Surveillance and Social Media: How Insurers Investigate Disability Claims in the Digital Age

At Disability Insurance Law Group, our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience protecting our clients at every stage of their disability insurance claims. Whether you are starting your application, responding to a dispute, or filing an appeal, we can help. And, chances are, you may need it.

That’s because insurance companies work hard to dispute or deny disability claims primarily to protect their financial interests. Approving disability claims results in significant payouts over time, especially for long-term disabilities. Denying claims helps insurers minimize their financial liabilities and maximize profitability.

One of the most significant ways they accomplish their goals is to surveil their policyholders in person and online. Here’s what you need to know about how insurers investigate disability claims in the digital age.

How Insurers Investigate Disability Claims Through Surveillance and Social Media

In the digital age, insurance companies have adopted advanced surveillance techniques and social media monitoring to investigate disability claims more effectively. These methods help insurers verify the legitimacy of claims and identify potential fraud.

Here’s how insurers utilize these tools:

Surveillance Techniques

• Physical Surveillance: Insurers may hire private investigators to physically surveil claimants. This can involve monitoring the claimant’s activities to verify their reported limitations. For example, a claimant who reports being unable to walk might be observed engaging in activities that contradict their claims.
• Video and Photographic Evidence: Investigators use video and photographic evidence to document the claimant’s daily activities. If discrepancies are found between the claimant’s reported disability and their observed behavior, this evidence can be crucial in court or during the appeals process.

Social Media Monitoring

• Public Profiles: Insurers monitor claimants’ public social media profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. They look for posts, photos, or videos contradicting the claimant’s reported condition. For instance, a claimant who reports severe back pain might post pictures of themselves participating in physically demanding activities.
• Behavior Patterns: By analyzing social media activity, insurers can identify patterns of behavior that may indicate the claimant is more active than reported. Frequent check-ins at gyms, participation in sports, or even travel photos can raise red flags.
• Network Analysis: Insurers also examine interactions with friends and family. Comments and tags can provide additional context or evidence about the claimant’s activities and lifestyle.

Digital Footprint

• Online Presence: Insurers investigate the claimant’s broader digital footprint, including blogs, websites, and online forums. Any public statements or posts that conflict with the claimant’s disability report can be used as evidence.
• Employment Verification: Insurers may use professional networking sites like LinkedIn to verify if a claimant is working or looking for work while claiming disability benefits.

Can the Insurance Company Use Evidence from Their Investigation to Dispute or Deny My Disability Claim?

While social media monitoring and surveillance are effective tools, they must be conducted within legal and ethical boundaries. Insurers are typically restricted to publicly available information and must avoid any form of harassment or invasion of privacy.

Evidence collected through surveillance and social media must be admissible in court. To be considered credible and relevant during legal proceedings, it should be gathered in a manner that respects legal standards.

Contact Our Skilled Disability Insurance Claims Attorneys Today for Help

If you have questions about filing a disability claim or why the insurance company is disputing or denying your coverage, contact our skilled disability insurance claims attorneys nationwide today by calling (954)-989-9000 or online to schedule a free and confidential case assessment.

We can put our over 50 years of combined experience to work for you and help ensure that your application meets the required standards and effectively communicates the need for disability benefits.