Do insurance adjusters try to lowball you?

Asked by: Mireya Ebert  |  Last update: June 15, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (5 votes)

Many insurance adjusters will offer a lowball settlement in the hopes that you'll accept it without considering the long-term consequences. By knowing the true value of your claim, you can negotiate from a position of strength and avoid settling for less than you deserve.

Do insurance adjusters lowball?

Insurance adjusters are often given bonuses or other incentives based on how much money they save the company by getting claimants to accept low settlements. Making lowball offers is a key way insurers try to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line.

How do you respond to a lowball offer from an insurance company?

If you're faced with a low-ball insurance offer, there are several things you can do to fight for the money you deserve:
  1. Rejecting a settlement offer. Don't take the first offer. ...
  2. Gather evidence to support your claim. ...
  3. Write a detailed demand letter. ...
  4. Be ready to negotiate. ...
  5. Don't be afraid to file a lawsuit.

What not to tell a claims adjuster?

Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.” “I did not see the other person/driver.”

Are insurance adjusters fair?

Insurance adjusters are responsible for assessing the extent of damages and estimating the appropriate compensation. However, their evaluations may be biased, incomplete, or undervalued. They may overlook hidden damages or fail to consider the long-term consequences of an incident.

Insurance company trying to give you a lowball offer?

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How to beat the insurance adjuster?

What Is the Single Best Way to Scare an Insurance Adjuster?
  1. Write a convincing demand letter to your insurance company.
  2. Carefully review any settlement offers you receive.
  3. Reject a settlement offer in writing on your behalf.
  4. Counter your lowball settlement offer.

How much do insurance adjusters make per claim?

The adjuster will receive between 60-70% of the fee, with the other 30-40% going to the adjusting firm they work for. Hurricane adjusters can easily average a $10,000 settlement per claim, which would put between $400 and $500 in their pocket per claim.

Can you negotiate with adjuster?

Yes, you absolutely can and should negotiate with insurance adjusters. Negotiation is a normal part of the claims process. The first offer is usually not the final one. Insurance companies often start low to see if you'll accept less than what you're entitled to.

Should I trust an insurance adjuster?

That said, it's always prudent to use caution when you're speaking to an insurance adjuster after an accident. These individuals have the tough job of thoroughly reviewing your case to determine an appropriate payout, and they may not always have your best interests at the forefront of their minds.

What should you not say to a loss adjuster?

Understand that everything you say whether in person or over the phone, can be used against you in their final assessment. Avoid providing incomplete or potentially detrimental information that could be used to lower the settlement offer, like failing to mention pre-existing damage.

How do you win a lowball offer?

Winning Strategies for Lowball Offers
  1. Find Out the Seller's Motivation.
  2. Write a Clean Offer.
  3. Always Counter the Counteroffer.
  4. Divert Attention Away From Price.
  5. Give a Logical Reason Why Your Lowball Offer Is Fair.

Why is the first settlement offer so low?

Why Do They Always Lowball On The First Settlement Offer? If the insurance company is lucky enough that you accept the first low offer, it's better for them. The less money the insurance company gives you, the better their bottom line.

How do I reject a low settlement offer?

If you choose to reject the low settlement offer, you must communicate your decision to the claims adjuster. Your legal representative can help you write a letter that states your intentions. Within the letter, you can indicate that you reject the offer and highlight why you deserve a higher settlement amount.

What are insurance adjusters looking for?

Adjusters inspect property damage or personal injury claims to determine how much the insurance company should pay for the loss. They might inspect a home, a business, or an automobile. Adjusters interview the claimant and witnesses, inspect the property, and do additional research, such as look at police reports.

How do adjusters determine value?

The insurance adjuster will estimate the value of your vehicle based on the total value of other similar vehicles in your area. This is called the true market value. The insurance adjuster determines this value by checking the actual sales that took place in the area.

Do I have to accept insurance adjusters offer?

You aren't obligated to take that offer. Insurance adjusters are skilled at reviewing damages and injuries and making settlement offers. But their initial offer may be a lowball one that doesn't reflect the full amount of your damages and losses.

What should you not say to a claims adjuster?

Admitting Fault, Even Partial Fault.

Even if you think you may be partly at fault for the accident, do not discuss this with an adjuster. Avoid any language that could be construed as apologetic or blameful.

Can insurance companies tap your phone?

Insurance companies cannot tap your phone, but they can request to see your phone records. They may ask you directly or they may go through court channels.

How long should it take for an insurance adjuster?

Typically, after reporting a claim to your insurance provider, you can expect a claims adjuster to reach out within 24 to 48 hours. This initial contact will be to gather more details about the incident and potentially schedule a time for an in-person inspection of the damages.

Do insurance adjusters try lowball?

This strategy is very common in states that follow the principle of pure comparative fault, like California. Under California's laws, your damages will be reduced depending on your percentage of fault. By shifting some of the blame to you, the insurance company could get away with paying less than they should.

What is a reasonable settlement figure?

A reasonable proposed settlement figure is one that takes into account the amount of awards juries in your area have made in recent, similar cases. Your initial settlement demand should be a number that's high enough to leave you room for negotiation.

How to get a higher insurance settlement?

  1. The Personal Injury Settlement Process.
  2. Have an Injury Settlement Amount In Mind.
  3. Don't Jump at the First Injury Settlement Offer.
  4. Get the Adjuster to Justify a Low Injury Settlement Offer.
  5. Emphasize Emotional Points.
  6. Put the Settlement in Writing.
  7. Getting Help With a Personal Injury Claim.

Do insurance adjusters get bonuses for denying claims?

Insurers are driven to increase their profits. In that vein, some of them give bonuses to adjusters who successfully and consistently deny claims. Adjusters who pay too many claims may find themselves without a job.

What company pays claims adjusters the most?

The best companies for claims adjusters to work for in 2024 are Progressive and Allstate. If you are looking for the best-paying companies for claims adjusters, you should consider Merchants Insurance Group with a median claims adjuster salary of $56,902 or Mercy Health with a median salary of $55,418.

Do insurance adjusters get benefits?

Adjusters who work full-time may also receive benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off .