as serious as you claim.
Additionally, adjusters might ask questions designed to make you accidentally admit fault for the accident. For instance, if they ask where you were driving when the accident happened, and you say you were taking your kids to school, they might ask when school starts. If you say 8:30 a.m., and the accident was at 8:25 a.m. near the school with your kids in the car, they could argue you were late and not paying attention, making you partly responsible for the accident.
Giving a recorded statement without talking to a lawyer can be really bad for your claim. When you consult our office, we'll explain your rights and handle all the talks with the adjuster to make sure you don't accidentally say things they can use against you. Remember, Progressive can't force you to give a recorded statement.
SECRET #7: Progressive is Counting On You Not Realizing the True Value of Your Losses
When you make your own insurance claim, you have to say how much money you want for what you lost. This is called the "demand phase." Many folks just add up their repair and medical bills and send them to the insurance company. Progressive might be okay with paying that amount, even though they know you might have other losses you didn't think of or that will come up later. They understand that people who don't have a lawyer often ask for less than they should, but they won't tell you that! As time goes on, you might realize you asked for way less than you should have, but it'll be too late to change it.
The smart move is to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as you can to figure out the real value of your claim. And at Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, you can do this for free! We know that your claim isn't just about your current bills. We look at the big picture and investigate all the things you should get compensated for.
For instance, your claim might cover stuff like costs to get to doctor appointments, childcare, future medical bills, money you lost because you couldn't work, and the pain and suffering you went through, plus more. We take the time to understand everything and make sure you get the most you deserve. When you hire us, the insurance company will know you mean business!
Don't let Progressive and its adjusters give you less money than you should get when someone else causes a car accident. Instead, let our law firm fight for you!
A car accident lawyer can handle all this and more:
- Investigating the accident, collecting evidence, and figuring out who's at fault
- Getting you the medical care you need
- Keeping track of your expenses and figuring out how much your claim is worth
- Talking to Progressive insurance adjusters and negotiating
- Filing a lawsuit and showing the evidence to a judge and jury
Consult a Law Firm That Knows How to Negotiate Progressive Auto Insurance Claims and Fight Adjusters Trying to Reduce Your Recovery
Big insurance companies like Progressive have lawyers on their side, and you should too.
You might think that an insurance adjuster is looking out for you, but usually, they're not. Insurance companies have rules to make more money by paying out less on claims whenever they can. Not all law firms know all the tricks that companies like Progressive use, and they might not know all the ways to get you the most money.
Our legal team has dealt with claims against all the big insurance companies, and we know how to stand up to these huge billion-dollar companies. We don't give in when we face tough insurance adjusters or companies like Progressive, and we won't let our clients be scared. You can trust that we'll figure out how much your claim is really worth and fight to get you that amount.
The lawyers at Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers, are well-known car accident lawyers who've been helping injured car accident victims for over 20 years. If you got hurt in a car crash and you're dealing with a Progressive auto insurance claims adjuster, call our office now for a free chat!
And the best part is, we only get paid if we win your case. You won't owe us anything unless we succeed. We're here 24/7. To talk about your case for free, call us today at 866-980-3994 or contact us by filling out our online form.