Absolutely the truth can hurt and there are many instances where slightly modifying the truth can be helpful in preventing unduly hurt feelings or avoiding uncomfortable situations.
The goody-two-shoes would disagree wholeheartedly and would argue loudly that the truth should in no way be compromised, regardless of the outcome. In reality many cultures are based around this notion. An undeniable fact is that a huge number of individuals around the globe will tell half-truths in less than the time it takes you to finish reading this commentary, with very few consequences.
Consider this – Your partner asks you if her/his friend is better looking than they are – your answer will probably be a resounding ‘no’ (on the assumption that you want to continue with your current relationship) and it doesn’t really matter to you if that was the truth or not. Why do we manipulate the truth? In a nutshell we are schooled from our infant years with diametrically opposed views about telling lies. From 3-4 years onwards society encourages us to think that the truth is always better than a lie, when in fact the actual rewards for telling lies could far outweigh the consequences.
What are the downsides of manipulating the truth when it comes to insurance? – The failure to fully disclose the information requested of you can eventuate in your policy being withdrawn or your claim being declined outright.
In recent times consumer affairs television programs have been demonstrating that insurance companies will not tolerate any manipulation of the truth, regardless of whether or not you thought it inconsequential. The financial impact to these companies is colossal, and they take a very hard line on this. Full and honest financial and health disclosures are expected as Insurance Company’s rarely request further information due to the cost and time it takes, so an Insurance company’s decision to offer you an insurance contract is sometimes exclusively based on the information you include in your application.
If you purposely don’t disclose information or you conveniently decide that it is irrelevant, then you have undermined the ability for an insurance company to compose an accurate contract. The outcome of this may be that your contract is cancelled, or your claim may be declined. Either way it’s not pretty.
Is there any harm in telling half truths? – When it comes to Insurance the answer is surely ‘Yes’. Always tell the full truth and rest easy at night knowing that your Insurance contract will not be compromised when you need it the most.
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