Auto Insurance Adjuster: What To Expect And Why

An auto insurance adjuster is a person who evaluates insurance claims and determines the validity and settlement amount of a claim. They work for insurance companies and are tasked with investigating claims, checking coverage, and determining settlements. When dealing with an auto insurance adjuster, it is important to remember that they are not on your side and will try to resolve the case with minimal compensation. To prepare, gather all the necessary information, including the date and time of the accident, location, a written statement, and insurance information of all parties involved. Be cautious about what you say, as any statements can be used as evidence, and be wary of signing any documents without fully understanding their contents.

Auto insurance adjusters are hired to investigate claims and determine coverage and payment

The adjuster's role is to assess the damage to the vehicle and determine whether the insurance policy covers the loss. They will also consider expenses incurred, lost income, and pain and suffering to value the case and settle the claim. Adjusters have a duty to ensure that claims are not fraudulent and may consult with other experts, such as accountants, engineers, and physicians, to evaluate a claim.

It is important to remember that auto insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and aim to save their employer money. As a result, claimants may need to negotiate to receive a fair settlement. Claimants can also hire a public adjuster to represent them, but this may incur additional costs.

They review claim details, interview claimants and witnesses, and go over options with claimants

Auto insurance adjusters are responsible for investigating a claim and determining the coverage and payment. They review the details of the claim and the insurance policy to see which coverages apply. They also set up interviews with the claimant and any witnesses, and review police reports, videos, and other information related to the claim.

The adjuster's role is to gather information and evidence to assess the validity of the claim and determine fault. They will ask for your statement about the accident, and may also interview witnesses, passengers, and the other driver involved. This information, along with any supporting documentation, such as police reports, accident reports, hospital records, and photographs, will help them determine who was at fault and if the claim is covered by your policy.

After reviewing the details of the claim and gathering the necessary information, the adjuster will then reach out to you to discuss your options and whether you wish to proceed with an appraisal. They will communicate the insurance company's settlement offer to you and guide you through the process of accepting or denying the offer. It is important to remember that auto insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and are trying to save their employer money. Therefore, it is recommended to be cautious when considering their initial settlement offer, as it is often lower than what you may be entitled to.

There are three types of claims adjusters: company, independent, and public

When filing an insurance claim, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. There are three types of claims adjusters: company, independent, and public.

A company adjuster works for the insurance company as a full-time, salaried employee. They are usually loyal to their employer, which may result in cutting corners when assessing claims to finish them as quickly as possible or minimizing the damage or the cost of repairs.

An independent adjuster is not an employee of any particular insurance company but usually works for them on a per-assessment basis. They may contract with multiple insurance companies simultaneously. Since they get paid per assessment, they may not spend much time reviewing the details of each claim.

Unlike the company or independent adjusters, a public adjuster isn't hired by the insurance company but by the policyholder. Public adjusters are licensed and trained to assist with the insurance claim process. They get paid based on how much the insurer reimburses the policyholder, so they are incentivized to get the highest settlement amount possible. They can help speed up the claim process by ensuring all documentation is in order and submitted correctly and promptly.

When dealing with an auto insurance adjuster, it is important to remember that they work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to resolve the case for as little compensation as possible. It is recommended to consult with an attorney before signing any agreements or providing detailed information.

Public adjusters work for the policyholder, not the insurance company

When filing a car insurance claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to evaluate the damage and determine the claim payout. This adjuster works for the insurance company and has its best interests at heart.

However, you can also hire a public adjuster, who is an independent insurance professional that works for you, the policyholder, not the insurance company. A public adjuster will:

• Evaluate damages and estimate the cost and time it will take to repair or replace your vehicle.
• Help you understand your insurance policy, track the claim, file documents, and meet deadlines.
• Act as a liaison between you, the insurer, and any other third parties such as attorneys or witnesses.
• Negotiate with your insurance company to achieve a fair payout.

Public adjusters are licensed and trained insurance professionals. They often have prior experience in construction or a related field, and they use sophisticated software to perform an independent evaluation of a client's property loss. They can save you a lot of money by ensuring your insurance company pays the full amount it is responsible for.

There are some circumstances that make hiring a public adjuster worth considering:

• You are filing a large claim for high-value, significant, or complex damage to your vehicle.
• You aren't confident with the assessment performed by your insurer's adjuster.
• You feel your insurer's adjuster underestimated your claim or that your payout isn't fair.
• You need assistance with a complex claim or the claims process.

Public adjusters typically charge a percentage of the total claim payout, with fees ranging from 3% to 30% of your insurance settlement. You can find a public adjuster by searching online or using a directory like the one maintained by the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA).

Auto insurance adjusters are not on your side

Insurance companies are for-profit corporations whose primary goal is to make money. They are not working for you, and they will not work for you. Their biggest concern is their bottom line, and they would rather pad their own pockets than yours. At the end of the day, they care more about their shareholders than you.

Insurance adjusters are employed by insurance companies. Their sole job is to settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible to save their employer money. They will accomplish this goal by employing a wide array of misleading tactics to trick you into taking a lower settlement amount than you deserve.

Adjusters may try to get you to admit fault in the accident, or they may try to prove that you share liability. They may also delay the process to frustrate you enough that you make a mistake. Adjusters can also use your medical records against you. They will obtain a signed authorisation from you to access your medical history and try to find some decades-old wound and label that as the real cause of your current injury.

Another tactic adjusters use is to ask for a recorded statement. They can then take your answers out of context and hurt your claim. For example, a simple "I'm fine" in response to "How are you feeling today?" can make your injuries appear less serious.

Insurance adjusters will also try to say you don't need an attorney. This is a huge red flag. Remarks like this usually mean there is something they are trying to hide. Adjusters know that involving an attorney in the claim will likely result in a much higher payout to the injured party.

Frequently asked questions