Progressive Insurance is an incredibly popular car insurance company here in Central Texas. 

Progressive has grown into America’s third largest insurance carrier and the largest overall commercial auto insurer. 

And in the insurance world, size means strength.

When a car accident victim in Austin has to negotiate with Progressive to get fairly compensated for injuries suffered, they’re in for a fight.

That’s why some help may be needed….

Don’t Go With The Flo

“Flo” from Progressive may be a fun-loving character in the television commercials. She projects Progressive’s Insurance image that purchasing coverage is easy, that the company is easy to deal with, and that they will pay claims in a timely and just manner.

But don’t let a quirky spokesperson fool you.

Progressive conveniently doesn’t mention that convincing them to pay a claim is not equally easy. 

After a claim has been filed, you won’t be dealing with “Flo” … You’ll be dealing with an insurance claims adjuster. This person will typically tell you that they will not negotiate beyond the first settlement offer and that you have a limited amount of time to decide on it before the offer is withdrawn for good.

Unfortunately, this is a common tactic used by insurance companies like Progressive to encourage accident victims into accepting a settlement offer without knowing what their claim is actually worth. 

The insurance claim adjusters understand that for an accident victim, recovering from a personal injury is stressful. Having to deal with a major insurance company like Progressive at the same time increases that stress and can potentially cause an injured victim to accept a settlement amount that is vastly lower than what the claim is actually worth.

Why You Should Never Give Progressive a Recorded Statement

After your car accident, Progressive’s representatives may ask you for a recorded statement detailing how your accident happened, who was at fault, and any injuries you suffered. However, their goal is often to get you to admit something that could reduce your claim’s value or give them grounds to deny your claim altogether.

Progressive may push you to accept partial responsibility for the accident. Any admission of fault in a recorded statement can be used against you during settlement negotiations, allowing them to justify a lower offer.

If you mention feeling “okay” or “fine” after the accident, Progressive can use this to suggest that your injuries were minimal, potentially reducing the compensation they offer for medical expenses. Keep in mind, insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that might lead you to unintentionally lower the value of your claim. It’s best to avoid giving a recorded statement.

Why Progressive Wants You to Accept Their First Offer

Remember: Progressive aims to settle claims quickly and at the lowest possible cost. Adjusters may even show up at your home or hospital room to pressure you into accepting an initial settlement. This approach relies on catching you off guard, before you’ve had a chance to fully evaluate your injuries, the costs of care, and the financial impact of the accident.

If they reach you before you’ve considered these factors, Progressive has a better chance of getting you to accept a settlement that is likely well below the true value of your claim.

Your Claim Is Worth More Than You Think

After an accident, you may think Progressive should only cover the cost of your injuries and vehicle repairs. However, this could mean underestimating the compensation you’re actually owed.

In addition to immediate medical expenses, your claim may include compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working, and even long-term medical needs. Don’t rely on Progressive to assess these factors fairly; their goal is to settle for less. 

Insurance adjusters may try to take advantage of the stress and urgency you feel after an accident. Don’t let this pressure lead you to a quick settlement. Patience can be a valuable negotiation tool. Rather than accepting Progressive’s first offer, consider working with an experienced lawyer to evaluate your claim’s worth and pursue a fair settlement.

Consulting a personal injury lawyer can help you determine the true value of your claim and how to pursue it effectively.

How Long Does Progressive Take to Send the Bodily Injury Settlement Check?

While timelines vary, accident victims typically receive a settlement check within six weeks of reaching an agreement with Progressive. However, processing times can vary depending on specific circumstances.

If you handle your claim without a lawyer, the process may take longer. Insurance companies often use delay tactics to frustrate claimants or exhaust the statute of limitations. By delaying, they may push you into accepting a lower offer out of desperation. An experienced attorney can help streamline the process, potentially reducing these delays.

Expect Progressive to Undervalue Your Claim

Progressive, like any insurance company, is a for-profit business. Their adjusters are incentivized to settle claims for less than they are worth, benefiting the company financially. To counter this, you should gather all available evidence, including police reports, medical records, and photos of the accident scene. This documentation strengthens your position and can make going to trial more intimidating for the insurance company, increasing the likelihood of a fair settlement.

If you’ve been injured, Progressive may send an adjuster to offer a quick settlement shortly after the accident. This offer might include covering short-term medical costs and minor damages, but it often undervalues your full claim.

Why You Might Have to File a Lawsuit to Get What You Deserve

Sometimes, the best way to get fair compensation from Progressive is to file a lawsuit. Taking legal action signals to Progressive that you are serious about getting appropriate compensation, which may encourage them to offer a more reasonable settlement. Once the litigation process begins, insurance companies often become more flexible in their settlement offers.

Do you REALLY need a lawyer?

First, consider this: A fast settlement may sound appealing if your injuries seem minor. However, if those “minor” injuries turn into long-term issues, you could find yourself without further recourse if you’ve already signed a release. This release is legally binding, meaning you cannot file another claim against Progressive’s insured driver. 

To avoid this, consult a personal injury attorney before signing any release. In some cases, it’s best to delay settling until you are confident in the full extent of your injuries and medical needs.

Funk Can Help!

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident and expect to negotiate an injury settlement with Progressive Insurance, call Funk and Associates today. Our team has the experience and knowledge necessary to properly negotiate with a Progressive insurance claims adjuster so that you receive the compensation you are entitled to efficiently. 

Our lawyers are aware of Progressive’s well-known delay tactics and will not give into them. If Progressive attempts to delay your claim beyond the statute of limitations, our attorneys will threaten to end negotiations entirely and go to trial.

Without the ability to lowball or delay indefinitely, Progressive will be much more willing to quickly pay you what you are entitled to.

We have the tools needed to assist you in determining what to do after an accident, how much your claim is worth, and how best to recover that amount. We will negotiate with Progressive and advocate on your behalf so that you receive proper compensation.

You will pay nothing unless we win your case.