After a car accident, an insurance company relies on its insurance adjuster for advice on the cost of the accident. This cost includes medical and property damages caused by the accident. However, as adjusters work for the insurance company, part of their job is to work to save the company money. Because of this, adjusters will search for any and all possible ways for the company to avoid or reduce its payment to an injured party. If you have received an unacceptable settlement offer, it is your job to request a higher amount of compensation.
Demonstrate How the Offer Falls Short
The first step to take when demanding more money from an insurance adjuster is to show how the offer falls short of making you whole. The term “making you whole” refers to making the injured party in the position he was in prior to the accident, such as by fixing the damaged car and compensating for any personal injury medical expenses. If the offer will not cover these expenses, write a letter to the adjuster and insurance company stating the amount of your expenses incurred from the accident and that the offer does not permit you to pay all these expenses.
Point to Faulty Investigation
It is also important that you tell the company about the shortcomings of the adjuster’s investigation. Detail how the adjuster did not obtain enough or sufficient repair estimates, include all of your current medical expenses or overlooked your need for further treatment.
Demand an Amount of Money
Insurance companies are experienced in negotiating settlements and know the general value of certain types of accidents. This does not mean, however, that the company can read your mind. If you seek a specific amount of compensation, request that amount or an amount slightly higher. Demanding more money than you actually need is a tactic that leaves room for negotiations with the insurance company to the lowest amount acceptable to you.
Avoid Naming a Specific Amount, but Reject the Offer
Another tactic you may use is to not name a specific amount, but instead just reject the previous offer. This tactic works well when the offered amount is not too far off from the amount of compensation you desire because often, an insurance company will not raise their offer extensively but instead by just a few thousand dollars. Beware, though, that this may backfire with the insurance company sticking by the adjuster’s recommendation.
Getting Legal Help
Insurance adjusters are not working on your side; their job is to recommend as little money as possible. If you have been involved in an automobile accident and the adjuster has advised that you be paid an unacceptable amount of money, seek legal assistance with your claim.
