{3:10 minutes to read} What is a field interview and why does the insurance company want one?
A field interview is an interview where an employee or an independent contractor working for your disability insurance company comes to visit you to ask questions about your disability claim. It typically happens when you’re first filing your disability claim, and the insurance company is trying to understand the facts about your disability and the scope of your job. It can happen at any time during the life of your disability claim. It is more likely to occur, however, if there’s been a change in circumstances in your claim or your life.
I always advise looking at your policy first. Many policies don’t authorize an insurance company to conduct a field interview.
There may be circumstances where you don’t want to do it, but generally speaking, I encourage my clients to participate in field interviews. The interview should be done under the supervision of an attorney because a field interview could be an effort to figure out whether the insurance company is going to deny or terminate the claim.
You have to be on your guard if you’re going to go forward with a field interview. There are a few things you need to think about:
1. Don’t have the field interview at your house or your office. An interviewer may make value judgments simply based on looking around or seeing things they shouldn’t see.
2. Bring a witness with you – someone who can take notes during the interview. You may need an accurate record of what actually happened at the field interview.
3. Make a list before you go. List your medications, doctors, and disability limitations and restrictions. These are all questions that will be asked during the interview.
At the interview, be sure to tell the truth, but don’t be chatty. This is not a friend of yours. Do not offer additional information to the interviewer if you can avoid it. I recommend you meet the interviewer at a library, a friend’s office, or a diner – anywhere but your personal space.
One last thing: If they ask to take your picture or for a copy of your driver’s license – do not give it to them. The purpose of getting your picture is to have someone surveil you.
Remember, the interviewer is not there to help you, so be cautious. If you ever get a field interview request, follow these guidelines, but certainly contact a qualified attorney to discuss the request before doing it.
Evan S. Schwartz
Founder of Schwartz, Conroy & Hack
800-745-1755
ESS@schwartzlawpc.com