How do I ask for more money in my car insurance claim?

Asked by: Meagan Hagenes  |  Last update: September 20, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (45 votes)

Steps to Argue for More Money on Your Total Loss Claim
  1. Ask for the Valuation Report.
  2. Research the Comparables on the Valuation Report.
  3. Dispute Any Condition Adjustments on the Comparables.
  4. Send Your Own Comparables to the Adjuster.
  5. Consider Hiring an Appraiser.

How do I negotiate more money for a car accident claim?

General Tips for Settlement Negotiations
  1. Initiate your claim as soon as possible after a car accident. ...
  2. Keep accurate records about your accident and injuries. ...
  3. Calculate a fair settlement. ...
  4. Send a detailed demand letter to the insurance company. ...
  5. Do not accept the first offer. ...
  6. Get everything in writing.

How to get more money out of a car insurance claim?

  1. Understand Your Damages. The foundation of any car accident claim is your damages. ...
  2. Resist the Rush to Accept an Initial Offer. ...
  3. Hire an Experienced Attorney. ...
  4. Build and Preserve a Strong Case. ...
  5. File Your Case Promptly. ...
  6. Avoid Discussing Your Case with the Insurance Company. ...
  7. Stay Off Social Media. ...
  8. Make a Good Impression in Court.

How do I ask for more money in an insurance settlement?

Get the Adjuster to Justify a Low Injury Settlement Offer

Instead, ask the adjuster to give you specific reasons why the offer is so low, and make notes of what he or she tells you. Then write a brief letter responding to each of the factors the adjuster has mentioned.

How do I ask my insurance company for more money?

By having a lawyer negotiating on your behalf, you can level the playing field and demand the compensation you deserve. Experienced attorneys understand how the system works and can negotiate effectively on your behalf. Many insurance companies respond to aggressive attorneys and negotiate in good faith.

Easiest Way to Get Paid Big for Your Car Accident

35 related questions found

Can you ask for more money when your car is totaled?

In some cases, you may get more insurance money for a totaled car than for repairs. In addition, it is possible to negotiate a higher settlement by providing evidence that your car was worth more than the insurance company's initial valuation.

How to get more money from an insurance adjuster?

Write a letter to your adjuster explaining why you believe the offer was too low. Include copies of any evidence you've gathered, and ask for a response within a specific timeframe, such as five business days. Be polite but direct.

How to get maximum settlement from a car accident?

Follow these steps to get more money from your car accident settlement:
  1. Don't be in a rush to settle.
  2. Get all the medical treatment you need.
  3. Consider hiring a lawyer.
  4. Do not take the first offer (or the second)
  5. Seek professional legal advice about the value of your case.

How do I increase my settlement offer?

Send a Detailed Demand Letter to the Insurance Company

Not only will this help the entire filing process easier, but it will help increase your odds of getting a higher settlement offer.

How much money should I ask for in a settlement?

Ask for more than what you think you'll get

There's no precise formula, but it's generally recommended that personal injury plaintiffs ask for about 75% to 100% more than what they hope to receive. In other words, if you think your lawsuit might be worth $10,000, ask for $17,500 to $20,000.

How to get more money for pain and suffering?

Work with An Experienced and Knowledgeable Attorney

You need to work with a personal injury lawyer if you want compensation. They know how to increase a settlement value and will handle your entire legal process. The attorneys at Silva Injury Law have decades of experience representing victims in California.

What if I don't agree with my car insurance adjuster?

Dispute the Decision and File a Complaint

Many policies allow you to request arbitration through the insurance company. You'll present evidence to an independent adjuster, who then makes a binding settlement determination. You can also file a complaint with your state department of insurance.

How to negotiate with an auto claims adjuster?

Here's how to negotiate with insurance adjusters like a pro:

Gather all evidence, including photos, medical records, and repair estimates. Stay calm, be polite, and firm in your communications. Start with a reasonable demand backed by evidence, and be ready to counter low offers.

How to get more money out of an insurance claim?

Steps to Argue for More Money on Your Total Loss Claim
  1. Ask for the Valuation Report.
  2. Research the Comparables on the Valuation Report.
  3. Dispute Any Condition Adjustments on the Comparables.
  4. Send Your Own Comparables to the Adjuster.
  5. Consider Hiring an Appraiser.

How do you negotiate a good settlement?

The following guidelines can help you settle out of court and reach creative, mutually beneficial resolutions to your disputes, with or without lawyers at the table.
  1. Make sure the process is perceived to be fair. ...
  2. Identify interests and tradeoffs. ...
  3. Insist on decision analysis. ...
  4. Reduce discovery costs.

Should I accept the first offer from the insurance company for a car?

No. The initial offer is usually only a fraction of what you deserve. The first offer is only the bare minimum the insurer is willing to provide to settle the case. The insurance company may want to see if you will take the smallest amount of money before speaking to an attorney.

What is an acceptable settlement offer?

A variety of factors can affect what a reasonable settlement offer might be, including the following: Whether the injured plaintiff is partially liable. The extent and severity of the victim's injuries. The past and future likely costs of treatment. Whether the plaintiff is likely to fully recover or has fully ...

What if insurance settlement is not enough?

Take Them to Court

You can file a lawsuit when the insurance settlement offer is too low. You can also file a lawsuit if attempts at discussion and negotiation fail. Starting an injury suit doesn't necessarily mean that negotiations are over.

Why is the first settlement offer so low?

You Should Expect the First Settlement Offer to Be Low

Above all else, the company is attempting to make money. The more the company pays out in settlements, the less money it will bring in. Of course, the insurance company also has a legal obligation to pay out full and fair injury settlements.

How can I get more money from my insurance settlement?

Hiring an insurance claims professional can make a huge difference in the outcome of your insurance claim. Insurance professionals can provide expert guidance and support throughout the claims process, from preparing and filing the claim to negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement.

How to get the most out of a car wreck?

To get more money from a car accident settlement, take the following steps:
  1. Hire a car accident lawyer.
  2. Gather evidence to help your case.
  3. Seek medical attention right away.
  4. Report the accident.
  5. Check your insurance coverage.
  6. Keep off of social media.
  7. Never agree to anything without speaking to an attorney first.

How do you beat claims 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 do I ask for more money from an insurance company?

Rather, ask why the adjuster has provided this extremely low figure. You should then write a formal letter of response in which you state that you don't find the initial low settlement offer acceptable, listing the reasons why and concluding with a demand for a higher settlement offer.

How do I get more for my totaled car?

You can improve your chances by providing documents that support a higher value. Provide all the relevant documents, including accident reports, insurance policies, and maintenance records. Providing the above documents helps establish your car's pre-condition and supports your claim.