Navigating Mercury Insurance: The Benefits Of Engaging A Private Adjuster

Mercury Insurance is known for offering inexpensive insurance to better drivers, but historically, some claimants have reported that dealing with a Mercury Insurance claims adjuster is not always pleasant. The company has been accused of training people to make low-ball claims offers, drag out claims, and remind claimants that they could be found liable at trial. If you have been injured in an auto accident, you deserve to be compensated for the damages to your vehicle and your person. If Mercury Insurance is refusing to provide you with fair compensation for your accident, you may want to consider hiring a private adjuster to fight for your rights.

Pros and cons of hiring a lawyer to deal with Mercury Insurance

When dealing with Mercury Insurance, there are several pros and cons to hiring a lawyer to help with your claim.

Pros of Hiring a Lawyer

• You don't have to deal directly with insurance companies or your employer.
• A lawyer can help you to navigate complex workers' compensation paperwork, preventing errors that might invalidate your claim.
• A lawyer can help you to understand your insurance policy and ensure you don't miss anything you are entitled to.
• A lawyer can act as your advocate, taking on the burden of negotiation so you can focus on your recovery.
• You may receive a higher settlement payout with a lawyer.
• A lawyer will have your best interests at heart.
• A lawyer can help you to appeal a denied claim.

Cons of Hiring a Lawyer

• It may be expensive, and you will have to pay the lawyer from any compensation you receive.
• The process may become more complex and time-consuming.
• Success is not guaranteed.
• Your relationship with your employer may be negatively affected.
• You may be seen as aggressive or negative for hiring a lawyer.

Tips for negotiating with a Mercury Insurance adjuster

Negotiating with an insurance company can be a challenging and frustrating process, but there are several tips you can follow to help you get a fair settlement from Mercury Insurance. Here are some tips for negotiating with a Mercury Insurance adjuster:

• Be prepared: Know what you are entitled to and understand your insurance policy. Review your policy carefully and be aware of what is and isn't covered. This will help you avoid falling victim to any insurance adjuster tricks and ensure you don't inadvertently leave money on the table.
• Gather evidence: Collect and organise all the relevant evidence to support your claim. This includes photographs, videos, eyewitness statements, police reports, medical reports, doctor's notes, and any other official reports. Having strong evidence will give you a stronger position during negotiations.
• 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 before entering negotiations. This will help you stay focused on your goal and ensure you don't settle for less than what you deserve.
• Be wary of the first offer: Insurance companies often make low initial offers to test your awareness of your rights. Don't be afraid to counter their offer and ask for justification if it seems unreasonable.
• Get the offer in writing: Once you and the adjuster agree on a settlement, get the offer in writing. Don't sign anything until you have reviewed the offer carefully and confirmed that it matches the verbal agreement.
• Read the fine print: Pay close attention to the details of any documents or authorisation forms the insurance company asks you to sign. They may include clauses that give the company unlimited access to your medical records or other sensitive information.
• Be honest and polite: Honesty and politeness are key when dealing with insurance adjusters. Exaggerating or providing untrue information could lead to insurance fraud charges and may result in your claim being denied. Treating the adjuster with respect and maintaining a pleasant demeanour can also lead to a better outcome for you.
• Hire a professional: Consider hiring an insurance claims professional, an attorney, or a public adjuster to help you navigate the claims process. They can provide expert guidance, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf. Their expertise and experience can be invaluable in getting you a fair settlement.
• Don't be afraid to negotiate: Remember that the first offer is rarely the best, and you have the right to ask for more. Stand your ground and negotiate for a settlement that covers all the repairs and replacements needed to restore your property to its pre-loss condition.

While these tips can help you negotiate with a Mercury Insurance adjuster, it's important to keep in mind that insurance companies have teams of attorneys working for them. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about handling the process on your own, don't hesitate to seek legal assistance.

What to do after a car accident involving Mercury Insurance

If you've been in a car accident involving Mercury Insurance, there are several steps you should take to ensure the correct insurance coverage. Here is a guide on what to do:

Step 1: Secure the Scene and Check for Injuries

First, ensure that you are in a safe location and check for any injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to get medical help. If the vehicles are drivable, move them to the side of the road or away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. You can also use road flares, orange warning cones, or reflective triangles to further warn oncoming traffic.

Step 2: Call the Police

Even if it's a minor collision, it's important to call the police to file an official report documenting the incident. The police will collect information from all drivers, passengers, and witnesses, as well as note the location, date, and time of the accident. They will also document all injuries and property damage. Make sure to provide the police with your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of car insurance. Ask for a copy of the accident report number and note the names and badge numbers of the responding officers so you can obtain a copy of the report later.

Step 3: Gather Information and Document the Damage

While waiting for the police to arrive, exchange information with the other drivers involved. Use your smartphone to take photos and gather contact information, vehicle information (make, model, license plate number), insurance information, and the names of any passengers or witnesses. If you don't have a smartphone, keep a pen and notebook in your glove compartment. Take photos of the damage to all vehicles and the scene of the accident. Write down the events as you remember them, providing as much detail as possible. You can also take videos and photos of the drivers, passengers, and the overall scene to help the police and your insurance company.

Step 4: File an Insurance Claim

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim. They will need the same information you provided to the police. Even if it's a minor accident, it's important to report it to protect yourself against unforeseen or future claims. Your insurance agent can help spot red flags and resolve any problems. When filing a claim, be prepared to provide specific information and documentation, such as the names, contact information, insurance information, and vehicle information for anyone involved in the accident. You will also need to provide the location, date, and time of the accident, as well as photos of the damaged vehicles and a copy of the police report.

Step 5: Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with your state's laws and your rights as a driver. In California, for example, accident claims are regulated by the California Department of Insurance, and drivers' rights under the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations mandate that insurance companies must advise you of benefits, time limits, and coverage, acknowledge and investigate your claim promptly, respond to communications within a certain timeframe, and offer a fair settlement.

Step 6: Consider Hiring a Lawyer

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, and you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to help you navigate the process and ensure you receive fair compensation. This is especially important if you have been injured in the accident, as insurance adjusters may try to downplay the extent of your injuries or offer low settlements. A lawyer with experience handling Mercury Insurance claims can guide you through the process and protect your rights.

How to file a claim with Mercury Insurance

If you need to file a claim with Mercury Insurance, you can do so online or by calling their 24/7 claims hotline at (800) 503-3724.

Auto Claims

If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to first ensure that you are in a safe location and that there are no injuries. If it is safe to do so, call 911 so they can assess whether they need to respond. Take photos of the damages to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved, as well as the scene of the accident. Exchange information with all parties involved, including any witnesses.

When you call to report your loss, the Mercury claims team will initiate the claims process and explain the next steps. They may record the interview to expedite the claims process. Your representative will explain the relevant policy coverage, and if needed, they can help locate one of their preferred body shops. If you are unable to drive your vehicle, Mercury will arrange to have it towed. They can also assist you in reserving a rental car or referring you to their rental car partner.

To submit your auto claim, you will need the following information:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Police report number (if available)
• Name of the police department
• Description of the accident
• Description of damage to all vehicles (as detailed as possible)
• Property damage (if any)
• License plate number (including state) and number of passengers in each vehicle
• Driver's license number and auto insurance carrier/policy number for all involved parties
• Location of your vehicle
• Condition of your vehicle
• Witness/pedestrian information

Residence Claims

If you need to file a residence insurance claim, contact Mercury at (800) 503-3724 as soon as it is safe to do so. You can file a claim 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the loss is caused by burglary or theft, notify the police immediately and then contact Mercury to file your claim.

Take an inventory of any damaged or stolen property, and if possible, take pictures, make temporary repairs, and protect your property from further damage. If the premises are unlivable, vacate and move to a safe location, keeping itemized receipts for any living-related costs. Do not dispose of any damaged items.

To submit your residence claim, you will need the following information:

• Date, time, and location
• Police report number (if available)
• Name of the police department
• Description of damage
• If a General Liability claim and a lawsuit have been filed, provide a copy of the lawsuit, including the name of the recipient, the time and date it was received, and the location where it was received

Understanding fault-based insurance

Fault-based insurance, also known as at-fault insurance, is a type of insurance where the person deemed responsible for causing a car accident is liable for paying for the damage. This can include paying for the other driver's injuries and any damage to their vehicle.

In most states, liability insurance is used to pay for the other driver's injuries and damage to their vehicle if you cause a crash. Fault is determined by the insurance company, which will use an established list of criteria to help evaluate liability. This may include reviewing the police report, interviewing involved parties, and assessing photos of damage.

There are three types of negligence that determine how fault is assigned:

• Pure contributory negligence: The insurance company will only reimburse a driver if they are completely blameless in the car accident.
• Pure comparative negligence: A driver's payout is based on a certain percentage of fault.
• Modified comparative negligence: A driver can be compensated as long as they are not at fault for more than 50% or 51% of the accident, depending on the state.

It's important to note that each state has different laws regarding fault determination and negligence. In some cases, fault may be shared between both drivers, and the insurance company will decide how to split the costs.

If you are involved in a car accident, it's crucial to take specific steps to protect yourself and follow the law. These steps include calling the police, gathering evidence, seeking medical attention, and contacting your insurance company and the other driver's insurance company.

Frequently asked questions