How to Settle With Insurance Adjusters
Insurance companies hire adjusters to investigate claims and come up with settlement amounts to cover damages. In most cases, it's possible to negotiate for a higher settlement without filing an appeal or contacting a lawyer. Companies authorize claims adjusters to offer a range of settlement fees, so the initial offer will rarely be the same amount as the closing offer if you press for a higher settlement. Take detailed notes of all conversations with adjusters and keep copies of all documentation to facilitate the settlement process.
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Instructions
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File your insurance claim as soon as possible after damages are incurred. In the case of auto and homeowner's insurance, you'll want to contact the insurance company within hours of assessing the damage. This will speed the process of settling the claim. In the case of any kind of property insurance, you'll also need to provide a copy of the police report about the damage to successfully file a claim.
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Wait to hear back from the insurance company, which will schedule an appointment with the claims adjuster as soon as it receives your claim. In some cases, multiple adjusters will investigate your claim. You may also choose to hire an independent claims adjuster.
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Meet with the claims adjuster and take notes of the meeting. If you have been injured, you may also have to provide a report from a doctor, explaining the extent of your injuries and the steps necessary for rehabilitation. The claims adjuster will then evaluate the claim and provide you with a settlement offer either immediately or after deliberating with the insurance company.
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Provide a counter-offer of at least 10 percent more than the original claim, if you feel the settlement amount is too low. Insurance adjusters are authorized to alter settlement offers within a certain percentage. Explain why you think that the additional funds are necessary when you send your written counter-offer to the adjuster. For example, if the damage to your property or the injuries that you incurred resulted in loss of time at work, you may include that as justification for your counter-offer.
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Remain patient as you wait to hear back from the claims adjuster. You may continue filing counter-offers until you receive a satisfactory price. If you're unhappy with the way the adjuster has treated your case, you may file an appeal of the settlement directly to the insurance company. Contact the customer service department of your company for an appeals form.
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