An insurance claims adjuster is hired by the insurance company to evaluate any type of claim and determine the liability of the insurance company. This information translates into the amount of the settlement that will be offered under the policy.
The insurance claims adjuster completes this investigation or evaluation by examining damage, reviewing reports and speaking to those involved and eye witnesses to the incident. The same types of evaluations or investigations are completed on personal vehicles, home insurance claims, personal injury claims or in the case of a rental car accident. Since the adjuster is there to work for the insurance company, he or she will offer the lowest settlement possible under the policy. Knowing your options as a policyholder or claimant is the key to getting the settlement you deserve.
Take It or Leave It Offers
One way that an insurance claims adjuster may try to offer a lower settlement is to provide a lump sum figure and simply tell the claimant it is a take it or leave it final offer. While it may sound like a fairly large offer it often covers only the minimum amount allowed under the policy. Knowing what your short and long term expenses will be because of the accident is critical to determining if the offer is really a fair settlement.
Asking the Claimant for an Initial Offer
This is a commonly used tactic that allows the insurance claims adjuster to know just how much the person making the claim expects as a full settlement. The insurance adjuster will offer below that amount in the counter offer. Often this counter offer far lower what they would have initially made, limiting the negotiation options for the claimant.
Settling Quickly
Most individuals that are involved in a vehicle accident, even a rental car accident, want to get the claim settled so insurance adjusters work very quickly. While this may seem like a positive, when physical injuries occur it is also a way to offer a lower settlement since full medical issues are not yet fully resolved or diagnosed and treated. The settlement amount only includes medical expenses to date and future expenses based on current diagnosis so quick settlements benefit the insurance company.
Legal Solutions
Negotiating with insurance claims adjusters is a difficult process. Hiring a professional, experienced attorney to represent you in these negotiations is the best way to ensure you get the settlement you are entitled to.
