Meeting Auto Insurance Adjusters: Strategies For Success

Meeting an auto insurance adjuster can be a stressful experience, especially if you don't know what they do or how to prepare. Auto insurance adjusters are people who decide how much money you should be offered in the event of a claim. As insurance companies maximise profits by paying out minimum amounts, adjusters are there to ensure you get compensated as little as possible. They are not your advocate, and it's important to remember that they are trained to trick you into saying the wrong things. It's advisable to keep interactions brief and simple, giving out limited information. You are not legally required to give a statement or sign a medical release form, and you should be careful not to divulge too much information about your health or admit blame.

Be cautious of what you say to an insurance adjuster

When dealing with an insurance adjuster, it is crucial to be cautious about what you say. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals who work to protect the interests of the insurance company and minimize claim payouts. They may seem friendly, but their primary goal is to obtain information that can be used to weaken your claim or reduce the compensation amount. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Denying fault or speculating on the cause of the accident: Avoid denying fault for the accident or speculating on its cause. Let the insurance company conduct its investigation and rely on official reports and expert opinions to determine liability. Stick to providing only the necessary factual information.
• Providing unnecessary personal information: Be mindful of the personal information you disclose. While it is essential to provide details about the accident, avoid sharing unnecessary personal information unrelated to the claim. The adjuster may try to engage in casual conversation to gather information about your employment, financial situation, or personal life, which could be used to devalue your claim.
• Downplaying your injuries or damages: Do not downplay or minimize the severity of your injuries or property damage. Insurance adjusters are skilled at negotiating and will try to reduce the value of your claim. Be honest and accurate in describing your injuries, the impact on your life, and the extent of property damage.
• Making recorded statements without legal advice: Refrain from providing recorded statements without consulting an attorney. Adjusters often ask for recorded statements to extract information that could weaken your claim. An attorney can guide you on what to say and protect your rights during the claims process.
• Discussing your medical history or pre-existing conditions: Avoid discussing your medical history or pre-existing conditions unless directly relevant to the claim. The adjuster may try to argue that your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated to the accident, potentially downplaying the severity or denying your claim.
• Admitting to prior injuries or accidents: Be cautious when discussing prior injuries or accidents. Do not provide unnecessary details unless they are directly relevant to the current claim. The insurance company may use this information to minimize the value of your claim and argue that your injuries resulted from previous incidents.
• Agreeing to a quick settlement: Avoid agreeing to a quick settlement without thoroughly reviewing all the damages. Adjusters may pressure you to accept an early settlement, but it is crucial to assess the full extent of your injuries and damages first. A quick settlement may result in inadequate compensation for your losses.
• Accepting blame or apologizing: Refrain from accepting blame or apologizing for the accident. Insurance adjusters are skilled at extracting statements that can be construed as admitting fault. Even if you believe you contributed to the accident, do not admit fault without understanding all the facts. Focus on providing factual information and avoid speculative statements.
• Making statements without understanding your policy: Avoid making statements about your policy coverage without fully understanding its terms and conditions. Insurance policies can be complex, and providing incorrect or incomplete information can limit your compensation or lead to a claim denial. Consult with your insurance agent or an attorney to clarify any uncertainties.

Remember, insurance adjusters are trained to ask specific questions to elicit responses that favour the insurance company. Always seek legal advice when necessary and provide only relevant and accurate information to protect your rights and maximize your chances of obtaining a fair settlement.

Understand the role of an insurance adjuster

An insurance adjuster, or claims adjuster, investigates insurance claims related to different types of property damage or loss. They act as negotiators, seeking to find a settlement that is beneficial to both the insurance company and the claimant.

When an insurance policyholder experiences a loss, they may submit a claim to their insurance provider. An insurance adjuster will then be assigned to investigate the claim on behalf of the insurance company. They will assess the extent of the damage and loss experienced by the customer, using their expertise to recommend a suitable settlement.

Claims adjusters verify policyholder requests for funds from an insurance policy. They determine a fair settlement amount and can handle a wide range of claims, from personal injury to property damage. In the case of property damage claims, they carry out a detailed investigation, inspecting the damage, reviewing police reports, speaking to witnesses, and talking to property owners.

Claims adjusters may work directly for the insurance company or as freelance adjusters hired to handle specific claims. It is important to note that they work for the insurance company and may try to convince property owners to accept less money than their claim is worth. Therefore, it is recommended to consider hiring an independent adjuster who will work to protect your interests in the claim.

In summary, insurance adjusters play a crucial role in the claims process, investigating and verifying insurance claims to determine a fair payout amount while ensuring the insurance company's liability is not exceeded.

Know when to hire an attorney

While there is no legal requirement to hire an attorney when dealing with auto insurance adjusters, it is often in your best interest to do so. Here are some key points to consider when deciding whether to hire an attorney:

• Complexity of the Claim: If your claim is complex, involves a large sum of money, or is time-consuming, an attorney can guide you through the process and ensure your rights are protected.
• Time Constraints: If you feel pressured by time constraints or are unsure about the statute of limitations for your claim, an attorney can help you navigate these deadlines and ensure your claim is filed within the required timeframe.
• Emotional Distress: If you are experiencing frustration, anger, or anxiety due to the claim, an attorney can provide support and handle communications with the insurance company on your behalf.
• Lack of Cooperation: If the insurance company is uncooperative or unwilling to negotiate in good faith, an attorney can advocate for your interests and help resolve the dispute.
• Expertise and Experience: Attorneys have the legal expertise and experience to navigate the complexities of insurance claims. They understand traffic laws, insurance policies, and negotiation strategies, which can be invaluable when dealing with insurance adjusters.
• Maximizing Compensation: Attorneys can help you secure maximum compensation for your losses, including medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can evaluate the fairness of settlement offers and negotiate on your behalf.
• Contingency Fee Structure: Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for you. This eliminates upfront legal fees and motivates them to work diligently on your behalf.

When deciding whether to hire an attorney, consider your level of comfort with the claims process and the severity of your situation. If you feel overwhelmed, unsure, or sense that the insurance company is not treating you fairly, it may be beneficial to seek legal assistance.

Be aware of the different types of insurance adjusters

When dealing with auto insurance adjusters, it is important to be aware of the different types of insurance adjusters and their roles. The three main types of insurance adjusters are:

Staff Adjusters

Staff adjusters are direct employees of an insurance company, working exclusively for a single insurance carrier. They handle claims only for that specific insurer and are usually hired as full-time employees with benefits such as health insurance and paid leave.

Independent Adjusters

Independent adjusters work on behalf of the insurer but are not direct employees. They are typically contracted by a third-party claims-handling company or an independent adjusting firm. These adjusters handle claims for multiple insurers simultaneously and are often hired when there is an influx of claims, providing additional support.

Public Adjusters

Public adjusters are self-employed and hired by the policyholder, the claimant. They are engaged when the claimant believes they have received an unfair or incorrect settlement offer from the insurance company. Public adjusters charge the claimant a percentage of the final settlement fee for their services.

In addition to these three main types, there are also inside adjusters (or desk adjusters) and field adjusters. Inside adjusters work in an office setting and handle claims using information and images provided by the policyholder. In contrast, field adjusters go on-site to handle all aspects of the claim, including interacting with the policyholder, inspecting the damages, and taking pictures.

Prepare for your first contact with an insurance adjuster

First, it's important to remember that you are not legally required to speak with the other driver's insurance adjuster. If you do decide to speak with them, be cautious about what you say. The adjuster is not your friend and is working to protect the insurance company's interests, not yours. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, and they will try to get you to accept a quick and low settlement.

• Contact an experienced auto accident attorney. They will speak to the insurance company on your behalf, protect your claim, and negotiate a favourable outcome.
• If you decide to speak with the adjuster, remain calm and polite. Do not take out your anger on them, as it won't help your case.
• Before discussing anything, get the name, phone number, and email address of the adjuster, as well as the name of the insurance company and the person or business they insure.
• Only provide basic personal information, such as your full name, address, phone number, and employment details.
• Do not give any details about the accident or your injuries. Keep your conversations limited and simple. You can politely refuse to discuss the facts, stating that your investigation is ongoing.
• Do not admit any fault or apologise, as this can be used against you to deny or reduce your claim.
• Do not agree to give any recorded statements or sign any medical release forms. The adjuster may use this information to devalue your claim or find inconsistencies in your story.
• Do not accept an immediate settlement offer. It is likely to be significantly lower than what your claim is worth. Wait until you have a full understanding of your injuries and the extent of your damages.
• Set clear limits on phone conversations and further contact. You are not obligated to provide more information than is necessary, and giving incomplete or inaccurate information can be used against you later.
• Take notes during your conversations with the adjuster and write down any information you receive or provide.

Frequently asked questions