Can An At-Fault Driver Refuse Your Insurance Settlement Offer
Video Transcript
Usually no—under most auto and homeowner liability policies, the insurer can accept or make a settlement without the at-fault driver’s approval. The policy typically gives the carrier the right to control defense and settle claims, though some policies (often in medical malpractice) may require the insured’s consent. This article explains when consent matters and what exceptions may apply.
Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media
“So they could settle the case without the person who caused the injuries approval?”
Spencer Freeman – Personal Injury Attorney – Pierce County, WA
“For sure. In the context of liability insurance, specific to automobile policies or homeowner’s policies or commercial business policies, absolutely. Almost always the insurance company. That’s not necessarily true in a medical malpractice scenario. A lot of times the doctors have insurance policies where the doctors have a “say” in whether or not there’s a settlement and how much the settlement’s for.”
Ray Hrdlicka – Host – Attorneys.Media
“Okay”
Spencer Freeman – Personal Injury Attorney – Pierce County, WA
“And that makes it harder to settle those cases, to be honest with you.”