An Insured's Guide To Insurance Adjuster Rights: Can They Contact Your Employer?

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be a tricky business. It's important to know your rights and what to expect when dealing with them.

Insurance adjusters are employed to evaluate property loss and determine the dollar amount a claim should pay out. They are hired by either insurance companies or individuals. When an insurance adjuster contacts you, it is important to remember that they have their company's best interests in mind, not yours. Their objective is to get you to accept the lowest amount of money possible in the shortest amount of time.

So, do insurance adjusters have the right to contact your employer? The short answer is yes. Insurance adjusters may try to ask your employer about your life after an accident without your permission. They may also turn up at your workplace unannounced. However, you are not legally obligated to speak with them and can refuse to answer any questions. It is also important to note that you have the right to refuse to sign an authorization form allowing the adjuster to obtain your medical and employment records.

If you are unsure of your rights or how to handle an insurance adjuster, it is always best to consult with a lawyer.

Insurance adjusters may contact your employer without your permission after an accident

After an accident, it is standard practice to receive a call from the other driver's insurance company. However, it is important to remember that you are not legally required to speak with them. If you do choose to engage, it is crucial to be cautious about what you say, as their goal is to minimise their payout. While adjusters may seem sympathetic, they may use your information against you or encourage you to admit fault.

Insurance adjusters may employ various tactics to undermine your case. They might contact your employer, friends, or family about your life after the accident without your permission, show up at your home or workplace unannounced, or try to dissuade you from seeking legal advice. They may also pressure you to accept a quick, low settlement before you understand the extent of your injuries or damage to your property.

To protect yourself, it is advisable to hire a lawyer or consult your insurance company, who can communicate with the other driver's insurance adjuster on your behalf. You can inform the adjuster that you have engaged legal representation and provide them with your attorney's contact details. Additionally, you have the right to refuse to sign an "authorisation" form allowing the adjuster to access your medical and employment records directly. Instead, you can source and provide relevant reports yourself, ensuring that irrelevant information cannot be misused.

Remember, insurance adjusters do not work for you; they represent the insurance company and aim to pay out as little as possible. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious and seek legal advice when dealing with them.

They may also show up at your workplace unannounced

It is within an insurance adjuster's rights to show up at your workplace unannounced. However, this does not mean that they can trespass on your property or enter your car without your permission. If you do not want them to come to your workplace, you can deny them permission to do so.

Adjusters may show up at your workplace unannounced for several reasons. One reason could be to try to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. They might offer you a check on the spot in the hopes that you will settle immediately. They may also want to speak to you in person to try to get you to say something that could be used against you to reduce their liability.

It is important to remember that you are not required to speak to the other driver's insurance adjuster and that it is usually not a good idea to do so. If you do speak to them, be cautious about what you say, as anything you say can be used to undermine your case. It is recommended that you first consult a personal injury lawyer, who can advise you on how to deal with the insurance adjuster and help you get the full compensation you deserve.

You are not legally obligated to speak with another driver's insurance company

It is important to remember that the other driver's insurance company is not on your side and is seeking ways to disprove your claim and dismiss your case. They will attempt to collect information to prove that you were negligent or that your injuries are not as severe as claimed. Therefore, it is crucial that you do not tell them that you are fine or that your car is undamaged. Anything you say can be used against you, and they will try to pressure you into accepting a quick and low settlement.

• You are not required to elaborate or provide stories about yourself. Simple yes or no answers are best.
• Refrain from allowing them to record the conversation as it can be used against you later.
• Only speak about what you know, and refrain from speculating.
• Request that your insurance company or a lawyer be present during the conversation.
• Stay calm, cool, and collected during the conversation, and provide only the requested information.
• Avoid discussing your injuries, as you may not know the full extent of them yet.
• Do not agree to a settlement over the phone or sign anything.

In most cases, it is recommended to seek legal advice before speaking with the other driver's insurance company, especially if there are severe injuries, significant medical treatments, or disputes over who is at fault. A personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your rights.

You can refuse to sign an authorization for adjusters to access your records

When dealing with insurance adjusters, it is important to remember that they are not on your side. Their job is to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible, so they may employ misleading tactics to get you to accept a lower settlement amount than you deserve.

One such tactic is to ask you to sign an "authorization" or "medical authorization release" form, which allows them to access your medical records. They may claim that they need these records to determine the extent of your injuries and how much they should pay you. However, it is never a good idea to sign such a form without consulting a lawyer first.

By signing a medical authorization release, you are giving the insurance company access to your entire medical history, including records that are not relevant to your claim. This is a problem because insurance companies will try to use your medical history against you to reduce or deny your claim. For example, they may try to argue that your injuries are related to pre-existing conditions or that your problems are not as serious as you claim.

You are only required to release certain medical records that are directly related to your injuries and the treatment you received. These may include medical documentation from your initial visit, records of your diagnosis and symptoms, descriptions of the treatments you received, and X-rays or other images that show proof of injury.

If an insurance adjuster asks you to sign an authorization form, you have the right to refuse or ask for clarification. You can also request that they provide a reason for their request and explain why you believe the records are relevant to your claim. It is advisable to consult an experienced lawyer who can guide you on what records to release and help protect your rights.

Remember, the insurance adjuster may try to pressure you into signing by claiming that it is standard procedure or that you need to sign in order to pursue your claim. Do not be fooled by their tactics, and always ask questions and demand clarification.

You can request a different adjuster if you are having trouble

If you are having trouble with your insurance adjuster, there are several steps you can take to try and resolve the issue.

Firstly, it is important to remember that insurance adjusters are employed by insurance companies and are therefore working in the company's best interest, not yours. As such, it is not uncommon for adjusters to employ various tactics to try and reduce the amount of money the insurance company has to pay out. This may include asking questions about the accident or your injuries that could be used against you or pressuring you to accept a quick, low settlement.

If you are having issues with your adjuster, it is recommended that you first try to communicate with them directly and explain how they have made you feel. If this does not resolve the issue, you can ask to be put in touch with their supervisor. If the problem still persists, you have the right to request a different adjuster. Insurance companies regularly reassign claims, and it is within your rights to ask for an adjuster who will handle your claim fairly and efficiently.

If you are still not satisfied, you can contact your state's insurance commissioner and file a report. This will prompt the insurance company to respond to your complaint. Alternatively, you can seek legal assistance and hire a lawyer or a public insurance adjuster to represent your interests and ensure your rights are protected.

Frequently asked questions