Sometimes it’s very hard for insured’s to realize that the only obligation of insurers is to pay their claims. Once an insurance company investigates a claim fairly, and pays it, it is meeting its obligations under the terms of the Plan or policy, and you have not been harmed financially.
Unfortunately, some insureds become so angry and enraged that they never let the insurance company alone with petty complaints for this, and requests for that. As we say in Maine, “it’s better not to POKE THAT BEAR.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought good news to a Client, only to have them pick several other complaints they want me to enforce.
I think this is because so many insureds are literally put through hell trying to get their benefits paid that they develop a “you tried to get me attitude, so now I’m going to knit pick you to death in return.”
I can tell you from 25 years experience that there is nothing to be gained from “getting huffy” with an insurance company. “You didn’t do this, and you didn’t do that…..you didn’t follow-up, you lost my paperwork,” etc. are all examples of what I call the WHO DUNNITS”. And, the WHO DUNNITS won’t continue to get your claim paid, particularly when claims are on appeal.
Sometimes insureds just can’t bring themselves to be happy even when an insurance company finally pays them more than $100,000 in back pay. They still want to fight, many times over some sort of petty thing. My strategy is to professionally get things in the official file or Administrative Record, and then let sleeping dogs lie. There is a time to be happy the insurer is paying your claim, accept the victory, and stop complaining.
Most insureds understand that it is better “to pick the fights you can win.” I’m speaking administratively now; I’m not talking about legal battles involving policy or Plan interpretations, or fraud. (Unfair claims practices where you actually can prove “intent” to harm you.” NO INSURED SHOULD WANT TO EVER GO TO COURT WITH A DISABILITY CLAIM. It is not like it used to be, and I’ll let you read between the lines as to why you wouldn’t want to do that.
Bottom line, there does come a time when insureds should just calm down, be happy they are getting paid, and STOP picking fights with their insurance companies. It’s just not worth it. Rant, rant, rant doesn’t work anymore. In some cases it just makes you look crazy. Accept your claim victories and just move on.
