Billing Auto Insurance: What Can You Claim?

If you've been in a car accident, you'll likely be dealing with an auto insurance adjuster. They are assigned to your insurance claim and act as your main point of contact with the insurance company. An auto insurance adjuster investigates your claim to determine if the insurance company should pay for any damage or injuries, and if so, how much. They will review the details of the accident and your insurance policy, interview those involved, and go over your options. You do not have to accept their first offer, and it is recommended to have a lawyer present to help with negotiations.

What is an auto insurance adjuster?

An auto insurance adjuster, also known as a claims adjuster, is a person who investigates an insurance claim to determine if the insurer should pay for damage or injuries, and if so, how much they should pay. They work for insurance companies and are hired to primarily investigate claims.

Claims adjusters are responsible for handling and investigating insurance claims. They review the incident and determine how much money the policyholder should receive. They investigate the claim, review the damages, calculate a payout, and settle the claim.

The process typically involves evaluating the claim, investigating the facts, requesting relevant documents, valuing the case, and negotiating a settlement. Claims adjusters work to settle claims relatively quickly and may handle 50 to 100 claims per month.

It's important to remember that auto insurance adjusters work for insurance companies and aim to save their employer money. While they have no financial interest in the outcome of the claim, their role is to minimise the payout.

When to hire a public adjuster

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who can help you with the claims process and ensure your payout is fair. They are trained insurance experts who work for the policyholder, unlike company adjusters who are paid by the insurance company.

There's no specific rule regarding when to hire a public adjuster, but there are some circumstances that make it worth considering:

You're Filing a Large or Complex Claim

If you're filing a large or complex insurance claim, a public adjuster can help ensure you receive a fair payout. They are experts in the language of insurance policies and can help you understand your coverage. They can also assist in negotiating with the insurance company and securing a higher settlement.

You Don't Fully Understand Your Insurance Policy

Public adjusters are trained to understand the complex language and coverage of insurance policies. They can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you're claiming the correct amount. This is especially important if you feel your insurer's adjuster has underestimated your claim.

You Don't Have Time to Deal with the Insurance Claims Process

Filing an insurance claim can be a time-consuming and stressful process, especially if you're dealing with the loss of your home or business. A public adjuster can handle all the paperwork and communications with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on other priorities.

The Insurance Company is Not Responding or Properly Evaluating Your Claim

If you feel neglected by your insurance company or they are not responding to your calls in a timely manner, a public adjuster can step in and communicate directly with the insurance company on your behalf. They can also ensure that your claim includes all related expenses, such as debris removal, loss of business income, and additional living expenses.

You Received a Quick Payout Offer

Quick payout offers from insurance companies are often a way to get rid of claims. A public adjuster can help you understand if the offer is fair and if there are other expenses that should be included in the claim.

Inadequate Settlement

Insurance companies hire adjusters to represent them, so it's important to have an expert on your side who can advocate for your interests. A public adjuster can help you negotiate a fair settlement and ensure you receive the correct amount of insurance money.

What an auto insurance adjuster does

An auto insurance adjuster, also known as a claims adjuster, is a person who investigates an insurance claim and assesses the extent of a company's liability. They determine whether the insurer should pay for damage or injuries, and if so, how much they should pay.

Claims adjusters may handle property claims involving damage to structures, and/or liability claims involving personal injuries or third-person property damage. They review each case by speaking with the claimant, interviewing witnesses, researching records (such as police or medical records), and inspecting any involved property.

In the case of a car accident, a claims adjuster will assess car damage in person and take photographs, interview witnesses or passengers involved, gather police and hospital reports, and contact medical providers to determine expenses. They will also review the details of the accident/loss submitted with the claim and the policy to determine which coverages may apply.

Claims adjusters work for the insurance company and are tasked with settling claims relatively quickly, as they can handle anywhere from 50 to 100 claims a month. They do not have the best interests of the claimant in mind and will try to save their employer money while determining the settlement of the claim. However, it is in their interest for the claimant to have a positive experience and have all their expenses covered, so most of the time, claimants will be paired with friendly and empathetic adjusters.

There are three types of claims adjusters: staff adjusters, independent adjusters, and public adjusters. Staff adjusters are direct employees of the insurance company, while independent adjusters are contractors. Public adjusters work on behalf of the claimant and can be hired if the claimant is unhappy with the settlement offered by the insurance company.

How to deal with an auto insurance adjuster

An auto insurance adjuster, or claims adjuster, is a person who investigates an insurance claim to determine if the insurer should pay for damage or injuries, and if so, how much they should pay. When dealing with an auto insurance adjuster, it's important to remember that they work for the insurance company, not for you. Here are some tips on how to deal with an auto insurance adjuster:

• Be polite and professional: Remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company, so it's best to be respectful and professional in all your interactions.
• Don't sign a medical release: It's common for the insurance company to ask for a medical release, but they might be looking for pre-existing conditions to deny or reduce your claim. Don't sign without speaking to an attorney.
• Be careful what you say: Statements can be used as evidence, so be cautious about what you say to the insurance adjuster. They may try to twist your words or use them against you later.
• Don't accept the first offer: Insurance companies often lowball their first offer, so don't be afraid to negotiate for a fair settlement.
• Get everything in writing: Always get all communication with the insurance company in writing, preferably via email, so you have a record of what was said and agreed upon.
• Know your policy: Read through your policy to understand your coverage and what's excluded. This will help you spot any attempts by the adjuster to underpay or deny your claim.
• Gather evidence: Collect evidence such as pictures, receipts, and witness statements to support your claim. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
• Choose your own body shop: You have the right to choose the body shop for repairs, even if the insurance company recommends a different one.
• Research rental cars: In many cases, you have the right to a rental car during repairs, but the insurance company may not volunteer this information. Check your policy to see if it's covered.
• Hire an attorney: Consider hiring an experienced personal injury attorney to help you navigate the claims process and negotiate a fair settlement.

Negotiating with an auto insurance adjuster

Firstly, it's important to understand the role of an insurance adjuster. They are responsible for investigating an insurance claim to determine if the insurer should pay for damage or injuries, and if so, how much they should pay. They do not work for you, but for the insurance company, so be mindful of what you say, as they may use it against you later.

• Research the value of your car: After an accident, the value of your car will be determined by a claims adjuster. However, you don't have to accept their estimate. Get estimates from multiple mechanics and check the value of your car on websites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.
• Negotiate with the insurer: If the adjuster's initial offer is far below your estimates, negotiate with the insurance company. Ask them to explain their justification, and then present a counter-argument. Have a desired settlement in mind, as well as the minimum you are willing to accept.
• Get it in writing: Once you reach an agreement with the insurance adjuster, make sure to get the negotiated amount and the details of what will be repaired in writing.
• Document your losses: Keep records of your medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses, lost wages, and any other losses. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
• Choose your own repair shop: The insurance company may try to steer you towards their preferred repair shop, but you have the right to choose your own as long as they charge reasonable rates.
• Never forget to negotiate: Remember that an insurance claim is a negotiation. Know what your claim is worth and be prepared to present arguments and evidence to support your case.
• Consult an attorney: If you're unsure how to navigate the process, consider consulting an attorney. They can help you gather the necessary information and guide you through the negotiation process.

Frequently asked questions