The Arrival Of The Insurance Adjuster: What To Expect And How To Prepare

An insurance adjuster, also known as a claims adjuster, is a person who investigates an insurance claim to determine whether the insurer should pay for damage or injuries, and if so, how much they should pay. When an insurance adjuster comes to your house, they will want to see what damage your property has sustained and calculate an estimate for the insurance company to restore your property to its pre-loss condition. The adjuster works for the insurance company paying the claim, so they will review what happened, estimate the claims payment, and may inspect the damages, look at police reports, talk to witnesses, or ask for more information. The whole inspection process could take between one to two hours, depending on the scope of the damage and the size of the property. It's not critical that you are home when the adjuster visits, but it will be helpful as you can ask questions about their findings and decisions.

The insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and will review what happened, estimating the claim payment

An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and is responsible for reviewing what happened and estimating the claim payment. They will be the person you deal with most often when filing an insurance claim.

The adjuster will assess the damage to your property and calculate an estimate for the insurance company to restore your property to its pre-loss condition. They may inspect the damage, look at police reports, talk to witnesses, or ask for more information. They will also review your insurance policy to determine which coverages may apply to your claim.

It is important to understand that the adjuster does not advocate for you. They are paid to calculate the lowest possible compensation on behalf of the insurance company. Therefore, it is recommended to be present when the adjuster inspects your property to ensure they don't miss any damaged areas. You can also provide them with an itemized list of your belongings and ask when you should expect the insurance company's offer.

If you disagree with the adjuster's estimate, you can express your concerns to the insurance company, and they may adjust the offer. Remember that the adjuster's estimate is just an estimate, and you have the option to dispute it if you feel it is too low.

They may inspect the damage, look at police reports, talk to witnesses, and ask for more information

When an insurance adjuster comes to your house, they are there to do a job: to assess the damage and calculate an estimate for the insurance company to restore your property to its pre-loss condition.

Inspecting the Damage

The adjuster will want to inspect the damage to your home, car, or property. They will check the entire exterior of your house, including the roof, and make notes and take photos of all damaged surfaces. They will also check collateral property, such as fences, decks, windows, and gutters. The goal is to create a comprehensive list of things that were damaged.

Looking at Police Reports

The adjuster may also review police reports or video footage related to the incident. This is especially true in the case of car accidents, where the adjuster will want to see the police report of the accident.

Talking to Witnesses

The adjuster will also want to talk to any witnesses to the incident. In the case of a car accident, this could include drivers, passengers, and witnesses.

Asking for More Information

Finally, the adjuster may ask for more information. They may ask you some questions about the damage, especially where you believe the damage exists. They may also ask if you've had the damage inspected by a contractor and what recommendations the contractor made. The adjuster may also ask if you have already selected a contractor for the repairs.

It's important to remember that the adjuster doesn't advocate for you. They are paid to calculate the lowest possible compensation on your insurer's behalf. However, you can make the process go more smoothly by being present when the adjuster inspects the damage and providing any relevant information or documentation.

You can prepare for their visit by compiling an itemized list of belongings and understanding your policy's exclusions

When an insurance adjuster comes to your home, they will be evaluating the damage to calculate an estimate for the insurance company to restore your property. They will want to see what damage your property has sustained and may ask you questions about the damage, especially where you believe the damage exists. They may also ask if you have had the damage inspected by a contractor and what recommendations the contractor suggested.

You can prepare for their visit by compiling an itemized list of belongings. This will help you select the right amount of personal property coverage and potentially speed up your claim. It can also ensure that you are compensated fully for what you've lost. A home inventory list should include the item's name, a brief description, the date it was purchased, and an estimated value with a receipt if you have one. Taking photos or videos of your belongings can also help provide definitive evidence that you possessed the item before the disaster.

It is also important to understand your policy's exclusions. Exclusions are provisions in an insurance contract that restrict or deny coverage for certain perils, losses, or circumstances. In other words, exclusions are situations that the insurance company will not pay for when a policyholder files a claim. Understanding your policy's exclusions can help you avoid surprises when filing a claim. Some common exclusions include damage caused by flooding, earthquakes, wear and tear, criminal activities, and pre-existing conditions.

The adjuster doesn't advocate for you; they calculate the lowest compensation for the insurer

When an insurance adjuster comes to your home, they are there to do a job: to see what damage your property has sustained and calculate an estimate for the insurance company to restore your property to its pre-loss condition. It's important to remember that the adjuster doesn't advocate for you; they are paid to calculate the lowest possible compensation on your insurer's behalf.

The adjuster works for the insurance company that is paying the claim. They will review what happened and estimate the claims payment. The adjuster may inspect the damages, look at police reports, talk to witnesses, or ask for more information when reviewing your claim. They will also ask you some questions about the damage, especially where you believe the damage exists.

The adjuster's goal is to save as much money as possible for the insurance company. They are not your advocate and are not on your side. They are not objective parties just looking into the details to get a fair accounting of what the insurance company owes. The insurance adjuster has only the best interests of their client (the insurance company) in mind and will perform their duties with a certain degree of bias.

Adjusters are judged not only by how little of the insurance company's money they spend in settlements but also by how quickly they settle claims. Most adjusters get between 50 and 100 new claims per month. They have to settle that many claims each month just to stay even. This means they will try to keep costs down and settle your claim as quickly and cheaply as possible.

Adjusters will use various tactics to try to pay out as little as possible. For example, they may try to get you to admit fault in the incident that caused the damage, or they may delay the process to frustrate you enough that you make a mistake. They may also try to record you, as it is much more difficult to avoid mistakes in verbal communication than in written communication.

You can prepare for the adjuster's inspection by compiling an itemized list of your belongings, understanding your policy's exclusions, keeping meticulous notes of your meeting, and using thoughtful language when describing your property loss. It's important to be honest about your loss, but avoid suggesting that you are to blame or giving any subjective information. Remember that the adjuster doesn't advocate for you; they calculate the lowest compensation for the insurer.

You don't need to be present during the investigation, but it's a good idea to make sure they don't miss any damage

When an insurance adjuster comes to your house to check for damages, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, it is important to remember that adjusters are simply there to do their job, which is to assess the damage to your property and calculate an estimate for the insurance company to restore your property to its pre-loss condition. While you don't need to be present during the investigation, it is a good idea to make sure they don't miss any damage. Here are some reasons why:

Firstly, if you are present during the adjuster's visit, you can point out any damaged areas that they may have overlooked. This includes damage to your home's exterior, such as the roof, fences, decks, windows, and other "collateral" property. You can also make them aware of any damaged items, such as BBQ grills, patio furniture, hot tub covers, or your mailbox. By being present, you can ensure that all the damage is properly documented and included in the adjuster's report, which will form the basis for their estimate.

Secondly, being present during the adjuster's visit gives you the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any concerns you may have about their findings and decisions. You can discuss with them the process they are following and the factors they are considering when assessing the damage. This can help you understand how they arrive at their estimate and give you a chance to provide additional information or context that may impact their calculations.

Additionally, if you are present, the adjuster may ask you questions about the damage, especially regarding where you believe the damage exists. By providing them with this information, you can ensure that they have a comprehensive understanding of the situation and can make a more accurate assessment. They may also inquire about any inspections or recommendations made by contractors, giving you the opportunity to share your insights and ensure that all relevant information is considered.

Furthermore, if the adjuster has the authority to approve claims on the spot, being present allows you to receive immediate approval for your claim. They can explain how your payments will be sent out, including the Actual Cash Value and Recoverable Depreciation checks. You can also gain a better understanding of your Replacement Cost Value and how your deductible will be taken out of the claim. This can help you make more informed decisions and manage your expectations regarding the compensation you will receive.

Lastly, by being present during the adjuster's visit, you can establish a relationship and open lines of communication. This can be beneficial if you have any questions or concerns throughout the claims process. It also demonstrates your willingness to cooperate and work collaboratively with the adjuster, which can lead to a smoother and more efficient resolution of your claim.

Frequently asked questions