If you’ve filed a car accident claim and followed up for an update, you’ve probably heard this phrase:
“We’re still reviewing your claim.”
It sounds neutral. Professional. Reasonable.
But in practice, this phrase can mean very different things—and some of them have nothing to do with reviewing paperwork.
This article explains:
- The real reasons insurers use this phrase
- When it’s normal vs. when it’s strategic
- What insurance companies are actually waiting for
- How this affects your settlement value
Why Insurance Companies Use This Phrase So Often
Insurance companies handle thousands of claims, but their communication is rarely accidental.
“We’re still reviewing your claim” is useful because it:
- Buys time
- Avoids giving a deadline
- Keeps you from pushing too hard
- Sounds cooperative without committing to anything
It’s intentionally vague.
What “We’re Still Reviewing” Often Really Means
Here are the most common interpretations behind that sentence.
1. They’re Waiting for Your Medical Treatment to End
This is one of the most common meanings.
Insurance companies prefer to settle after:
- You stop treating
- Symptoms stabilize
- Costs stop increasing
If you’re still seeing doctors, this phrase often means:
“We’re waiting to see how bad this gets.”
2. They’re Evaluating How Patient You Are
Insurers pay attention to how claimants respond.
If you:
- Don’t follow up
- Accept long delays
- Avoid asking questions
they may assume you’re more likely to accept a lower offer later.
Silence works in their favor.
3. They’re Waiting to See If You’ll Hire a Lawyer
This phrase is often used early in claims where:
- No attorney is involved
- Injuries are unclear
- Liability seems obvious
They may delay to see:
- If legal pressure appears
- If the claim becomes more expensive
Once a lawyer enters the picture, communication tone often changes.
4. They’re Waiting on Records (Sometimes Legitimately)
Not all delays are strategic.
Medical records:
- Take time to collect
- Often arrive incomplete
- Sometimes require follow-up requests
However, insurers don’t always tell you which records they’re waiting for—or whether they’ve even requested them.
5. They’re Controlling the Pace of the Claim
Insurance companies prefer to:
- Move quickly when it benefits them
- Slow down when it doesn’t
“We’re still reviewing” allows them to control timing without explicitly refusing to act.
When This Phrase Is Normal
It’s usually normal if:
- You recently submitted new medical records
- Treatment is ongoing
- The claim is still early
- Records were just requested
In these cases, delay may be procedural rather than strategic.
When It’s a Red Flag
It may be a problem if:
- Weeks pass with no updates
- You receive the same response repeatedly
- No clear next steps are explained
- Requests for timelines are ignored
At that point, “reviewing” often means stalling.
How This Affects Settlement Value
Delays can:
- Increase financial pressure
- Push people to accept early offers
- Reduce negotiating leverage
However, if you’re still treating, delays can also:
- Allow stronger documentation
- Reveal more serious injuries
- Increase overall claim value
The key question is:
Who benefits from the delay—you or the insurer?
What You Can Do When You Hear This
You don’t need to be aggressive, but you should be deliberate.
Helpful steps include:
- Asking what documents are still needed
- Requesting a general timeline
- Following up in writing (email > phone)
- Continuing medical care as advised
Clear, calm persistence changes how claims are handled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming silence means your claim is weak
- Stopping treatment to “speed things up”
- Accepting a low offer just to end delays
- Waiting months without documenting follow-ups
These mistakes usually benefit the insurer.
FAQs
Is “we’re still reviewing your claim” a denial?
No. It’s a delay, not a denial.
Can insurance say this indefinitely?
They can delay, but legal deadlines eventually apply.
Does this mean I’ll get a low offer?
Not necessarily. It often means they’re waiting for more clarity—or leverage.
Bottom Line
When an insurance company says,
“We’re still reviewing your claim,”
they’re often buying time, gathering leverage, or waiting for something to change.
Understanding what’s really happening helps you:
- Stay calm
- Avoid bad decisions
- Protect the value of your claim