5 Things Accident Victims Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster (2024)

FAQs

5 Things Accident Victims Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster? ›

Don't admit fault. Don't say you aren't injured. If they ask, you should be adamant that you are not sure. Don't sign any release to release your medical records without checking with your lawyer.

Don't admit fault. Don't say you aren't injured. If they ask, you should be adamant that you are not sure. Don't sign any release to release your medical records without checking with your lawyer.

Guidelines for Answering Questions from an Insurance Company

Stick to the facts: Avoid giving an opinion about anything. Write down the adjuster's name and information for future reference. Do not guess answers: If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say so.

Admitting fault: Using apologetic language is enough for the insurance adjuster to assume you're admitting fault and use that against you. Even if you feel you're at fault, wait for the official investigation to prove what actually happened. Don't say things like “I'm sorry” or “it was my fault.”

You may expect them to treat you fairly and offer you what you deserve when settling your claim. Unfortunately, the insurance company is a business. As such, their focus may be on making a profit instead of your health and needs. You should not be surprised if they make you a lowball first offer.

An effective claim is sharply focused and limited enough to be covered in the prescribed length of the essay. A claim must also answer the question: So what? Why/how does this issue matter to readers? What does it mean to make an argument about a text?

Analytical skills: Claims adjusters must have good analytical skills to determine the extent of damage or loss, and to calculate the appropriate settlement amount. Objectivity: A good claims adjuster must be objective, making decisions based on facts and evidence rather than personal opinions or biases.

Can you disagree with insurance adjuster? ›

If you find yourself at odds with a claims adjuster over a settlement amount, it's important to advocate for the payment you deserve. Don't simply accept an offer you believe to be inadequate. Instead, arm yourself with evidence, negotiate firmly but politely, and don't be afraid to dispute their decision if needed.

Claims adjusters have three main goals when settling claims: accurate claim assessment, timely settlement, and customer satisfaction. They investigate and evaluate claims, ensuring that the claim amount accurately reflects the covered losses.

Insurance companies are more likely to investigate you when you file a large claim. Any large check that they write comes out of their profits. Therefore, they are looking for any way to escape paying for the damages their policyholder caused.

Not investigating a claim or, in some cases, denying the claim without providing any reason. Unreasonably making demands for documents, interviews, and other information in a bid to delay or deny making payments.

Insurance companies may conduct their own investigation in response to a particularly costly claim. This can include going to the scene of the accident and looking at surveillance footage or any other available evidence. Insurance companies may look at security camera or dashboard camera footage of the car accident.

Your insurance policy likely has an arbitration provision, meaning that when you and your adjustor cannot agree, a third party will be assigned to hear you out and recommend a settlement.

Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

The insurance adjuster has only the best interests of their client in mind and will perform their duties with a certain degree of bias. Some insurance adjusters may even go as far as to employ bad faith tricks to lower the potential payout the insurance company has to deliver.

While the insurance company may follow you at any time, there are certain times where it is most likely to occur. We typically see insurance companies conduct surveillance around claim-related appointments. These claim-related appointments could include IMEs or interviews with insurance representatives.