Trick 1: Offering a Quick Settlement
Accepting their first offer is almost always a bad idea. Why? It’s usually a lowball figure. They hope to entice you to settle, accepting the offer because you desperately need the money. Essentially, the quicker they get you to sign an agreement, the more money they save the insurance company.
When an insurance adjuster offers a settlement, they acknowledge their client is totally or partially at fault for the accident. Once acknowledged, they want to settle quickly, reducing the payout and their client’s liability.
Suppose they get you to agree to a payout before you realize the extent of your injuries, how they affect your employment, and any long-term ramifications. In that case, they have saved a bundle of money, and you may not have enough to cover your medical bills.
It’s best to wait until you know the extent of your injuries, lost wages, and any pain and suffering before you take any money.
Trick 2: Downplaying Your Injuries
An insurance adjuster will try to get you to talk about your injuries. However, this may backfire on you for several reasons. They know that some injuries are not fully apparent at first. By getting you to list yours early in the process, they can use the information against you, suggesting they were not caused by the accident.
They’ll probe for pre-existing injuries, enabling them to claim their client was not the cause. Remember that a pre-existing injury does not disqualify you from receiving fair compensation. If the accident aggravated the condition, you should be compensated.
To counter this insurance adjuster trick, go to a healthcare practitioner who can fully assess any injuries immediately after the accident. Retain all documentation of your medical treatments, including reports and bills.
Trick 3: Disputing Liability
When talking to an insurance adjuster, never admit to any fault. In some states, even if you’re only 1% at fault, it disqualifies you from recovering anything. Of course, insurance adjusters know this. They will analyze an accident scene to find a way to argue that you’re at least at partial fault. For instance, they’ll say you could have avoided the accident but failed to take the appropriate action.
The best way to avoid this insurance adjuster trick is with concrete evidence: police reports, photographs, and witness statements from the accident help to prove who was at fault..
Trick 4: Misleading About Policy Limits
Adjusters will use the technical language of insurance policies to confuse and mislead you on the policy limits. They may emphasize exclusions and limitations to shift your focus away from what the policy covers. They may even blatantly not disclose the policy terms or withhold the limits.
To verify the policy information, contact your insurance carrier, who may be able to obtain the limits. You can also call the other driver and ask them directly. Other options include sending a demand letter for policy limits or, as a last resort, filing a lawsuit that will force them to answer.
In several states, insurance companies must tell you the driver’s insurance limits if you ask.
Trick 5: Using Recorded Statements Against You
Many insurance adjusters will ask to record your statements. While seemingly innocuous, this tactic can damage your case. Almost all attorneys agree: never give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement. Also, keep in mind that most insurance adjusters record their calls.
What insurance adjusters won’t tell you is that they’re looking for ways to discredit your claim. They might call you the day after the accident and ask how you are. As with most people, your automatic response may be, “I’m fine.” Of course, you weren’t referring to the effects of the crash but to everyday life. A recording doesn’t know the difference.
When you receive a request for a recorded statement, delay the process by telling them it’s not a good time. This gives you the opportunity to get legal advice, whether by hiring a lawyer or taking advantage of their free consultation or initial evaluation. Attorneys can help you prepare a statement and ensure you avoid discussing fault. They can also talk to the insurance company on your behalf.
Trick 6: Delaying the Claim Process
Other car insurance adjuster secrets include delaying the payment of claims. They accomplish this by requesting additional (and unnecessary) information, delayed communications, and asking for extensions for no apparent reason. They may even change adjusters mid-stream, initiating the process to begin again.
They do this for several reasons, including earning interest on your settlement money, running the clock out on the statute of limitations or the time you have to file a lawsuit, and hoping the frustration of delays will ultimately persuade you to accept less money.
When this happens, stay persistent. Consider asking to speak with the insurance adjuster’s supervisor. Maintain communications and document each phone call. If it persists, contact a personal injury lawyer to ascertain your rights and consider letting them advocate for you.
Get The Car Accident Injury Compensation You Deserve!
Trick 7: Offering Lowball Settlements
While many insurance adjusters make their first settlement offer low, further negotiations can also result in unfair offers. If it does not consider all the damages you suffered, whether physical, emotional, or job-related, don’t sign it until you research it further.
Another sign it’s a lowball offer is an adjuster who pressures you to sign. Don’t let them overpower you. Head back to the negotiation table.
Trick 8: Advising Against Legal Representation
When an insurance adjuster advises against hiring an attorney, they’re usually after one thing: they want to keep you in the dark. They know that lawyers are trained to negotiate, advocate for their clients, and obtain the best settlement possible.
If you could benefit from the support and knowledge of a personal injury lawyer, consider contacting one that offers an initial free consultation, which is paid on a contingency basis after you receive your settlement.
Trick 9: Using Your Own Words Against You
This is one of the sneakiest insurance claim adjuster secret tactics. You think you’re having a casual conversation with the friendly insurance adjuster when, in actuality, he is using his communication know-how to undermine your claim and negatively affect your settlement.
When you speak with an insurance adjuster, remember that they intend to reduce your settlement. Keep any statements concise and factual. If you have hired an attorney, make sure they are present when any conversations between you and the insurance adjuster take place.
Conclusion: Navigating Adjuster Tactics with Confidence
Knowing insurance adjuster tricks gives you the upper hand. Whether recognizing their attempts to get you to say something that could reduce your settlement or realizing their delay tactics, knowing what to look for is half the battle.
