Dual Adjusters: When Two Insurance Adjusters Are Assigned To Your Claim

When you file an insurance claim, you will likely have to work with an insurance adjuster from your insurance company. This adjuster will evaluate your property, collect evidence on the extent of the damage, and determine the compensation you will receive. However, it is important to remember that this adjuster works for the insurance company and does not advocate for you. They are paid to calculate the lowest possible compensation on the insurer's behalf. Therefore, you may want to consider hiring a public insurance adjuster to evaluate the property loss on your behalf and help you file insurance claims. A public adjuster works for the policyholder and can ensure that your insurance company pays the full amount it is responsible for based on your coverage.

The role of an insurance adjuster

An 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 the insurance company paying the claim and review what happened to estimate the claims payment.

• Reviewing claim details and the insurance policy: The adjuster will first review the details of the incident and the insurance policy to determine if the damage is covered.
• Interviewing those involved: The adjuster will collect statements from people involved in the incident, such as drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
• Inspecting the damage: The adjuster may inspect the damages to the property, vehicle, or home.
• Reviewing reports and records: The adjuster will review relevant reports, such as police reports, medical records, or video footage of the incident.
• Determining coverage and compensation: Based on their investigation, the adjuster will decide if the insurance policy covers the loss claimed and determine the appropriate amount of compensation.
• Negotiating and settling claims: The adjuster will negotiate with the policyholder and settle the claim. If the claimant disputes the outcome, the adjuster may work with attorneys to defend the insurer's position.

There are different types of insurance adjusters, including company or staff adjusters, independent adjusters, and public adjusters. Company adjusters work full-time for a single insurance company, while independent adjusters work as contractors for multiple insurance firms. Public adjusters work directly for policyholders and are hired by individuals or businesses to help file insurance claims and ensure they receive a fair settlement.

When to hire a public adjuster

Public adjusters are licensed professionals who work on behalf of policyholders to help them financially recover from a loss. They are trained in understanding the language of insurance policies and can help protect policyholders from any pitfalls due to unfamiliar terms. They can also help to ensure that your claim is settled in a fair and efficient manner.

• You need to document, file and prove a claim: When your claim is relatively large or has many complicating factors, a public adjuster can guide you through the process. They can help you prove your damages and receive reimbursement. For instance, if there is damage to your home, a public adjuster can help you create an inventory of possessions lost in the disaster, including their current valuations.
• You don't fully understand the insurance policy's language or depth of coverage: Insurance claims often contain complex provisions, processes, clauses, and legal terms that need to be addressed to maximize your settlement. A public adjuster can help you navigate this terminology and ensure you understand your coverage.
• You don't have time to deal with the insurance claims process: Losing a business or home is stressful and time-consuming. As a business or homeowners, you may have other responsibilities outside of the insurance claim, such as maintaining operations, making business recovery decisions, or dealing with the emotional loss of personal possessions and memories. Hiring a public adjuster allows you to focus on getting your business, home, or family back on track while they handle the insurance process.
• The insurance company is not responding in a timely manner or you feel they are not adequately evaluating your claim: If you feel neglected by your insurance company or they are not responding promptly, a public adjuster can step in and communicate directly with the insurance company on your behalf. They can serve as a middleman to avoid time-consuming calls and contacts, advocating for your interests and ensuring your claim is handled correctly.
• You feel the insurance company's settlement offer is inadequate: Public adjusters can help you negotiate with the insurance company to achieve a fair and reasonable settlement. They are skilled at maximizing the amount of money you receive and can often secure higher settlements for their clients.
• You need help with a complex or high-value claim: If you are facing a complex, high-value, or time-consuming insurance claim, a public adjuster can provide valuable expertise and assistance. They can help ensure all damages are accurately documented and properly valued, and guide you through the process to avoid pitfalls and delays.

It is important to note that public adjusters typically charge a fee for their services, often a percentage of the total claim payout or settlement. However, they can save you money by ensuring your insurance company pays the full amount they are responsible for based on your coverage.

Pros and cons of a public adjuster

Pros of a Public Adjuster

• They have strict standards and a vast range of knowledge. They are experts in insurance, types of claims, how to negotiate better settlements, and every imaginable type of home and commercial property damage claim.
• They can act as your advocate, handling negotiations and ensuring you get a fair settlement.
• They can get you a much higher insurance settlement.
• They can help you fight a bad settlement offer.
• They are cheaper than hiring an attorney.
• They can save you time by guiding you through the claims process and handling the necessary paperwork.
• They can speed up the claim resolution process.
• They can help you get a higher settlement offer.
• They don't require upfront payment.

Cons of a Public Adjuster

• Some public adjusters only handle major property damage claims.
• They are paid a percentage of the settlement, which can be a large amount if the claim is significant.
• The process can take time, especially if the claim goes to court.
• Not all public adjusters are the same; some are more experienced and reputable than others.
• Small claims may not be accepted due to the time and resource commitment required.
• Their fee will reduce your payout.

How to deal with an insurance adjuster

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be a tricky business. Adjusters are paid by insurance companies to settle claims as quickly and cheaply as possible, so they do not have your best interests at heart. Here are some tips on how to deal with an insurance adjuster:

• Understand their role and goals: Insurance adjusters are employed by insurance companies to investigate claims and determine how much the company should pay out. They are not on your side, and their goal is to minimise compensation and settle claims quickly. Knowing this can help you prepare for dealing with them.
• Be aware of their tactics: Adjusters often use unethical tactics to irritate claimants and make them more likely to accept a low settlement offer. They may avoid your calls, delay action, request unnecessary details, issue lowball offers, or intimidate you. They may also try to get you to admit fault or suggest you are to blame, which could reduce or negate your settlement coverage.
• Take your time: Don't be rushed into accepting a settlement offer. Take time to review it and consult a lawyer if necessary. Remember that one of the adjuster's goals is to settle the claim quickly, so taking your time may make them nervous.
• Reject low offers in writing: If you receive a lowball offer, reject it in writing, stating clearly that the offer is unacceptable and including a counteroffer with reasons why. This will show the adjuster that you mean business and are willing to fight for a fair settlement.
• Finish any necessary treatment before accepting a settlement: The adjuster will try to settle the claim as quickly and cheaply as possible, so they may try to convince you that additional treatment is unnecessary. It's okay to firmly state that you prefer to follow the advice of your medical team.
• Report unethical behaviour: If an adjuster is acting unethically or unprofessionally, report them to their employer. This may include bullying, using falsified evidence, tampering with evidence, or coercing claimants.
• Never admit fault: Even if you think you might be partly to blame, do not admit fault or apologise to the adjuster. This could reduce your settlement or negate your coverage.
• Don't lose your cool: If you receive a low settlement offer, it can be frustrating, but don't lose your temper. Communicate calmly and professionally, and consider letting your lawyer handle communications with the adjuster.
• Be honest: It's important to be honest about your losses, as making false statements can negatively affect your claim and may even result in a lawsuit for insurance fraud.
• Keep records: Keep a log of all meetings and communications with the adjuster, and ask for copies of any reports or statements they make. This will help you stay organised and protect your interests.
• Hire a public adjuster: Consider hiring a public adjuster, who can evaluate the property loss on your behalf and help you file insurance claims. They are experts in insurance policies and claims and can save you time and money by ensuring the insurance company pays the full amount they are responsible for.

What to do after an insurance adjuster visits

After an insurance adjuster has visited your property, there are a few steps you should take to ensure your claim process runs smoothly.

Firstly, you will need to submit any information related to your claim within a time limit defined by your policy. This will include:

• A statement describing the loss
• An inventory of lost or damaged property
• Specifications for damaged structures
• Receipts for additional living expenses if you cannot live in your home

It is a good idea to keep an itemized inventory of your possessions, as well as keeping meticulous notes on your meetings with the adjuster. This will help you stay organized throughout the process.

You should also be prepared to answer questions about your claim and provide any additional information the adjuster may require. Be honest about your losses, but avoid suggesting that you are to blame or giving recorded statements. Review any statements carefully before signing them, and verify that they are true.

If you are unhappy with the adjuster's findings, you can request a re-examination of your property and its damage. You can also contact the company and request an itemized list showing how your estimate was calculated. If you are still dissatisfied, you can file an appeal with your state's insurance commissioner, who will recommend your next course of action.

Remember that the insurance adjuster is not advocating for you; they are paid to calculate the lowest possible compensation on behalf of the insurance company. If you feel you need additional support, consider hiring a public adjuster, who can provide expertise and assistance in dealing with insurance adjusters and help you achieve a fair settlement.

Frequently asked questions