Warning: Navigating LM General Insurance Co (Liberty Mutual) Auto Insurance Claims in New York
- Reza Yassi
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 25
LM General Insurance Company is Liberty Mutual’s primary New York personal auto insurer, backed by a global group that wrote over $13.3 billion in private‐passenger auto premiums in 2023, capturing 4.2 % of the national market III. Despite its size and an A (“Excellent”) financial strength rating from AM Best AMBEST News, LM General employs tactics designed to protect its bottom line—tactics you must recognize to secure fair compensation after a crash.
Market Presence & Consumer Feedback
While Liberty Mutual Group ranks sixth nationally, LM General alone faced 262 consumer complaints closed in 2023, of which 29 were upheld—yielding 0.0394 upheld complaints per $1 million of premium, and landing LM General 87th among 131 New York auto insurers in the DFS complaint index Department of Financial Services. On the customer satisfaction front, Liberty Mutual scored 717 out of 1,000 in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study—above the industry average of 697—yet still lagged behind top performers like NJM and Amica Bankrate. These figures show that while LM General can process many claims, policyholders often struggle to resolve disputes smoothly.
Common Tactics Used by LM General Insurance Co
1. Lowball Settlement Offers
LM General’s initial settlement proposals frequently underestimate your total losses. These “first offers” may cover a fraction of your medical expenses, omit future treatment costs, undervalue lost wages, and ignore non‑economic damages such as pain and suffering. Consumer Reports warns that insurers’ opening bids are often substantially lower than fair value—and claimants who accept them too early rarely recoup the difference AMBEST News.
2. Delayed Claims Processing
By prolonging investigations and paperwork, LM General exerts pressure on injured drivers facing mounting bills. The New York DFS notes that delays in claim payment remain one of the most frequent reasons consumers file complaints, second only to outright denials Department of Financial Services. Extended wait times can force you into accepting under‑compensatory offers just to close the claim.
3. Aggressive Liability Disputes
Even when fault appears clear, LM General will scrutinize every statement, medical report, and police finding for inconsistencies. Under Insurance Law §2601, insurers are barred from unfair claims settlement practices—but in practice, LM General often cites minor discrepancies to challenge liability and shift blame to the claimant Department of Financial Services.
4. Intimidating Claim Denials
LM General may deny claims based on alleged policy violations, technicalities, or vague accusations of fraud. While true fraud accounts for only a small percentage of all auto claims nationally, these denials discourage many valid claimants from pursuing appeals—despite DFS data showing “denied claims” as a top‑three complaint category in New York Department of Financial Services.
What to Watch Out For
Recorded Statements: Adjusters often request recorded interviews soon after the accident. Although voluntary, these statements can later be used to downplay the severity of injuries or contradict your prior accounts. Insurance analysts caution that recorded statements frequently become tools for claim denials .
Quick Settlement Offers: Offers made before you’ve completed treatment or fully assessed vehicle damage are designed to close claims cheaply.
Blanket Medical Authorizations: DFS guidance and consumer‑education resources urge you to authorize only accident‐related medical records. Never grant LM General unrestricted access to your full health history III.
Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Claim
Document Everything: Maintain a comprehensive file of all medical bills, doctor’s reports, vehicle repair estimates, rental car invoices, and wage‑loss documentation. Include dates, provider names, and copies of every receipt III.
Avoid Rushed Decisions: Never sign away your rights before understanding the long‑term implications of injuries that may require ongoing care.
Communicate Factualy: When speaking with adjusters, stick to who, what, where, and when. Avoid speculation about fault or downplaying pain. Consider directing all inquiries to your attorney.
Why You Should Consult an Attorney
Even though Liberty Mutual scored above average in overall claims satisfaction, its “problem resolution” scores trail its “ease of doing business” and “price for coverage” ratings J.D. Power. An experienced attorney can:
Perform an objective, comprehensive valuation of your current and future damages
Counter LM General’s lowball offers and procedural delays with strategic negotiation
Challenge unjust denials, liability disputes, and over‑broad record requests
Handle all communications and documentation, letting you focus on recovery
Protect Your Rights Today
LM General’s tactics can leave you under‑compensated and overwhelmed. Don’t settle for less—contact the best personal injury lawyer in Brooklyn for a free consultation. Our New York‐licensed team has the legal expertise to ensure you’re not forced into an unfair settlement and that you secure the full compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney about your specific circumstances.
