How do you respond to a low insurance settlement offer?

Asked by: Prof. Abbigail Fadel  |  Last update: June 8, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (42 votes)

After you've gathered your evidence, write a letter to the insurance company explaining your losses and how much money you want. Be specific and use your collected evidence to support your demand. Be ready to negotiate. Negotiation is often a back-and-forth process.

How to counter a low settlement offer?

Countering a Low Insurance Settlement Offer
  1. State that the offer you received is unacceptable.
  2. Refute any statements in the adjustor's letter that are inaccurate and damaging to your claim.
  3. Re-state an acceptable figure.
  4. Explain why your counteroffer is appropriate, including the reasons behind your general damage demands.

How do you respond to a settlement offer that is too low?

How Should I Respond to a Low Settlement Offer?
  1. Try to remain calm and examine the offer. After receiving a low settlement offer, the most important thing to do is to stay calm. ...
  2. Provide a formal, written response. ...
  3. Formulate your counteroffer. ...
  4. Settle after you've recovered.

How do I decline an insurance settlement offer?

How to Decline a Settlement Offer
  1. Craft a Written Response: Begin by drafting a clear, written response to the insurance company, explicitly stating your decision to decline the offer. ...
  2. Gather and Submit Documentation: To strengthen your rejection, provide updated documentation that supports your claim's value.

Why is my settlement offer so low?

Your claim's value depends heavily on the evidence you provide. If you lack documentation, such as medical records, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, or proof of lost income, the insurance company may undervalue your claim.

How Do You Respond To A Low Settlement Offer?

34 related questions found

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 is a reasonable settlement offer?

The settlement amounts should reflect the damages suffered by the plaintiff, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, future medical care, and other related costs. The key to fair financial compensation is to determine whether the offer is reasonable and aligns with the extent of the damages.

What happens if you don't agree with insurance settlement?

File a Lawsuit

You can initiate a personal injury lawsuit if you and the insurance company can't agree on a settlement value. Filing a trial will bring the matter before a judge or jury who may decide to award the damages per your request.

What is the best way to politely reject an insurance offer?

If you decide to reject the settlement offer, you'll need to do so in writing. Provide a clear explanation of why you are rejecting the offer and include any supporting evidence that backs up your position. Your written response should be professional and concise; any inflammatory language could weaken your case.

How do I say no to a settlement offer?

In response to your letter dated [Date of Insurer's Letter], I am unable to accept your offer of $[Offer Amount] to settle my demand for compensation in Claim Number [Claim Number from Above]. The figure you offered is insufficient in light of the facts of the case.

How do you respond to a ridiculously low offer?

Being honest and direct is important when you receive a low ball offer and make it clear that you believe the offer to be too far below market value. Do not respond right away; let them know that you will get back to them. Consider what strategy might work best.

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 do you respond to a low compensation offer?

How to respond to a low salary offer
  1. Ask for time. ...
  2. Understand your minimum acceptable salary. ...
  3. Conduct research. ...
  4. Make a plan. ...
  5. Practice negotiations. ...
  6. Show enthusiasm. ...
  7. Negotiate for early performance reviews. ...
  8. Focus on your skills and expertise.

How to write a counter offer letter for insurance settlement?

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 you counter offer a low offer?

Acknowledge it's a low ball offer

Then consider what tactic could work best. One approach is to simply say that you're willing to negotiate, but that you need to hear a serious starting offer. Another is to counter-offer with a price that's slightly lower than your asking price – even just $1,000 below it.

What is the least acceptable settlement?

Your Least Acceptable Agreement is the minimum you need before walking away. It is the minimum you are willing to accept, and so forms one of the outside parameters of your negotiating envelope.

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.

What happens when you reject an insurance settlement offer?

When you reject a settlement offer, it triggers negotiations between you (or your lawyer) and the insurance company. This allows you to submit a counteroffer that better reflects the value of your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Can I decline a settlement agreement?

If you disagree with the offer, you can decline it. However, rejecting a settlement offer isn't as simple as saying, “Sorry, I won't accept it.” Instead, before rejecting a settlement offer, it's important to think through this decision.

When not to accept a settlement offer?

You should not accept the first settlement offer without knowing key information that could affect your financial outcome. This is a significant decision, as it not only provides immediate payment but also closes the door to any future incident-related claims.

Can an insurance company take back a settlement offer?

Insurance companies can rescind settlement offers anytime but usually remain open for the entire period stated in the offer document. If an insurance company rescinds an offer, it could mean that they discovered new evidence. If you have concerns about an insurance company rescinding an offer, speak to an attorney.

Can insurance company force you to settle?

If an insurance company offers to settle your accident or injury claim, you have the option to refuse. While insurance companies and adjusters may try to make it seem like an offer is the best and only one you'll get, that's rarely true.

What is a low settlement offer?

Because there are so many variables involved in determining how much a settlement for a personal injury claim is truly worth, it's hard to know what precise number is “fair.” Indicators of a low settlement offer may include: Offers significantly lower than your medical bills and lost wages.

What is a normal settlement amount?

The rough 'rule of thumb' that we generally use to determine the value of the average settlement agreement payout (in respect of compensation for termination of employment) is two to three months' gross salary (in addition to your notice pay, holiday pay etc., as outlined above).

What is considered a reasonable offer?

“The rule I've always followed is to never go more than 25% below the listed price,” he says. “Chances are, after fees, commission, and sentimental value, the sellers are already hurting. If you dip below that point, they may disregard your offer entirely.”