How to talk to insurance claims adjusters? This post will be giving you all the tips and ideas you need to know about how to talk to insurance claims adjusters. But, before we dive into how to talk to insurance claims adjusters, who is an Insurance Claim Adjuster?
An insurance claims adjuster is a person hired to review claims filed with an insurance company. The appraiser will review the facts, gather more information and make a recommendation on whether or not to accept the claim. Experts receive training on how to save money from insurance companies. They don’t want to maximize their recovery as a victim of an accident. It is therefore very important to learn how to talk to insurance claims adjusters if you want to protect your rights.
When does the claims adjuster call?
If you have been injured through the negligence of another, rest assured that your insurer’s claims adjuster will call you fairly quickly after the incident has occurred. This can happen within a day or two of the incident. Most people are familiar with insurance claims adjusters after a car accident, but an expert will be called in when an insurer is handling a personal injury claim.
How To Talk To Insurance Claims Adjusters?
Keep a polite tone
Even if the adjuster isn’t on your side, do your best to remain polite and cooperative during conversations. Your goal should be to give the insurance appraiser a positive impression of you. Your case may benefit if the appraiser sees you as a reasonable and credible claimant. If possible, avoid getting angry or frustrated with the adjuster.
Don’t feel pressured to answer questions
The claims adjuster will ask questions about your accident to get more information. No law obliges you to answer these questions. If you are unsure of your ability to answer questions without jeopardizing your claim, seek the assistance of a Los Angeles auto accident attorney during the claims process. You have the right to ask a lawyer to take over the consultation with a claims adjuster on your behalf. Otherwise, feel free to say “I don’t know” if you’re not sure of the answer to a question. Do not guess or speculate.
Don’t Give Too Many Details
During your interview with an assessor, keep your answers short and to the point. Try to stick to yes and no answers instead of telling stories. The more information you give the adjuster, the harder they will have to work to find a reason to reject your claim or minimize your payout. Answer honestly, but limit the amount of detail you provide. Do not provide more information than requested. If you are asked detailed questions about your accident, politely explain that you are waiting for the investigation to be completed before responding.
Do not give details of the accident
Claims experts may ask you to indicate how the accident took place. You don’t need to provide more than the most basic details about the incident: when it happened, where it happened, the vehicles involved, the identities of other drivers, and witnesses. You can let the claims adjuster know that your investigation into the accident is ongoing and discuss all the facts later.
Identify the claims adjuster
Take notes during your conversation with the expert. Describe what you discussed, what questions the evaluator asked, and how you answered them. If possible, record your conversation. Be sure to get the claims adjuster’s name, the name of the insurance company they work for, business address, phone number, and the name of the insured person the adjuster represents. You must also provide your full name, address, and number to the appraiser. However, you do not need to provide any other details.
Refusing to make a recorded statement
The recorded statement is a common tool that adjusters use to try to reduce their chances of being eligible for a settlement. No law requires you to say yes when an appraiser asks if you are willing to make a registered statement. The statement will not help you and could probably damage your claim. For example, if you make your statement before you know all the facts of the case, the company may use your statement to position you as an unreliable witness. Protect yourself by saying no to a recorded or written statement.
Resist the push to resolve immediately
Sometimes insurance experts offer a deal during the first one or two phone calls. Quick fixes like this save the insurance company work. More importantly, they make you settle for a small amount before you fully understand what your injuries are and how much your injury claim is worth. Don’t take the bait. Collecting a settlement may seem like a quick way to get damages without going through the claims process, and money can be tempting, but it will almost certainly cost money, maybe a little.
Wait to resolve until you contact a lawyer
You are in control during settlement discussions and negotiations with a claims adjuster. Never be bullied by an appraiser or pressured into making quick decisions, especially when it comes to settling your claim. The claims adjuster may offer much less than the true potential value of your case. Rather than resolve immediately, contact an accident attorney for an accurate description of the value of your claim. You may need a lawyer to resolve your claim for you. By having a lawyer speak to a claims adjuster on your behalf, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the best possible outcome.
