⚠️ Remember: Insurance adjusters work for insurance companies. Their job is to minimize what the company pays. Anything you say can be used against your claim.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters After an Accident
Insurance adjuster practices are regulated by state departments. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners provides consumer guides. Nolo explains common adjuster tactics and how to respond.
After an accident, insurance adjusters will contact you quickly. They seem friendly and helpful, but their job is to pay you as little as possible. Understanding their tactics and knowing how to respond protects your claim value.
Common Adjuster Tactics
- Quick contact: Reaching you before you understand injury extent or have legal advice
- Friendly approach: Building rapport to get you to lower your guard
- Recorded statements: Questions designed to establish fault or minimize injuries
- Fast settlement offers: Low offers before you know your full damages
- Medical authorization: Broad releases to fish through your entire medical history
- Delay tactics: Hoping bills mount until you accept a low offer
What to Say (and Not Say)
You are not required to give detailed statements to the other party insurance company. Provide basic information (name, contact, insurance policy number) but nothing more without legal advice. Never:
- Admit fault or apologize
- Speculate about what happened
- Discuss your injuries in detail
- Agree to a recorded statement
- Sign broad medical authorizations
- Accept settlement offers without understanding full damages
Your Insurance Company vs. Their Insurance Company
Your own insurance company has some duty to you under your policy. The at-fault party insurer has no duty to you whatsoever. Be more careful with opposing insurance. However, even your own company may try to minimize claims, especially for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
When to Get Legal Help
- Before giving any recorded statement
- If you have significant injuries requiring ongoing treatment
- If liability is disputed
- If the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured
- If the initial offer seems low
- If the insurance company is delaying or denying your claim
ℹ️ Insurance Company Giving You Trouble? Quick Claim attorneys handle insurance company negotiations. Free consultation: (773) 839-6086.