Warning: Navigating Travelers Personal Insurance Co (Travelers) Auto Insurance Claims in New York
- Reza Yassi
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 25
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New York and hold a policy with Travelers Personal Insurance Co—or you’re handling a claim against them—you need to understand the insurer’s playbook. Although Travelers Personal Insurance Co did not rank among New York’s top 30 auto insurers in 2022 (implying a market share under 0.48 %) Department of Financial Services, it still handles thousands of claims statewide and wields the financial strength of the broader Travelers Group, which AM Best rates A++ (“Superior”) AM Best News. Despite this strength, Travelers employs tactics designed to limit payouts and protect its bottom line.
Market Presence & Consumer Feedback
Though not among New York’s largest carriers by share, Travelers Personal Insurance Co still closed 262 autoclaim complaints in 2023, with 29 upheld—yielding 0.0305 upheld complaints per $1 million of premiums and ranking 82nd out of 131 insurers in the DFS complaint index Department of Financial Services. In the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, multiple large insurers—including Travelers—ranked among the lowest in customer service in several regions, well below the 697point industry average on a 1,000point scale Insurance.com. These metrics underscore that policyholders often struggle to resolve disputes smoothly.
Common Tactics Used by Travelers
Lowball Settlement Offers
Travelers often opens negotiations with figures far below the true value of your losses. Initial offers may ignore future medical costs, understate lost wages, and omit noneconomic damages like pain and suffering.
Delayed Claims Processing
Prolonged investigations and paperwork pressure claimants facing mounting bills into accepting less. Even when coverage is clear, extended wait times can force premature, undervalued settlements.
Aggressive Liability Disputes
Despite New York Insurance Law § 2601’s ban on unfair claims practices, Travelers adjusters comb through every statement and report for inconsistencies—however minor—to shift blame and contest liability.
Intimidating Claim Denials
Travelers may deny claims based on technicalities or vague fraud allegations. Since only 10–20 % of claims involve genuine fraud nationally, most denials hinge on paperwork errors or benign oversights, deterring rightful appeals.
What to Watch Out For
Recorded Statements: 11 NYCRR 216 (Regulation 64) sets minimum standards for claims handling and prohibits practices that unfairly discourage valid claims. Recorded statements can be scripted to elicit damaging admissions—use caution and consult counsel before agreeing Department of Financial Services.
Quick Settlement Offers: Fast turnaround offers—especially before you’ve completed treatment—are tactics to close claims cheaply. Always confirm the full scope of your medical needs and damages before considering any early offer.
Blanket Medical Authorizations: Only grant access to records directly related to your accident injuries. Overbroad authorizations risk exposing unrelated health history. New York regulators and consumer guides advise securing clarity on exactly which documents are needed before signing III.
Tips and Tricks to Protect Your Claim
Maintain meticulous, dated records of every medical visit, prescription, repair estimate, rental car invoice, and lostwage statement. Detailed logs and organized files strengthen your negotiations. Never sign away your rights until you’ve fully assessed both current and future treatment needs. When speaking with adjusters, stick strictly to who, what, when, and where—avoid speculation on fault or injury severity. Consider routing all communications through your attorney to prevent inadvertent admissions.
Why You Should Consult an Attorney
Travelers may tout strong overall satisfaction metrics, but its problemresolution performance and upheldcomplaint rates reveal a more adversarial posture Department of Financial Services. A skilled New York attorney can objectively value your claim—including future medical needs and noneconomic losses—push back against lowball offers, challenge unjust denials, and manage all adjuster communications. This expertise not only levels the playing field but also lets you focus on recovery instead of paperwork.
Protect Your Rights Today
Don’t let Progressive’s tactics undermine your claim. Reach out to a Manhattan personal injury lawyer for a free consultation—our New York‑licensed team is here to fight for the full, fair 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.
