Findings in a study by the Nebraska Autobody Association found that consumers were disinclined to file automotive claims with their insurance company.
Sixty-four percent of survey respondents said they would generally feel hesitant about filing an insurance claim, and 84 percent said they might not report a small claim at all since doing so might increase insurance costs.
“Claimants should not have to be afraid of their insurance company or worry about whether or not they received a fair claims settlement, but they do,” said NABA executive director, Norbert Zaenglein.
The survey raises a number of concerns about Nebraska claims settlement practices. When asked if insurance adjusters are trained to reduce legitimate claims payouts, an overwhelming eighty-six percent of respondents agreed. “This finding should raise some eyebrows particularly by the Nebraska Department of Insurance, the Attorney General, and state legislators, Zaenglein added. “Nebraska market conduct regulation is weak and there is no shortage of insurers who will take advantage of the situation.”
The sheer scope of market conduct problems in the area of collision repair claims settlement practices have been corroborated by numerous studies. “It has became painfully clear that those insurers who want to take unfair advantage of claimants can do so without fear of any repercussions,” Zaenglein added. “Nebraska regulators have repeatedly turned a blind eye to a substantial and credible body of evidence that supports widespread violations of Nebraska Unfair Claims Settlement laws by some insurance companies.”
The survey included statistical summaries of nine additional questions designed to measure consumers’ attitude about the integrity of insurance companies.
The Nebraska Autobody Association is committed to professionalism in the art and science of collision repair and to treat customers, claimants, and insurers in a fair and ethical manner while supporting accurate accounting throughout the claims settlement process.
Source: Nebraska Autobody Association
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