Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

Can an insurance company recant liability and ask for a refund one month after paying me for damages to my vehicle?

The insurance company contacted me after the car accident, sent their adjuster, called me with estimated damages, and offered to pay me for damages. They emailed it to me in writing and deposited money into my bank account directly. Then a month later, asked me for the money back saying their insured wasn't liable. Can they do that?

Mar 30, 2023 Jacksonville, FL

Answer
Author profile picture
Kristine Lee
Insurance Data Insights Analyst

Kristine joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer, with a property and casualty insurance license. Before joining The Ze…

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 6+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

I have not heard of a claim decision being reversed and asking for the claims payout money back. They should be providing you with evidence of why they are refusing to pay the claim — if you haven't asked for this already, you should demand it. I strongly advise getting help from someone who is an expert in claims if they can't provide a clear explanation of why this happened. It sounds very fishy to me.

Hopefully, you can get this resolved soon. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Can a townhome be covered under an HO-6 insurance policy?

That depends on what parts of the property you are responsible for. If the townhouse shares walls and you are not responsible for the outside of the property but own the townhouse (like a condominium) then you qualify for an HO6. If you own the outside structure, you may need a regular homeowners p…
Jul 28, 2021 Miramar, FL

Do only people with bad driving records qualify for Direct Auto?

Direct Auto is known for helping high-risk or nonstandard drivers (people with accidents, lapses, or SR-22 filings). That’s their main market, but they’ll also insure good drivers; it’s just that the pricing and perks aren’t always as competitive for low-risk customers.Here’s a few points to think …
Nov 26, 2025 Tampa, FL

When should you drop full coverage on an older car?

It's not necessarily when, but if you should drop your coverage. I usually suggest keeping as much coverage as you can comfortably afford, but it really depends on your situation. When deciding whether full coverage still makes sense on an older, paid-off car, there are a few rules of thumb worth c…
Jun 11, 2026 Columbus, OH

My liability only car was hit by a stolen vehicle

Unfortunately, the owner of the vehicle that was stolen isn't liable because the fact they didn't give permission to the driver negates any coverage. The individual who stole the vehicle and caused the damage is responsible. I would contact the owner of the vehicle to get the police report informat…
Aug 13, 2024 Hutchinson, KS