Navigating The Claims Process: Understanding When And How To Change Your Insurance Adjuster

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be a challenging and complex process. Adjusters are responsible for researching accidents, studying policies, and determining the financial settlement you are entitled to. It is essential to approach interactions with adjusters respectfully and knowledgeably, providing all the necessary information to support your claim. Being well-prepared and understanding the negotiation process can help you secure a fair settlement. Remember, adjusters ultimately serve the interests of the insurance company, so it is crucial to advocate for yourself and seek legal assistance if needed.

Ask for a new adjuster if facing a roadblock

Asking for a new adjuster is a valid option if you are facing a roadblock with your insurance claim. Here are some steps you can take to navigate this situation effectively:

• Take a Step Back: It is advisable to take a day or two before communicating with the insurance adjuster to reflect on the situation. Consider if there is anything you could have approached differently and how the adjuster made you feel.
• Communicate Your Concerns: After reflecting, raise your concerns with the adjuster and explain how their behaviour impacted you. Remember that adjusters handle numerous claims, and you might not be the only one facing such treatment.
• Contact a Supervisor: If the adjuster continues to act condescendingly or unprofessionally, ask to speak with their supervisor. This step is important, especially if the adjuster persists in their behaviour after you have expressed your concerns. Remember that supervisors manage multiple adjusters and numerous claims, so they may not be the most sympathetic to your complaints.
• Request a Change of Adjuster: Most people are unaware that they can request their claim to be reassigned to another adjuster. Insurance companies regularly reassign claims, so asking for a change is usually not difficult. However, keep in mind that this is typically a one-time request, and repeated appeals are unlikely to be granted.
• Contact the Insurance Commissioner: If you are located in a place like Montana, you can raise a complaint with the Office of the State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. This option is available to individuals who are not represented by an attorney.
• Seek Legal Advice: Consult an experienced attorney specialising in insurance claims and personal injury cases. They can guide you in navigating the complex landscape of insurance claims and ensure your rights are protected.

Remember to remain calm, polite, and professional throughout the process, even when facing challenges. Document your interactions, take notes, and seek legal assistance if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed.

Be respectful, honest, and well-prepared

When dealing with insurance adjusters, it is important to be respectful, honest, and well-prepared. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process effectively:

Be respectful:

It is essential to maintain a respectful and professional attitude when interacting with insurance adjusters. They are trained professionals who work for the insurance company and have a specific role to fulfil. Treating them with respect will create a more positive negotiation experience and increase your chances of a fair outcome.

Be honest:

Honesty is crucial when dealing with insurance adjusters. They are skilled at detecting inconsistencies and inaccuracies in your statements. Be truthful, factual, and refrain from speculating about the details of the incident. Remember, anything you say can be used as evidence, so always provide accurate and verifiable information.

Be well-prepared:

Before engaging with an insurance adjuster, ensure you are well-prepared. Gather all the necessary documentation, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and evidence of damages. Having comprehensive documentation supports your claim and demonstrates your understanding of the claim's value. Additionally, organise your thoughts and be ready to provide a concise overview of the incident, highlighting the key points that support your claim.

Remember, insurance adjusters handle numerous claims and aim to resolve them quickly. By being respectful, honest, and well-prepared, you can effectively advocate for yourself and increase the likelihood of a satisfactory settlement.

Provide all requested info and documentation

Providing all the requested information and documentation is crucial when dealing with an insurance adjuster. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through this process:

Understand the Adjuster's Role:

Know that the adjuster works for the insurance company and is responsible for reviewing your claim, estimating the payment, and determining the extent of damage or loss. They may inspect the damage, review police reports, talk to witnesses, and request additional information. Their findings and recommendations will significantly influence the insurance company's decision.

Document and Collect Relevant Documents:

Before the adjuster's visit, document the incident thoroughly. Note the date, time, and any relevant details. Take photos or videos of the damage or loss for your records. Collect essential documents such as witness statements, contact information, repair or replacement estimates, and receipts for any expenses related to the claim. Having this information ready will help the adjuster's evaluation and support your claim.

Be Present During the Adjuster's Visit:

Although it's not mandatory, it's advisable to be present when the adjuster inspects your property. This allows you to answer their questions, provide additional information, and ensure they don't miss anything during their assessment. Being present also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and understand the next steps in the process.

Provide Additional Information as Requested:

After the adjuster's initial visit, they may request further documentation or information. It's important to respond promptly to avoid delays in the claim process. Provide the adjuster with the requested receipts, reports, or other relevant documents. Stay in regular communication with the adjuster and the insurance company to facilitate a smoother claims process.

Maintain Open Communication:

Keep an open line of communication with the adjuster and the insurance company. Respond to their calls or emails promptly and provide any additional information they may require. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to the adjuster using the contact information they provided. Maintaining open communication will help keep your claim on track and ensure a faster resolution.

Remember, the key to successfully providing all requested information and documentation is to stay organised, respond promptly, and maintain a cooperative and respectful attitude throughout the process. By following these instructions, you can help ensure that your claim is handled efficiently and fairly.

Negotiate with confidence, knowing your claim's value

Negotiating with an insurance company can be a stressful and challenging process. It is important to remember that insurance adjusters are trained to reduce compensation and save the company money. Therefore, they will try to pay out the smallest amount possible for your damages. However, you can negotiate to get what you rightfully deserve. Here are some tips to help you negotiate with confidence, knowing your claim's value:

• Determine the value of your car: Before negotiating, it is crucial to assess the true value of your vehicle. This can be done by obtaining estimates from your trusted mechanic, consulting websites such as Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds, and considering the value of similar vehicles for sale online.
• Understand the claims process: Familiarize yourself with the role of an insurance adjuster. They investigate your coverage, gather statements, review reports, and evaluate damages to determine if the company is liable for paying out damages and how much compensation to offer.
• Prepare supporting evidence: Gather and organize all relevant records and documentation to support your claim. This includes repair bills, property damage quotes, the police report, eyewitness statements, photos or videos of the accident scene, and proof of income loss.
• Calculate a full settlement amount: Figure out what you are legally owed by considering all pertinent past, current, and future economic and non-economic damages. This includes medical bills, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and any other incidental costs related to the accident.
• Know your bottom line: Determine the minimum settlement amount you are willing to accept. This is your reservation point, below which you would rather walk away and pursue other alternatives. Keep this number in mind, but don't reveal it to the adjuster, as it could impact their offer.
• Be wary of the first offer: Insurance adjusters often make extremely low initial offers to test your awareness and negotiation skills. Never accept the first offer, and always ask for justification if it seems unreasonable.
• Get the settlement in writing: Once you reach a fair settlement, make sure to get the agreed-upon amount in writing. Don't sign anything until you have a written agreement outlining the settlement amount, expected timeline, and what damages are covered.
• Read the fine print: Be cautious when signing any authorization forms or agreements. Insurance companies may include clauses that give them unlimited access to your medical records or allow them to use pre-existing conditions to reduce compensation.
• Consider hiring an attorney: If you have catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or complex cases involving corporate policyholders, consider seeking legal representation. An attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment during the negotiation process.

Stay calm, polite, and cautious throughout

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be emotionally daunting. It is important to remember that insurance adjusters are not your friends and that they work for the insurance carrier. Their goal is to settle your case with as little hassle and payment as possible. They have rules they must follow to process your insurance claim. They will try to hold the accident against you and even accuse you of insurance fraud.

• Remain calm and polite: You may still be angry about the accident, but taking your anger out on the insurance adjuster will not help you get a fair settlement. Being calm and polite may help them handle your claim more promptly and may convince them that your story is correct.
• Give limited personal information: Provide only the necessary personal information, such as your full name, address, and telephone number. You can also tell them about your work and where you are employed, but avoid giving any other personal details.
• Be cautious about what you say: Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as this can be used against you. Do not give details about your injuries, as you may not yet know the full extent of your injuries. Refuse to give recorded statements, as adjusters can use your words against you.
• Be patient: Insurance adjusters may use delay tactics, such as not answering your calls, to frustrate you and increase the likelihood that you will accept a low settlement offer. Remember that one of their goals is to settle claims quickly, so take your time to review any settlement offer and don't feel pressured to accept their first offer.
• Seek legal representation: Consider hiring a lawyer to handle all communications with the insurance adjuster. A lawyer can protect your claim and relieve the stress of possibly saying the wrong thing. A lawyer can also help you understand your rights and options, review any settlement offers, and negotiate on your behalf.
• Be respectful and well-prepared: Providing the insurance adjuster with the correct documentation to prove your claim will help your case go more smoothly and increase the chances of getting the settlement you want. Know your claim value and have all the necessary documentation to support it.
• Ask for a different adjuster: If you are experiencing difficulties with your insurance adjuster, you can request that your claim be reassigned to another adjuster. Most insurance companies regularly reassign claims, so asking for a change is not usually difficult.

Frequently asked questions