By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

You’ve been in an accident. Or maybe your house was damaged in a storm. You file a claim, expecting everything to go smoothly—until you get a letter saying it’s been denied.

And the reason?

A photo. A post. A seemingly harmless update on social media.

Let’s talk about how this happens—so you can make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

What’s Actually Going On?

Insurance companies aren’t just looking at what you say in your claim. In today’s world, they may also look at what you’re posting online.

Let’s say you filed a claim for a back injury after a car crash. But a few days later, a photo pops up on your Instagram of you dancing at a wedding or lifting something heavy. Whether or not that moment tells the full story of your injury, it can raise red flags.

And that’s when the questioning starts.

How Social Media Can Undermine a Legitimate Claim

• Contradicting Details: You say your car is undrivable—but then post a photo driving to the mountains.
• Timeline Confusion: You report the accident happened at 7 p.m., but a “fun night out!” photo is posted at 7:45 p.m.
• Perception Issues: Even if your pain is real, posts showing physical activity can paint a misleading picture.

Claims adjusters are trained to find inconsistencies. And if they believe there’s even a hint of misrepresentation, they can legally deny your claim.

What to Do Instead

• Keep It Quiet: Avoid posting about the incident, your injuries, or property damage until your claim is fully resolved.
• Be Consistent: Your social presence should match what’s in your official report.
• Be Honest: If something changes—like a faster recovery than expected—communicate it to your agent. Don’t let them find out through a post.

Common Misconceptions

• “It’s my private account—insurance companies can’t see that.”
  Not true. Courts have ruled that even private posts can be subpoenaed if they’re relevant to a claim.
• “I’m just joking in the caption—it’s not serious.”
  Claims decisions are based on evidence, not context. Humor can be misread.

The Bottom Line

Social media may feel casual, but during a claim, every detail counts. If in doubt, don’t post—or talk with your agent first.

We’re here to make sure your protection stays solid. And that includes avoiding the little things that can become big problems.