Auto Insurance Adjusters: Fair Or Foul?

Are auto insurance adjusters fair? This is a question many Americans ask themselves, especially after being involved in a car accident. While insurance adjusters are supposed to assess the damage to your vehicle and determine the appropriate compensation, they are employed and paid by insurance companies, which are for-profit corporations. Therefore, insurance adjusters are incentivised to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible.

Insurance adjusters are trained to be friendly and appear helpful, but their main goal is to limit your settlement. They will try to get you to admit fault, twist your words, and use your statements against you. They will also delay the process to frustrate you and try to get you to settle for less.

So, what can you do to protect yourself? It is recommended that you keep interactions with insurance adjusters brief and limited in detail. Do not sign any forms or give recorded statements without speaking to an attorney first. Remember, you don't have to accept the first settlement offer, and you have the right to choose your own body shop for repairs.

Insurance adjusters are not on your side

One common tactic is to avoid or delay communication, hoping that you will become frustrated and accept a lowball settlement offer. They may also try to get you to admit fault or share liability for the accident, or find pre-existing conditions in your medical records to deny or reduce your claim. They might even go as far as hiring a private investigator to gather evidence that could discredit your claim.

Insurance adjusters are trained to make you think they are friendly and sympathetic, but their job is to keep you from getting the money you deserve. They will ask for recorded statements, which they can then use against you by twisting your words or taking them out of context. They may also try to pressure you into accepting an early settlement by exaggerating the urgency of your claim. Remember, insurance companies are for-profit corporations, and their main concern is their bottom line.

To protect yourself, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation. An attorney can speak on your behalf, advise you on what to say and what not to say, and help you gather the evidence needed to support your claim. Don't let the insurance adjuster take advantage of you—seek legal representation to level the playing field.

They will use your statements against you

Auto insurance adjusters are trained to use your statements against you. They work for the insurance company, not for you, and their goal is to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. While they may seem friendly and approachable, they are trained to get you to open up and tell them more than you need to, so that they can use your statements to reduce the amount of money the insurance company has to pay out.

Insurance adjusters will try to get you talking about the accident and your injuries, and they will use any statements you make to try to prove that you are at fault, or that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. They may ask you a series of questions designed to get you to admit partial or full responsibility for the accident, or they may try to get you to downplay the severity of your injuries. For example, they might ask about the effect that rainy weather had on your driving ability, or whether there was anything you could have done to avoid the accident. They might also ask how you are feeling, and a simple response like "I'm fine" can make your injuries seem much less serious than they are.

It's important to remember that you don't have to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster, and you shouldn't sign any medical release forms. The adjuster will use your medical history to try to prove that you had pre-existing conditions that contributed to your injuries. They may also try to get you to agree to an independent medical exam, where a doctor chosen by the insurance company examines your injuries.

To protect yourself, it's best to consult an attorney before speaking to an insurance adjuster. An attorney can guide you through the process and help you avoid making any statements that could be used against you.

They will delay the payment of your claim

Auto insurance adjusters are people who evaluate insurance claims and decide on the validity and value of the claim. While they are required by law to assess your claim in good faith, they are not working for you. They are employed by the insurance company and are looking out for their employer's interests.

One of the ways insurance companies maximise profits is by delaying payment of valid claims. This is done through various tactics, such as:

• Stalling investigations
• Changing the claimant's representative
• Requesting unnecessary records and documents
• Requesting information in increments
• Taking an unusually long time to respond to a claim
• Losing paperwork or sending more forms to fill out
• Changing insurance adjusters unexpectedly
• Requesting an extension without a valid reason
• Avoiding communication

These tactics are used to pressure the claimant into accepting a lower settlement amount. The longer the delay, the more financial pressure is put on the claimant, who may be facing expenses such as medical bills, repair costs, or additional living expenses if their home has been damaged. This can result in the claimant accepting an unfair settlement out of financial desperation.

Additionally, insurance companies benefit from delaying payments because they can continue to generate interest on the money that would have been used to pay the claim. This interest accrues until the check is finally cut to the claimant.

It is important to remember that you have rights under the law if you believe an insurer is refusing to pay or delaying your claim. You can seek legal counsel to fight for your rights and ensure that the insurance company honours their contractual obligations in a timely and efficient manner.

They will try to record you

When dealing with auto insurance adjusters, it is important to remember that they work for the insurance company, not for you. They are trained to be friendly and may try to twist your words or embellish what you meant. It is crucial to be careful about what you say to them as they may try to use your statements against you later if the case goes to court.

Insurance adjusters may ask to record your conversations or phone calls. While this is a normal procedure in the insurance industry, you should understand your rights and take precautions. Recorded conversations can be used as evidence and played in court, so it is advisable to consult an attorney before agreeing to a recorded conversation. You can also insist that the recording be done in person rather than over the phone.

In some cases, you may not have a choice but to allow the recording if you want your claim to proceed. However, you have the right to record your conversations with the adjuster as well, as long as you inform the other party and obtain their permission. Keeping records of all interactions, including written notes about the content, date, time, place, and names of anyone involved, can help protect you in case anyone denies a statement or conversation later on.

They will try to say you don't need an attorney

It is important to understand the role of an auto insurance adjuster and your rights when dealing with them after a car accident. While their job is to assess and settle your claim, it is important to remember that they work for the insurance company and may not have your best interests in mind. One of the first things an insurance adjuster may tell you is that you don't need to hire an attorney. They may say that hiring a lawyer will only complicate the process and that they can handle your claim fairly without legal representation. However, it is important to remember that the adjuster is not looking out for your best interests. The insurance company's goal is to minimize their payouts, and the adjuster is trained to protect the company's profits.

• The adjuster is not on your side: Remember, the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their primary loyalty is to the company they work for, and their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible.
• You may be entitled to more compensation than they offer: Insurance adjusters may try to pressure you into accepting a lowball offer, especially if they sense that you are not aware of your rights or the value of your claim. An experienced attorney can help you understand the true value of your claim and ensure you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
• The insurance company has lawyers: The insurance company will have a team of lawyers protecting their interests. If you choose to navigate the claims process without legal representation, you may be at a significant disadvantage. An attorney can level the playing field and ensure your rights are protected.
• You don't have to sign anything: If the insurance adjuster presents you with a release or any other document to sign, you are not obligated to do so. In fact, it is highly advisable to have any settlement agreement reviewed by an attorney before signing. Once you sign, you could be waiving your rights to future compensation.
• Consult with an attorney: Even if you ultimately decide not to hire a lawyer, it is worth consulting with one to understand your rights and options. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by seeking their advice.

Remember, the insurance adjuster's goal is to save money for the insurance company, not to ensure you receive fair compensation. Don't be afraid to assert your rights and seek legal representation if you feel you are not being treated fairly.

Frequently asked questions