When you file an insurance claim, the insurance adjuster’s job is to assess the damage and determine the payout amount.
However, insurance adjusters are not always on your side and may try to minimize your payout to save the insurance company money. In this article, we will discuss some of the ways that insurance adjusters may try to minimize your payout and what you can do to protect yourself.
Lowballing the Initial Offer
One of the most common tactics insurance adjusters use is to lowball the initial offer. This means they will offer you a payout amount significantly lower than what you were expecting. For example, if you file a claim for $10,000 in damages, the insurance adjuster may offer you a payout of only $5,000.
This tactic is used to see if you are willing to accept a lower amount without negotiating. If you accept the initial offer, you will not be able to ask for more money later. To protect yourself from this tactic, it is important to have documentation of the damages and to be prepared to negotiate.
Delaying the Claims Process
Another tactic that insurance adjusters may use is to delay the claims process. This can be done by requesting additional documentation or by not responding to your inquiries in a timely manner. The goal of this tactic is to wear you down and make you more likely to accept a lower payout.
Keeping detailed records of all communication with the insurance adjuster, including dates and times, is important. You should also consider hiring a public adjuster who can help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights.
Denying Coverage for Certain Damages
Insurance adjusters may also try to deny coverage for certain damages. This can be done by claiming that the damages were not covered under your policy or by stating that the damages were caused by something other than the incident in question.
To protect yourself from this tactic, it is important to thoroughly review your insurance policy and to have documentation of the damages. If the insurance adjuster denies coverage for certain damages, you should speak with an attorney to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit.
Using Scare Tactics
Insurance adjusters may also use scare tactics to try to get you to accept a lower payout. This can include threatening to cancel your policy or to deny your claim altogether.
To protect yourself from this tactic, it is important to know your rights as a policyholder. You should also consult with an attorney if you feel that your rights have been violated.
Undervaluing Property Damage`
Another tactic that insurance adjusters may use is to undervalue the property damage. This can be done by using incomplete or inaccurate information to estimate the cost of repairs or by using lower-quality materials to fix the damages.
For example, if your home was damaged in a storm, the insurance adjuster may estimate the cost of repairs using lower-quality materials than what was originally in your home. This can result in a lower payout and a sub-par repair job.
It is important to document the damages thoroughly and to have a professional, such as a contractor or public adjuster, provide an estimate of the cost of repairs. This can help ensure that the estimate is accurate and that you receive the full payout you are entitled to.
Ignoring Additional Living Expenses
Another tactic that insurance adjusters may use is to ignore additional living expenses. This can include expenses such as temporary housing, meals, and transportation costs incurred as a result of the damages.
For example, if your home is uninhabitable due to damages, you may be forced to stay in a hotel and pay for meals while the repairs are being made. Insurance adjusters may try to ignore these expenses and only offer a payout for the cost of the repairs.
To protect yourself from this tactic, it is important to document all additional living expenses and to include them in your claim. You should also speak with an attorney if you feel that your expenses are not being adequately covered.
Using “Comparative Negligence”
Another tactic that insurance adjusters may use is to claim that you are partially at fault for the damages, also known as “comparative negligence.” This can be done by claiming that you didn’t properly maintain your property or contributed to the cause of the damages somehow.
For example, if your home is damaged in a storm, the insurance adjuster may claim that you didn’t properly maintain your gutters, which contributed to the damages. This can result in a reduced payout or even a denied claim.
Getting Help From the Professionals
In conclusion, insurance adjusters may try to minimize your payout by undervaluing property damage, ignoring additional living expenses, and using “comparative negligence.”
To protect yourself, it’s important to document the damages thoroughly, have a professional provide an estimate of the cost of repairs, document all additional living expenses, and have a professional assessment of the damages. Additionally, consult with an auto accident lawyer if you feel that your rights have been violated or you are not receiving the full payout you are entitled to.
