Maximizing Your Auto Insurance Adjuster: Tips And Strategies

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be a tricky business. While they are meant to help you get the compensation you deserve, they are also working for the insurance company, which is looking to save money. This means that insurance adjusters will try to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible. There are several ways they might do this, including asking you to sign a medical release, which gives them access to your medical history, or twisting your words to use against you. It's important to be cautious about what you say to an insurance adjuster and to remember that you don't have to sign a medical release or accept a settlement offer if you don't want to. Reviewing your options with an experienced attorney can help you get a fair resolution.

Understand the role of an insurance adjuster

Understanding the role of an insurance adjuster is key to getting the most from your auto insurance claim. An insurance adjuster, also known as a claims adjuster, is the person you will most likely be dealing with when you file an insurance claim. They represent and work for the insurance company paying the claim. Their role is to review your claim, determine the extent of the insurance company's liability, and estimate the claims payment.

Claims adjusters handle all types of losses, including property damage and bodily injury claims. They investigate insurance claims by reviewing each case, speaking with the claimant, interviewing witnesses, researching records (e.g., police or medical reports), and inspecting any involved property. They also verify that the insurance coverage applies to the loss and notify the insurer of a covered loss under the policy terms.

It is important to remember that the adjuster's primary focus is to protect the interests of the insurance company and prevent overpayment or illegitimate claims. They are not working on your behalf, so it is advisable to be cautious about what you say to them, as they may use it against you if the case goes to court.

Claims adjusters are typically employed directly by an insurance company, but they can also be freelance adjusters hired to handle specific claims. There are three main types of insurance adjusters: staff adjusters, who are direct employees of the insurance company; independent adjusters, who are contractors working for the insurance company; and public adjusters, who work on behalf of the person filing the claim.

Be cautious of unethical tactics

When dealing with an insurance adjuster, it is important to be cautious of unethical tactics that may be used to reduce your settlement. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Lack of Communication: Adjusters may avoid or delay communication to cause frustration and make you more likely to accept a lowball offer. They may also use a lack of communication to their advantage, sending a small check without any prior discussion, hoping that you will cash it and settle the claim for less than you deserve.
• Statute of Limitations: Claims adjusters may refuse to contact you, hoping that the statute of limitations on your claim will run out, leaving you unable to recover through the claims process or a lawsuit.
• Admitting Fault: Adjusters work for the insurance company that you are filing the claim with, and it is in their best interest to reduce the amount of money paid out. They will rarely admit that their insured is liable for the collision and may try to ask you questions to get you to admit fault or share liability. Be careful with your responses, as admitting partial fault can significantly reduce your compensation.
• Medical Records: Adjusters may try to obtain your complete medical history to find a way to delegitimize your claim. For example, they may try to argue that your current injury is related to a decades-old wound. Be cautious when signing any authorization for the release of your medical records, and consult with an attorney if necessary.
• Recorded Statements: Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement, hoping to catch you off guard and get you to say something that can be taken out of context and used against your claim. You are not always required to consent to a recorded statement, and you should consult an attorney if you have any doubts.
• Delaying Payment: Adjusters know that financial pressure can be a motivator, and they may try to delay payment, hoping that you will accept a lower settlement to get money sooner.
• Surveillance: Believe it or not, insurance adjusters may engage in surveillance to try to catch you doing something that can hurt your claim. This could include reviewing your social media activity, so be careful about what you post and consider adjusting your privacy settings.
• Discouraging Legal Representation: If an adjuster discourages you from seeking legal advice, it is a huge red flag. This usually means they are trying to hide something, and they know that involving an attorney will likely result in a higher payout.

Remember, insurance adjusters are not your friend. They work for the insurance company and are focused on minimizing payouts. To protect yourself, consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the claims process and ensure your rights are respected.

Know when to hire a public adjuster

When to Hire a Public Adjuster

A public adjuster is an independent trained insurance professional that helps individuals with the insurance claim process. They are licensed and trained professionals who advocate exclusively for policyholders.

• You need to document, file and prove a claim, especially if it is relatively large or has many complicating factors.
• You don't fully understand the insurance policy's language or the depth of coverage. Public adjusters can help you understand complex provisions, processes, clauses, and legal terms, and address them to maximize your settlement.
• You don't have time to deal with the insurance claims process. This is especially true if you are a business owner, as you will have many other responsibilities outside of the insurance claim to handle.
• The insurance company is not answering in a timely manner, or you feel they are not adequately evaluating your claim. A public adjuster can take over the task of directly communicating with the insurance company and serve as a middleman.

It is important to note that public adjusters typically charge a percentage of the total claim payout, which can range from 3% to 30% of your insurance settlement. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the cost when deciding whether to hire a public adjuster.

Be aware of the risks of signing a medical release

Signing a medical release form can have significant risks. It is important to be aware of these risks before agreeing to anything.

Firstly, signing such a release can compromise your privacy. It gives insurance adjusters access to your entire medical history, which may include sensitive and private information. This is especially true if you sign a blanket medical release, which allows the insurance company to pull any medical records they want.

Secondly, signing a medical release can hurt your claim. Insurance companies are incentivized to minimize the amount of money they pay out. They will scour your medical records for any information that could be used to decrease or deny your claim. For example, they may try to relate your current injuries to pre-existing conditions or previous injuries. They may also claim that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, especially if you give them access to your records before the full scope of your injuries is known.

Thirdly, signing a medical release can limit the amount of compensation you receive. Insurance adjusters may use the information in your medical records to offer you a lower settlement. They may also try to blame your problems on pre-existing conditions, even if these issues are not connected to the claimed injury.

Finally, signing a release can slow down the process of getting compensation. While you are not legally required to sign a medical release, refusing to do so may result in continued pressure and requests from the insurance adjuster.

Given these risks, it is generally recommended that you consult with a lawyer before signing any medical release forms. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and protect your interests. They can also advise you on which records you should provide to the insurance company and which records you should keep private.

Understand the importance of correspondence

Correspondence is key when dealing with an auto insurance adjuster. Keeping records of all communication is critical, whether the insurance adjuster tries to overwhelm or underwhelm you with paperwork. Here are some tips to help you understand the importance of correspondence and get the most from your auto insurance adjuster:

• Keep all your records in one place: Use a designated folder to store paper documents and be sure to save copies of all email correspondence. This will help you stay organised and easily reference important information.
• Communicate via email: Many insurance companies have an app or online portal for filing claims. Communicating via email can benefit both parties by providing a written record of all correspondence and reducing on-the-spot anxiety from phone calls.
• Be mindful of what you say: Remember that the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Statements you make can be used as evidence and may be used against you if the case goes to court. Be careful not to divulge too much information about the accident or your injuries.
• Set limits on conversations: Let the adjuster know that you will not be discussing much on the phone and set clear limits on any further phone contact. This will help you avoid providing incomplete or inaccurate information and prevent frequent calls from becoming a nuisance.
• Refuse to give recorded statements: You are not legally obligated to agree to recorded conversations, and it is against the law for an adjuster to record you without your consent. Refusing to be recorded allows you to provide information more comfortably and thoroughly in writing.
• Write down information: After a phone conversation with the adjuster, make sure to write down all the information exchanged, including any requests made or information received. This helps ensure accuracy and provides a reference for future correspondence.

Frequently asked questions