[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/auto\/how-to-work-with-an-auto-insurance-claims-adjuster\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/auto\/how-to-work-with-an-auto-insurance-claims-adjuster\/","headline":"How to Work With an Auto Insurance Claims Adjuster","name":"How to Work With an Auto Insurance Claims Adjuster","description":"The last thing you want to do is worry about an auto insurance adjuster when you’re in an accident. An insurance adjuster is an employee who will review your claim and approve or deny coverage. Insurance adjusters have a huge impact on your settlement and finances. To ensure a positive outcome, we\u2019ll teach you how […]","datePublished":"2022-06-20","dateModified":"2023-04-27","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/author\/mark-romero\/#Person","name":"Mark Romero","url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/author\/mark-romero\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mark-Romero-150x150.png","url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Mark-Romero-150x150.png","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Agile Rates","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/dev.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/unnamed.png","url":"https:\/\/dev.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/unnamed.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/auto-insurance-claims.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/auto-insurance-claims.jpg","height":900,"width":1600},"url":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/auto\/how-to-work-with-an-auto-insurance-claims-adjuster\/","about":["Auto","Insurance Advice"],"wordCount":1433,"articleBody":"The last thing you want to do is worry about an auto insurance adjuster when you’re in an accident. An insurance adjuster is an employee who will review your claim and approve or deny coverage. Insurance adjusters have a huge impact on your settlement and finances. To ensure a positive outcome, we\u2019ll teach you how to file auto insurance claims and handle your insurance claims adjuster.\u00a0How to file an auto insurance claimFor an auto insurance claims adjuster to grant you coverage, you must file an auto insurance claim. Make sure you gather all the details and make a strong claim. You\u2019ll also need to make a claim as soon as possible \u2014 many insurance companies have a time limit on how long you can wait to file the claim.Get the information from the other driverIf multiple cars were involved in the accident, ensure you get the information you need from every driver. Here\u2019s what information to collect from the driver(s):NameAddressCar registration numberLicense plate numberPhone numberInsurance company and policy detailsDocument everythingTo submit a proper car insurance claim, you need to have details from the incident. Here\u2019s what you should document, both physically and virtually:Date, time, and location of the accident Photos of the accident and damage and a drawing.A crime reference number (if you called the cops)Hospital records and receipts of any medical billsA copy of the claim and all the information you submitted for itDo I have to submit a claim if I\u2019m in an accident?Generally, submitting an insurance claim is best if you\u2019re in a car accident. You may have incurred damage from the accident that you can\u2019t see, which could cause major expenses down the line. However, if your car has been checked out and the damage is minor, you may be better off not submitting a claim. That\u2019s because submitting claims can cause your monthly auto insurance payments to increase.What does an auto insurance claims adjuster do?An auto insurance adjuster resolves a claim by:Reviewing the details of the accident and even inspecting the vehicle in-personConducting interviews with whoever claimed the accident and any other witnessesReviewing the medical records and other documents submitted Consulting with the police reportReviewing the insurance policyThe auto insurance adjuster can determine the insurance company\u2019s liability by following these steps. What\u2019s the goal of an auto insurance claims adjuster? It\u2019s important to remember the goal of your insurance adjuster. They\u2019re trying to save money for their employer. They can use it against you to pay you less if you say anything. That being said, you must be careful about what you say to an insurance adjuster.However, insurance adjusters have no financial interest in your insurance claim outcome. They\u2019re not gaining money if they pay you less. However, knowing they\u2019re working for your insurance company is still important.What should you not say to an insurance adjuster?What you say to your insurance claims adjuster matters greatly. If you want to be compensated for the accident, here\u2019s what you shouldn\u2019t say to your auto insurance claims adjuster:Don\u2019t admit fault. Don\u2019t say, \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d or \u201cI didn\u2019t see them,\u201d or \u201cIt was my fault.\u201d Don\u2019t downplay your personal injuries. If you downplay your injuries, you\u2019ll receive far less compensation. So don\u2019t say anything like, \u201cIt wasn\u2019t that bad,\u201d or \u201cI\u2019m not in pain.\u201d Avoid discussing personal injuries. Adjusters are trying to understand how much the medical bills will cost. Yet at the same time, they\u2019re trying to pay the least amount possible. That being said, don\u2019t discuss any pre-existing conditions that could increase the number of medical bills. Never give an adjuster access to your previous medical records (aside from the ones you submitted in the claim).Don\u2019t speculate about the crash. What you think is not necessarily correct, and if your statements are inconsistent, the adjuster can use it against you. If you don\u2019t know an answer to a question with 100% certainty, just say you don\u2019t know.Don\u2019t provide a recorded statement. You may be asked to, but never agree to provide a statement. It could be taken out of context or used to prove that your statements are inconsistent. Politely refuse a recorded statement. This also goes for written statements early on in the process.How much money should I ask for in a settlement?Here\u2019s what you should consider when you\u2019re deciding how much to ask for from your insurance company:The extent of your injuries: If your injuries are severe, ask for more money.If you must miss work: If your injuries keep you from work, ask for a higher settlement.Insurance companies often reject your first offer, so don\u2019t be afraid to go higher than what you want. They will try to negotiate the price down.What factors impact your settlement?Here are the factors your insurance adjuster will consider when determining your settlement:Car accident detailsYour medical historyWhether or not your injury was present before the accident Age How soon after the accident do you go to the doctor or hospitalWhether or not the treatment you received was necessaryHow to handle interactions with your claims adjusterThe bottom line is: Don\u2019t trust your claim adjuster. They\u2019re not on your side, and whatever you say will be used against you. This is not to say claims adjusters are bad people \u2014 but they are loyal to their employer (your insurance company). Don\u2019t make their job easy by slipping up in front of them.Should you hire a lawyer?The choice is up to you. But lawyers can greatly help you throughout the claims process. Plus, a claims adjuster is more likely to take you seriously if you have an attorney. They\u2019ll be less likely to pull a fast one on you. Plus, your personal injury attorney is talented at negotiating. They\u2019ll be able to negotiate a better deal with your insurance company than you would be able to on your own. What are some insurance adjuster red flags?Here are some red flags to look out for with your insurance adjuster. You might best hire an attorney if they show one of these red flags. Hire an attorney if your adjuster: Acts like they\u2019re your friend or tries to catch you off guard (for example, before you know how bad your injuries are, or before you get an attorney).Suggests you\u2019d be better off without an attorney.Asks for a written or recorded statement.Asks you to sign papers or releases before a claim is settled.Suggests you visit a doctor suggested by the insurance company.Final tips for dealing with insurance adjustersBe honest with your insurance adjuster. However, be careful about what you say to them. If you\u2019re having problems with the insurance adjuster, consider:Speaking with their supervisorHire an attorneyWriting to the State Department of Insurance Dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating and tricky. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask others for help if you need it.FAQsWhat should you not say to an auto insurance claims adjuster?Don\u2019t admit fault, downplay personal injuries, discuss your medical history, or speculate about the crash.Are auto insurance claims adjusters honest?They\u2019re not necessarily dishonest. There are many kind and empathetic adjusters. However, you have to remember that they have an agenda to help their employer. Can I keep extra money from an auto insurance claim?You can keep the money from the claim if you fully own your vehicle. How do companies pay out auto insurance claims?Your insurance company may:Send a checkTransfer money directly into your accountPay the mechanic and hospital directlyWhat happens when you first make an auto insurance claim?The insurance adjuster will start trying to settle your claim quickly. After dealing with an accident and potential injuries, you must receive the financial compensation you deserve. Remember, you\u2019re paying for auto insurance every month. That\u2019s why filing your auto insurance claims directly and handling the claims adjuster properly is important. Get multiple auto insurance quotes today to find out how you can save money and get great coverage."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Advice","item":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Auto","item":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/\/auto\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How to Work With an Auto Insurance Claims Adjuster","item":"https:\/\/www.agilerates.com\/advice\/auto\/how-to-work-with-an-auto-insurance-claims-adjuster\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]