Being involved in a car accident is one of the most stressful situations anyone can experience. After the initial shock and confusion of the situation, you may be left wondering what to do next. One of the first things you should do after being involved in a car accident is to contact your insurance adjuster. An insurance adjuster’s job is to review all the details surrounding your accident and assess how much compensation should be provided. But knowing exactly what to say when dealing with an insurance adjuster can be tricky and intimidating. In this blog post, we’ll provide some helpful tips and advice on how to communicate with your insurance adjuster after a car accident.
The Basics: What is an Insurance Adjuster?
An insurance adjuster is a professional who works for an insurance company to investigate and determine the extent of the insurer’s liability in regards to an insurance claim. Insurance adjusters are usually employed by insurance companies, but they may also work as independent contractors.
The job of an insurance adjuster is to gather facts about an insured event and then make recommendations to the insurance company about how much money should be paid out on the claim. An adjuster’s recommendations are based on their findings and on the specific terms of the insurance policy.
In order to become an insurance adjuster, one must have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are also some states that require licensing in order to work as an adjuster. Some colleges offer courses in insurance adjusting, but it is not necessary to have a college degree in order to become an adjuster.
Dealing with an Insurance Adjuster After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a car accident, you’re likely dealing with an insurance adjuster. Here are some tips on what to say to them:
Tell the truth: It’s important to be honest with the insurance adjuster. They will likely investigate the accident and if they find that you’ve lied, it could jeopardize your claim.
Be prepared: Before speaking with the adjuster, have all of your documentation ready. This includes police reports, medical records, and any estimates for repairs.
Know your policy: Adjusters will ask you about your insurance policy and coverage. Make sure you know what coverage you have so that you can accurately answer their questions.
Don’t give a recorded statement: You’re not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. In fact, it’s often better not to do so as anything you say could be used against you later.
Get everything in writing: Once you reach an agreement with the adjuster, make sure to get it in writing before agreeing to anything.
What to Say (and Not Say) to an Insurance Adjuster
If you’re in a car accident, the insurance adjuster is the person who will determine how much your insurance company will pay for repairs and medical expenses. Adjusters are trained to get as much information as possible from you, so it’s important to know what to say (and not say) to them.
Here are some tips on what to say (and not say) to an insurance adjuster:
Do say:
-I’m sorry, I can’t recall the details of the accident.
-Can you please repeat that?
-I don’t know.
-I didn’t see the other car coming.
-I’m not sure.
-Let me check with my passengers/witnesses and get back to you.
Don’t say:
-It was definitely the other driver’s fault.
-I don’t need a lawyer.
-I wasn’t speeding/texting/under the influence.
-This is the first time this has ever happened to me.
How to Negotiate with an Insurance Adjuster
Assuming that you have already been in an accident and have submitted a claim to the insurance company, here are some tips on how to negotiate with an insurance adjuster:
1. Know what you want – Before even speaking with the adjuster, know exactly what you want from the negotiation. Whether it is a higher settlement amount, repairs to be made by a certain mechanic, or something else, be clear on your goals.
2. Do your research – Insurance companies are businesses, and they want to make money just like any other business. Adjusters are trained to low-ball claimants in order to save the company money. As such, it is important that you come into the negotiation armed with knowledge. Know what comparable settlements have been in similar situations and use this information to support your case.
3. Be polite but firm – It is important to remember that the adjuster is just doing their job. There is no need to get angry or defensive when discussing your claim. However, you also should not be afraid to stand up for yourself and fight for what you believe you deserve. Politely but firmly state your case and stick to your guns.
Final Thoughts on Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
The insurance adjuster is the person who will ultimately determine how much money you will receive from the insurance company for your claim. It is important to be aware of what you say to the adjuster, as anything you say can be used against you in negotiations. When dealing with an insurance adjuster, it is important to be polite and professional. Be sure to get the adjuster’s contact information so that you can follow up with them if necessary.
When giving a statement to the insurance adjuster, stick to the facts and do not give any opinionated or emotional responses. It is also crucial that you do not sign any documents without fully understanding them first. If the insurance adjuster asks you to sign a release of information form, be sure to ask what information will be released and why it is necessary.
If you are not satisfied with the offer from the insurance company, do not hesitate to negotiate further or hire an attorney. Remember, the goal is to get fair compensation for your damages and losses, so do not accept an offer that is less than what you deserve.
