After a car accident, damage to your home, or any other situation where you need to file an insurance claim to collect a payment, you may need to deal with an independent insurance adjuster — a professional who inspects and evaluates insurance claims to help the insurer determine the validity of your claim.
It’s important to remember that even if the adjuster does not work for the insurance company, they are contracted to them and are working on behalf of the insurer to save them as much money as possible, typically at your expense. Therefore, a claimant will benefit from staying vigilant as they work through their claim and fight for the compensation they are rightfully owed.
After paying into your insurance policy for years, there is nothing more frustrating than realizing the insurer you entrusted with your premiums is not treating you fairly. With that in mind, here are some tips for dealing with independent insurance adjusters.
Document Everything
With insurance claims, it pays to keep track of everything — conversations with the insurer, communications with contractors or repair services, and any other information that could prove helpful in establishing the extent of your losses. Make sure to save all invoices, repair estimates, or other related documents as they will be useful when determining the value of your claim.
Each time you speak with a representative of the insurance company, make sure that you write down their name, department, and the date and time you spoke with them. Ask for reference numbers or case numbers so you can come prepared with facts that support your side of the story.
Keep Receipts
Any time you make a big purchase, make sure you have a way to prove it’s value. Having receipts can help resolve any disputes the adjuster may try to raise. You don’t need a physical receipt either. You can always use your bank or credit card statement to prove the value of your losses.
Know Your Rights
It is important to know what rights you have as a policyholder. Many states have laws that give consumers certain rights to appeal or dispute a denial or lowball offer from the insurance company. Research the rules and regulations associated with filing an insurance claim in your home state so you understand what rights you have as a policyholder.
Of course, the best way to know your rights is to work with an experienced professional who can help guide you through your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies will often resort to aggressive tactics to convince a claimant to settle for much less than they deserve, but an attorney will have years of experience countering these tactics and will bring this experience to your claim.
Know Your Claim’s Value
When negotiating a settlement, it is important to know the value of your claim. Do some research and try to determine the fair market value for repairs or replacements, and pair this with any medical expenses you may have incurred as a result of the incident in question. Your records will be valuable in determining the extent of your losses and allowing you to make an informed decision about a settlement offer.
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of companionship, are far more complicated to calculate than something like the total cost of repairs to your home or vehicle, so it is important to understand what these types of damages are worth, too. Again, this is a situation where working with an insurance claims attorney can make the process much more simple.
Stand Your Ground
When dealing with an independent insurance adjuster, it is important to remember that you are in control. Don’t accept a settlement offer without fully understanding the implications and consequences — even if the adjuster is trying to pressure you into doing so. Remain firm and stick to your guns. After all, it is your right as a policyholder to know the full value of your claim before making a decision.
If you feel like you don’t have the information or confidence to stay strong through your claim, don’t feel like you’ve failed. Insurance companies have decades of experience with claims and have long-developed playbooks meant to intimidate or overwhelm claimants. When you work with a personal injury attorney, they can help you stay focused on the end goal and identify different ways to alleviate short-term financial pressures that may otherwise cause you issues during the process. Things like medical payment deferrals can help you address the upfront costs of your claim so that you don’t feel like you need to settle quickly for less than you deserve.
Hire an Attorney
You may want to consider hiring a car accident attorney to represent you in the claims process. An attorney can provide legal advice and help ensure that your rights are protected during the negotiations. It’s important to remember that independent insurance adjusters only work for the insurance company, so having an experienced lawyer on your side can be beneficial.
Attorneys have valuable experience dealing with these companies, and they can help you assess the legality of the offer and ensure that it is fair. A lawyer may even be able to negotiate a higher settlement or additional benefits on your behalf.
Having legal representation can also provide an added layer of protection. An attorney can review policies, contracts, and receipts that support your side of the story. Having a trusted expert on your side can help you confidently move through the insurance claims process without worrying about being taken advantage of or settling for less than you deserve. Don’t try to go it alone. Work with a lawyer who has experience helping policyholders seek the compensation they deserve. Remember, having an attorney on your side gives you the best chance at upholding your rights as a policyholder and getting fair value for your claim.
Contact 1-800-Injured to be connected with a car accident attorney in your area for a free consultation as soon as possible. 1-800-Injured is a legal and medical referral service that connects victims with lawyers who are available to take their cases and fight for the compensation they rightfully deserve.