How to deal with insurance adjusters?

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 06:10 am Post Subject:

It's quite likely that when you inform the at-fault party that you were injured in the accident his/her insurance company will contact you to determine the magnitude of damage you had suffered in it. But you'd need to know a few tricks on how to deal with insurance adjusters. It is quite normal for them to work in favor of his/her firm and try to save money for them by underestimating your losses (and honestly I don't blame them for that, come on it's their business). Therefore, when you receive a call from the adjuster do not show all your cards at the first instance, supply information as minimum as possible.

Hope this will work well with you. :wink:

Rupert

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 06:21 am Post Subject: ways to deal with insurance adjuster

Hi Veronica,

Cool-off, don't get panicky. Dealing with an insurance firm is not that tuff as it sounds. I mean, you really don't have to have your lawyer by your side while talking to them. You only need to be little smart and wise.

Anyways, when the adjuster will call up, speak to him politely (remember the word first impression). You can be rest assured that you will not gain anything by turning hysteric.

Try not being verbose. Do not elaborately discuss about what happened. Offer limited personal information like- your name, address, contact number so on and so forth, this will suffice.

Don't commit them to get witness's comments. If the adjuster asks you whether you know any witness just say ‘may be'. This is how you learn how to deal with insurance adjusters.

Note down the name of the person, the company he/she represent. Also scribble down if you receive any important information from the adjuster (if possible record the entire conversation).


Most importantly, do not let him persuade you to settle the claim immediately. It can be tempting and will often save you time than going through the long claim process. But it may lead you to settle for a lower amount than your actual damages.

Take care,
Juanita

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 07:06 am Post Subject: Avoid immediate claim settlement

Yeah right, they often force you to settle down for the claim then and there. As someone has rightly mentioned above, their objective remains to safeguard their company's interest. However, IMO, one of the best ways to avoid any immediate claim settlement is to limit the number of conversations you have with the adjuster. State firmly that you will not entertain any settlement proposition before you are absolutely sure of the damages and decide for the amount. Lemme tell you they can become real pain in the neck sometime. Therefore, it is better to stop it at the start.

claimsadjuster59

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 04:58 pm Post Subject: how to deal with insurance adjusters ?

It's also importatn you keep in constant contact with your adjuster. When we have gone through claims, I alwasy called my adjuster and asked them what to say to the other company, and to let them know they were calling. After they told me what to say, I then told them if they had any questions, to contact my agent..Good Luck..KAren

Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 11:54 pm Post Subject:

While I don't completely disagree with the statements above, reading them all makes it sound like the world is against you.

One key thing you did not mention is if your injured. If so, it can make a difference. In any case, the adjuster will want to hear from you as to what happen in the accident. As others mentioned, I'd suggest being clear and to the point. If it sounds like the adjuster is asking questions that make it sound like you might have contributed to the accident, don't take offense. These are fair questions. It's here that you want to be brief. Don't try to "play" the adjuster (their "might be witnesses, etc), this will only put the adjuster on the defense and they will probably get just as "vague".

Again, if it's just property damage to your vehicle it's not really a big deal. If you were injured you want to be a bit more guarded.

I agree 100% with Bossy145. If you've reported the loss to your own carrier, feel free to contact your adjuster with any questions or concerns. If they worth 1/2 their weight, they will be happy to assist you with information.

Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2007 12:14 pm Post Subject:

I agree with Tcope, the adjuster isn't 'out to get you'. They are just gathering information, how else are they to make a determination of liability? There is no mention of an injury in the question. Limiting conversations, and with holding information from the adjuster will just complicate your claim, and frankly make you look somewhat deceitful, and take longer to settle your claim. Tell them the truth about everything that happened so the adjuster has all the information, if there is a witness why on earth (especially if they saw the accident your way) would you want to withhold that information? The adjuster will contact the witness and take their statement as well.

Another thing, BI (bodily injury) claims and PD (physical damage) claims cannot be combined, they are handled and settled independent of each other. If you have an injury it will not be settled until you are released and done treating, or ready to settle The vehicle however can be taken care of right away (assuming liability is clear or decision made). The company cannot with hold settling your PD claim until you settle your BI, if anyone tries this immediately contact your states Dept. of Insurance and file a complaint, and I'd get it in writting or on tape, and call a good attorney as well.

Although it does happen, (rarely), there are adjusters and companies that put a bad taste in the mouths of all good adjusters, but there are a few bad in every field. Unless and until you see this adjuster acting in an inappropriate manner do not assume, the are out to get you.

It's really quite simple if you have an injury and are not ready to settle, you just say so. And I again agree, if you are not sure about something talk with the adjuster from your company. Also if you have not turned in the claim to your company you should, if for no other reason than to have their assistance, and to have them 'over see' your claim with the claimant carrier. Not to mention the fact that your policy will say something to the effect of, 'you must promptly report ALL claims/accidents".

I know claims are confusing and tramatic, but please don't immediately jump to the conclusion that all adjusters are bad, they are not, and most just want to do a good job, and pay WHAT IS OWED NO MORE NO LESS.

Good luck to you !

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:56 am Post Subject:

Lori, I bow down to your post! :)

Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 10:30 am Post Subject:

Thank you tcope !! But no bowing you might hurt a knee !! ha

Posted: Sat Sep 29, 2007 06:49 pm Post Subject:

We work exclusively for the policyholder!


WABEW DOT UNITEDSTATESADJUSTERS DOT COM

Would you like to obtain the largest settlement possible from your insurance company? You need to contact United States Adjusters today!
Don't let your insurance company take advantage of you. Let the professionals at United States Adjusters settle your claim quickly and to your advantage.
Even if you have already been paid by the insurance company and you did not receive an adequate settlement United States Adjusters can still help you.
Why Should You Use Our Public Adjusters?
• We collect only if you collect.

• Free loss consultation 24 hours a day.

• We handle all aspects of your claim.

• Prompt personalized attention no matter how small or large your claim is.

• We know how the insurance companies work. Why? Because we use to work for them.

• We keep in contact with your insurance company and forward all information to you as your claim progresses.

• Settling insurance claims is often very stressful and time consuming; Let us help you get on with your life.
• We receive on average 200 to 300 percent more then the insurance company initially offers.
DON'T DELAY, CONTACT USA TODAY

Serving all of Florida
What we will do for you:
• Complete a detailed estimate of what is required to repair or rebuild your premises.
• Assist in the preparation of inventories on your damaged personal or business property, contents, and related items.
• With your help in providing correct documentation, and determining ages and descriptions, The Public Adjusters can evaluate and determine the approximate current values.
• Prepare your Time Element Losses, such as Business Interruption, Loss of Rents, or Additional Living Expenses.
• Establish a professional line of communications with the insurance adjuster.
• Present estimates, inventories, and other valuations to the insurance adjuster.
• Meet with the insurance company to adjust your claim fairly and equitably, thus resulting in an acceptable settlement to you.
• Provide experts, if needed, to support the claim.
• Negotiate the best possible settlement.
• Keep you apprised of ongoing settlement efforts.
• Relieve you of the stress and hardship of having to do it alone.
United States Adjusters Handle a Wide Range of Losses:
• Air Conditioning Leaks
• Broken Pipes
• Dishwasher Leaks
• Fire Damage
• Hot Water Heater Leaks
• Hurricane Damage
• Loss by Collapse
• Mold Damage
• Plumbing Damage
• Roof Leaks
• Sink Holes
• Smoke Damage
• Storm Damage
• Theft
• Tornado Damage
• Vandalism
• Vehicle Hitting a Building
• Water Damage
• Wind Damage


Contact USA

Office Phone: Toll Free (877) 357-2USA
Florida (561) 392-7661
Florida (954) 771-2898
Florida(305) 436-8966
Office Fax: (877) 357-2872
Corporate Office
1612 NW Boca Raton Blvd – Suite 9
Boca Raton, Florida, 33432
Other offices located throughout Florida

Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 12:07 am Post Subject:

All I can say, given that I have 25 years in the industry, is that
1. Not all states allow "PUBLIC ADJUSTERS."
2. Be careful in working with a public adjustor. They are paid a percentage of the loss settlement in many cases, and love to advertise the notion that they settle for (I've heard it all) "200-500% more than what the carrier offers,"

I have heard lots of claims for these kind of dollars, but have NEVER seen a SHRED of proof that it truly happens. These guys commonly sound like personal injury attorneys. "We don't get paid unless YOU get paid" kind of thing.

We also have no idea of what kind of damages you suffered. Any injuries? Deaths? Just property damage? If you could give us a bit more information surrounding the loss, we can help!

Finally, if it was a property damage only claim (in other words, just damage to property, like your car, and no injuries occurred), then how in the world would a public adjuster get you 200-300% more as a settlement? The loss is the loss, and if your car had an actual cash value of, say, $15,000...how the heck is a public adjuster going to get you $30-45,000?

Answer THAT one, oh advertising poster! :?
InsTeacher 8)