You’ve been hit by a driver with little or no insurance. Your car is wrecked, you’re in pain, and now you’re relying on your own insurance to step in. That’s what uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is for—right? Unfortunately, many Colorado drivers are shocked to find out that their insurance company doesn’t make it easy. Even though you’ve paid your premiums on time, insurance carriers often push back hard when it’s time to pay a UM/UIM claim.
At Reidmiller, Andersen & Scott, we help injured clients across Colorado deal with these frustrating—and often unfair—claim denials. Below are 5 common tactics insurers use to avoid paying UM/UIM claims, and more importantly, how to fight back.
1. “You Waited Too Long to Report the Accident”
One of the most common reasons insurers deny UM/UIM claims is a delay in reporting. Your policy likely requires you to notify your insurance company “promptly” after an accident—even if you don’t realize right away that the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. But life doesn’t always work on a clock. You might be dealing with medical treatment, insurance confusion, or even trauma from the crash. Some people assume they’re covered by the other driver’s policy, only to find out weeks later that the limits are too low.
How to fight back:
- Document when and how you learned the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured.
- Show proof of communication efforts with your insurer or the other driver.
- Hire an attorney who can argue that your delay was reasonable—and that you acted in good faith.
2. “The At-Fault Driver Wasn’t Actually Uninsured”
Sometimes, an insurer will claim that the other driver had coverage—even if that coverage doesn’t begin to cover your damages. In these cases, they may refuse to open a UM claim, arguing that it’s not applicable. The reality? If the at-fault driver’s insurance limits aren’t enough to cover your medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering, you may qualify for underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits.
How to fight back:
- Request a certified copy of the at-fault driver’s insurance limits.
- Gather evidence of your total damages—including future costs.
- Let your attorney communicate directly with your insurer to dispute their denial.
3. “Your Injuries Aren’t Serious Enough”
Insurance adjusters often downplay injuries to reduce or deny payouts. They may argue that your pain is exaggerated, your treatment was unnecessary, or your injuries existed before the crash. This is especially common in UM/UIM claims, where the insurance company may act more like a defense lawyer than your advocate—even though it’s your own provider.
How to fight back:
- Keep detailed medical records and follow your doctor’s advice.
- Avoid downplaying symptoms during recorded statements.
- Let a personal injury attorney build a comprehensive case for the full value of your injuries.
4. “You Didn’t Get Our Permission to Settle with the Other Driver”
This technicality catches a lot of people off guard. If you settle with the at-fault driver’s insurance company without notifying your own insurer first, they may claim you’ve violated the consent-to-settle clause in your policy. Why does this matter? Your insurer often wants the option to pursue subrogation—going after the at-fault driver or their insurer to recover what they pay you. Settling without their consent could jeopardize their ability to do that.
How to fight back:
- Before accepting any offer from the other driver’s insurer, consult your own insurance policy.
- Work with a lawyer to notify all parties and protect your UM/UIM rights.
- If you already settled, an attorney may still argue that your insurer suffered no real prejudice.
5. “We Don’t Believe You Were Hit by an Uninsured Driver”
This is a common denial in hit-and-run cases. If you can’t identify the driver, your insurer might deny the claim altogether—arguing that there’s no proof an uninsured motorist was involved. They may also suggest you caused the accident yourself, or question whether it was a staged crash. This tactic can be particularly harmful to victims who are already dealing with injuries and trauma.
How to fight back:
- File a police report immediately after the accident and describe the other vehicle.
- Gather any surveillance, dashcam, or eyewitness evidence if possible.
- Let your attorney build the credibility of your claim and push back on bad faith accusations.
If you’re currently dealing with a denial or delay, our uninsured and underinsured motorist accident attorneys can step in and hold the insurance company accountable.
When Insurance Turns on You, We Step In
UM/UIM insurance is supposed to protect you—but too often, it becomes just another obstacle. Whether your claim is delayed, underpaid, or flat-out denied, you don’t have to accept it. At Reidmiller, Andersen & Scott, we know how Colorado insurers operate—and we know how to fight back. Our team can evaluate your policy, handle communication with adjusters, and file a lawsuit if necessary to recover the compensation you deserve.
If your insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, contact us today. We’re here to protect your rights, advocate for your recovery, and make sure you’re not left footing the bill for someone else’s mistake.
