Although I’ve written many articles about insurance surveillance, I often get the feeling insureds may read the articles but then settle back with a “Ho-Hum” apathy that often gets them in trouble. Disregarding the high volumes of information now available for all to see, here’s a reminder of what what the majority of insureds will be looking forward to when disability claims are filed. When you file a disability claim, there are no more secrets.
- Education verification
- Employment history verification
- Worker’s Compensation State Records
- Dun & Bradstreet
- Media/News Articles
- Consumer Credit Report
- Internet Webpage Search
- Locator
- Auto Accident Reports
- Fire Building Reports
- DUI Reports
- Arrest Reports
- Birth Certificate
- Pharmacy Canvas
- CIB (Credit Information Bureau)
- SSN Search
- Marriage/Divorce Records
- Military Service Records
- Firearm Licenses
- Pilot Licenses
- National Comprehension Search
- UCC Searches
- Real Property
- Online Civil Complaints
- Profiles
- Real Property Searches
- Pharmacy Canvas
- America’s most wanted and FBI Lists
- Financial Data
- Every Post you’ve ever made on the Internet.
- Investigation of three generations: You, children, grandparents
- Jail Time
- Tax Citations
- Restrictions and Limitations
- Physician Investigation
For some reason, a minority of insureds fail to realize the amount of information gathered by insurance companies. They often file for disability claiming the inability to work, but then continue to engage in the same level of activity they had prior to disability. I’ve been told to “Go to Hell”, hilariously laughed at, and considered a “negative nut” because of my warnings to at least have some kind of semblance to what “disability” looks like. Or, at least what insurers “think” disability should look like.
Several years ago, a Unum claim was denied because my depressed Client was seen “dating and having sex in the woods.” Yet, another Client with hands/feet problems started taking tennis lessons; yet another with back problems began to give skiing lessons. Finally, a client with stamina problems took his family hiking on the PCT trail. What in the world are people thinking?
While it is true that disability insurers prefer to see reports showing insureds are in bed with their comforters up to their noses, it isn’t necessary to pose “invalid” in order to get paid benefits. Having said that, playing 18 holes of golf a day does push the envelope of common sense that says anyone who can do that, can work.
When considering why insureds are so anxious to risk their benefits, sometimes considerable benefits, my experience tells me that insureds have an attitude of “entitlement”, particularly with IDI policies, or perhaps believe, “They have to pay me, I have a contract.” Both of these beliefs are “wrong thinking”, and claims are eventually denied. In most cases insureds are actually surprised they lost their benefits.
Unfortunately, a few narcissistic insureds believe, “My insurance company wouldn’t dare deny MY claim”, or, “It will never happen to me.” Unfortunately, I estimate approximately 85% of claims will eventually be denied for underreporting functional capacity.
Disability status always involves the inability to work. Both visual and non-visual functional capacity is key in determining who gets paid and who doesn’t. So, if you feel the need, you can call me a denial monger if you wish, but the number of denial letters that I’ve seen back up my statements.
Insurance surveillance is not a harmless thing. Insurance companies do it, because it’s profitable. It’s not a good idea to play “Gotcha!” with disability insurers, even if you decide to shoot the messenger.
