Working With an Insurance Adjuster

Working With an Insurance Adjuster

Working With an Insurance Adjuster

The insurance adjuster is the investigator and detective of the insurance claim. The adjuster works for the insurance company and not you, establishing the extent of the loss and providing information to the insurance company so it can determine the amount of compensation you receive. To work effectively with an adjuster, you need to be prepared and be just as detailed as the adjuster regarding the damages you have incurred.

Preparing for the Adjuster

• After filing your claim it is important to prepare for the insurance adjuster. Read your entire insurance policy to determine what is and what is not covered. Write down questions for the adjuster, such as "Is my loss covered?" or "What authority does the adjuster have in making a decision on my claim?" Some adjusters will only inspect the damage, while others play an intricate role in determining how much money you receive. All insurance companies handle claims differently. However, in most cases, if the adjuster works directly for your insurance company, the adjuster will have more say in deciding your claim.

Documentation

• The adjuster will be taking pictures and extensive notes while inspecting your damages. Before the adjuster arrives, you should do the same. In case there is a dispute, you will have proof of all damages. Take pictures of all damages you have incurred. Make a list of all damages that you can see. At the bottom of the list write something similar to, "I am a layperson, and this list includes the damages I can see. This list may not be all-inclusive of the damages suffered." Provide this list to the adjuster and keep a copy for your own records.

Contacting the Adjuster

• It is important to be professional and courteous to the adjuster. Obtain the adjuster's business card and your claim number. Ask the adjuster to list the name and contact information of a supervisor. In addition, ask if you are able to tape or video record your meeting with the adjuster so you can review it at a later date.

Interview Process

• The adjuster will ask many questions about your claim. Answer all questions honestly and stick to the facts of the accident. Avoid personal opinions regarding the details of the accident. The adjuster will be taking detailed notes, and anything you say in the interview may be used against you in the claims process. If you are uncomfortable representing yourself in the claims process, you may hire an attorney to help represent you; however, keep in mind that you will owe the cost of legal fees and a percentage of the settlement to your attorney.

Conclusion of Meeting

• Before the adjuster leaves, ask for copies of all pictures, estimates, damages and diagrams the auditor will provide to the insurance company. Provide the adjuster with your email and fax number. Ask the adjuster for a date when you should receive the copies.

Estimate Discussion

• When the adjuster contacts you regarding the estimate, ask for a second face-to-face meeting. This allows you to go over the estimate line by line and to compare it to your photos and documents. Do not agree to the estimate without having your own contractor give an estimate of the repair cost. Work with the adjuster on any necessary changes to the estimate that need to be made. Be aware that the adjuster may not have any say on the claim amount you receive. Some companies allow decisions to be made only by management