Many Canadians diligently pay premiums to insurance companies for long-term disability (LTD) coverage. It can provide peace of mind financially in the event they can’t work due to illness or permanent injury.
When people apply for disability benefits, the expectation is that the insurance adjuster tasked with reviewing their claim will be cordial, equitable and unbiased.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. I am constantly told by my clients that the adjuster was rude, belittling or biased before turning down their legitimate LTD claim.
READ MORE: 4 reasons long-term disability claims are rejected, and how to fight back
While the denial alone can cause significant mental and financial distress, being bullied by your insurer only makes the situation worse.
Here are four things you should do if your insurance adjuster is behaving badly.
1. Tell your adjuster in writing that their conduct is unacceptable
In my experience, insurance adjusters who are behaving badly make sure there isn’t a written record of them being rude or disrespectful to claimants.
Several of my clients have told me that their adjuster would insult them over the phone but remained very professional in emails and letters.
READ MORE: Bullied by your long-term disability insurance company? When to contact a lawyer for help
In these situations, I recommend creating your own written record and sending it to the insurance adjuster.
As you summarize the conversations, document all the offensive things that were said to you and make it clear that the adjuster’s conduct is unacceptable and harmful.
2. Make sure all future conversations with your adjuster are in writing
Insurance adjusters are generally more respectful once they are aware that a written record is being kept of every conversation with you.
It provides an additional layer of protection for claimants and can be medically necessary in some cases.
If your adjuster is verbally harassing you and refuses to communicate with you though emails or letters, contact your doctor. They might determine that these interactions are making your condition worse.
READ MORE: 3 things that can help reduce stress when dealing with a long-term disability insurer
Ask your doctor for a note supporting the switch to written correspondence with the adjuster.
Providing medical information to your insurance company will increase the likelihood that they will agree to your request.
3. Ask for a different insurance adjuster
Most claimants aren’t aware that they can ask for a different adjuster or have their LTD claim reassigned.
Insurance companies, in my experience, are often happy to accommodate and provide you with a new adjuster.
If your insurer refuses to reassign your claim, tell them that you would like to speak to the adjuster’s supervisor.
Another option is to contact the insurance company’s ombudsperson. The conversation could help you get a new adjuster or ensure that you are treated with more respect by the individual reviewing your claim.
4. Review your legal options with a disability lawyer
If your long-term disability claim is denied, and your insurance adjuster isn’t treating you with respect, contact an experienced disability lawyer, like the ones at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.
Several of our lawyers previously worked for insurance companies, which means we know what your adjuster shouldn’t be doing and how to enforce your rights.
READ MORE: Insurer being difficult? 3 reasons you should hire a long-term disability lawyer
We have helped numerous clients, including Sandra Bullock and Julie Austin, hold insurance companies accountable after their claims were denied or cut off prematurely.
Our firm regularly resolves LTD, life insurance and mortgage insurance claim denials in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
We provide free consultations and don’t get paid unless we secure the compensation from your insurer that you are legally entitled to.
Long-term disability claim denied? Insurance adjuster behaving badly?
Contact the firm or call 1-855-821-5900 for a free consultation with a disability lawyer. We can help individuals anywhere in Canada (except Quebec). Get the advice you need and the compensation you deserve.
Albert Klein is a disability lawyer and partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, Canada’s most positively reviewed law firm specializing in long-term disability claims and employment law. The firm provides free advice as a host of Canada’s only Disability Law Show on TV and radio.