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...

Mile Auto or regular insurance?

Mile Auto is still "real" car insurance, just billed differently. Instead of paying a flat premium like you do with traditional insurance, you pay a base monthly rate plus a per-mile fee. That’s why it can be such a good deal for low-mileage drivers.With regular insurance, you pay the same amount e…
Mar 19, 2026 Fort Myers, FL

I have liability coverage only and I hit a highway median. Am I covered for any damages?

Liability insurance only covers damages you directly cause. It never covers your own property. If the state seeks damages and the insurance was not active you do open yourself up to potential lawsuits for them to collect their damages.
Mar 30, 2023 Fort Wayne, IN

Why can I not remove my son from my auto insurance policy with GEICO?

You can’t remove a household driver without separate coverageGenerally you can't remove a household member from your policy unless they have their own separate insurance coverage. You should have the option to exclude your son from the policy if you don't want him to impact your rate, but that mean…
Mar 2, 2026 Delray Beach, FL

Cost of sinkhole coverage in Tampa, FL

Florida currently requires homeowners insurance policies and by extension insurance companies to offer coverage for what they call “Catastrophic Ground Collapse,” which may not actually cover damage caused by a sinkhole. Catastrophic Ground Collapse coverage differs from sinkhole insurance by requi…
Apr 3, 2024 Tampa, FL