How To Talk to an Insurance Adjuster: The Do’s and Don’ts

Many people dread the idea of talking with any insurance company representative. These individuals are responsible for either approving or denying your claim. And you don’t want to say something that can put that in jeopardy. You also want to make sure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Whether you are already working with an attorney or not, you might still have to talk to these professionals to provide them with the claim details. So, how should you handle any interactions with an insurance adjuster? Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow.

Follow These Do’s

While you may want to avoid working with an adjuster, they are a critical part of the claims process. They will take down your information and the details of the claim. The auto carrier will use this information to decide whether to approve or deny a claim. Here are a few do’s to help with the process:

Reach Out to Your Attorney

Before you talk to an insurance adjuster, you will want to consult with your attorney. They can advise you on what to say or not. Remember, you want to protect your rights throughout the entire claims process.

Provide Basic Information

One of the first things you can do is provide the adjuster with your basic information, such as name and contact information. If they have any questions, they can easily reach you. Make sure to be professional at all times. If you are seen as being cooperative, that can work in your favor.

Stick to the Facts

When providing all the information, stick to the facts of the accident. Often, people want to give too many details to make assumptions about the situation. If you start to talk too much, you could actually talk yourself out of a claim approval.

Keep Records

No matter the type of interaction that you have with the insurance adjuster, you will want to keep detailed records. Make a point to write down the date and time of the call or meeting. You may also want to document the nature of the discussion. Discrepancies can occur. You want to have proof of your interaction with the insurer.

Now that you know how to handle a conversation with your adjuster, what should you avoid?

Avoid These Don’ts

Keeping a professional and cooperative demeanor can help the claim process move smoothly. However, you never want to be too open with these individuals. Sometimes, admitting fault or accepting a settlement without legal consultation can jeopardize your claim. Here are a few don’ts that you want to avoid:

Admit Fault

When talking to an insurance adjuster, you never want to admit fault, even if you may have been responsible for the accident. If you apologize or admit to being at fault, that can negatively affect the outcome of the claim. And it will not be in your favor. Focus on providing the facts of the accident and leave determining liability to the attorneys.

Talk About Injuries

While engaging with the claims reviewer, the conversation might turn towards your injuries. Many people may want to downplay their medical treatments and injuries. If you want to talk about any injuries or medical treatment, speak to your attorney and complete a full evaluation before reaching out to them.

Sign Documents

After meeting with the insurance adjuster, they might leave you with a few documents to review and sign. Before putting your name on any official piece of paper, you will want to review and understand it. If you have any questions, consult your attorney. Clauses, language, and other stipulations could affect the outcome of your claim. Sometimes, these details may limit your legal rights.

Agree to a Settlement Without Talking to Your Attorney

Unfortunately, the insurance company and their adjusters want to settle the case. But that often comes with a low settlement. The offer may seem like a good deal, but you should never agree to terms without a lawyer’s approval. Your attorney knows the case details, and they can determine whether the insurance company’s offer is fair or not. You might be ready to resolve this situation, but a settlement should be on your terms, not the insurer’s.

Should You Leave These Matters to a Lawyer?

If you’re still hesitant to talk to an insurance adjuster, you may want an attorney to handle all the interactions. These professionals understand the laws, policies, and regulations in place. With that, they can guide you through the complexities of filing a claim while protecting your legal rights and working towards a settlement.

Lawyers are skilled communicators. They can handle discussions with auto carrier representatives on your behalf. Working with an attorney may maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

Negotiating with insurance adjusters requires skills. You can count on your attorney to advocate for your interests and work towards a fair settlement.

Additionally, if there are any disputes or issues with an auto insurer, your attorney is there to represent your interests. They can even assist with filing a lawsuit if the insurance company provides a low offer or denies your claim.

In any situation, working with a skilled and qualified attorney can help you throughout the claims process. And in most situations, they can handle all the communication with the insurer and their adjusters.

Don’t Leave Your Claim to Chance

If you have questions about talking to an insurance adjuster or have other concerns about the claims process in Nevada, the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp is ready to assist. We can help you take the next steps towards resolving your claim issues with a free case evaluation. Avoid negotiating with your insurer alone; contact our office today.