How to Talk to Insurance Claims Adjusters
An insurance claims adjuster is a person hired to assess claims submitted to an insurance company. The adjuster will review facts, gather more information, and submit a recommendation as to whether the insurance company should accept the claim or not. Adjusters receive training on how to save insurance companies money. They do not want to maximize your recovery as an accident victim. It is very important, therefore, to learn how to talk to insurance claims adjusters if you wish to protect your rights.
Keep a Polite Tone
Even though the insurance claims adjuster will not be on your side, do your best to remain polite and cooperative during your conversations. Your goal should be to give the insurance adjuster a positive impression of you. It can benefit your case for the adjuster to see you as a reasonable and reliable claimant. Avoid getting angry or frustrated with the claims adjuster, if possible.
Do Not Feel Pressured to Answered Questions
The insurance claims adjuster will ask you questions about your accident to gather more information. No law forces you to answer these questions. If you are not confident in your ability to answer questions without compromising your claim, seek the assistance of a skilled Los Angeles car accident lawyer during the claims process instead. You have the right to request an attorney to take over conversations with a claims adjuster on your behalf. Otherwise, feel free to answer, “I don’t know,” if you are unsure about the answer to any questions. Do not guess or speculate.
Do Not Give Too Many Details
During your conversation with an adjuster, keep your answers short and to the point. Try to stick to yes and no answers rather than giving narratives. The more information you give the adjuster, the more he or she will have to work with when trying to find a reason to deny your claim or minimize your payout. Answer honestly, but limit the amount of detail you provide. Do not offer more information than requested. If asked in-depth questions about your accident, politely explain that you are waiting for the investigation to conclude before answering.
Identify the Claims Adjuster
Take notes during your meeting with the adjuster. Describe what you talked about, what questions the adjuster asked and how you answered them. Record your conversation, if possible. Make sure to obtain the name of the insurance claims adjuster, the name of the insurance company he or she works for, the company’s address, the telephone number, and the name of the insured person the adjuster represents. You should also give the adjuster your full name, address and number. However, you do not need to give other details.
Decline to Give a Recorded Statement
The recorded statement is a common tool claims adjusters use to try to decrease your odds of qualifying for a settlement. No law requires you to say yes when an adjuster asks if you are willing to give a recorded statement. The statement will not help you, and could most likely hurt your claim. If you give your statement before you know all the facts of the case, for instance, the company could use what you say to position you as an unreliable witness. Protect yourself by saying no to giving a recorded or written statement.
Wait to Settle Until You Have Contacted a Lawyer
You are in control during conversations and settlement negotiations with an insurance claims adjuster. Never let an adjuster intimidate or pressure you into making quick decisions – especially when it comes to settling your claim. The adjuster might be offering far less than the true potential value of your case. Rather than settling right away, contact an accident attorney for an accurate depiction of what your claim could be worth. You may need a lawyer to resolve your claim for you. Letting an attorney talk to a claims adjuster on your behalf could ensure the protection of your rights as well as the best possible case outcome.