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

Asked by: Davion Goldner  |  Last update: June 15, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (75 votes)

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.

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 you respond to an extremely low offer?

Accept that the offer is low-ball

Consider what strategy might work best. You can say you are willing to negotiate but you want to hear an offer that is serious. Another avenue is to make a counter-offer that is a price slightly below your asking price, even if it's just $1,000 less.

What to do when the insurance offer is too low?

If the offer is too low, ask for the amount you think would be fair. Be prepared to explain and back up your position. If the adjuster stonewalls you, go over her head to the supervisor, or the claims manager. If that doesn't help, File a complaint with the State Department of Insurance.

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.

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17 related questions found

How do I reject an insurance settlement offer?

This letter should state:
  1. That you will not accept the initial settlement offer;
  2. The reasons why you feel you deserve a higher settlement amount;
  3. Each of their low-offer reasons, and your responses;
  4. The higher settlement amount that you will accept.

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.

Why do insurance companies try to lowball you?

Their primary goal is to make money, not pay out on claims. 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.

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 respond to an insurance offer?

If you have determined to respond to a low settlement offer yourself, consider the following:
  1. Stay polite and professional. We understand it's a frustrating and emotional process. ...
  2. Ask questions. ...
  3. Offer the facts. ...
  4. Put your response in writing. ...
  5. Don't be bullied.

How do you decline an offer that is too low?

If you're sure that you want to decline, consider saying something like this:"I appreciate the offer and your time, but I can't accept this position at the salary you're offering. If the salary range is something that can be negotiated, please let me know."

How do you politely decline a lowball offer?

Keep your message concise, clear, and respectful. Briefly explain that you have carefully considered the offer but have decided to pursue other opportunities that better align with your career goals and compensation expectations. Maintain a positive tone by expressing your willingness to stay connected.

How to respond to an insulting offer?

Ask, don't offer.

Keep in mind that choosing not to answer an unreasonable offer is an implied rejection. Talking about relevant facts, principles, and interests will expose the offer's flaws and often lead to progress.

How to write a counter offer to an insurance company?

To write a counteroffer to an insurance company, start by expressing appreciation for their initial offer. Then, clearly state your counteroffer amount, supporting it with detailed reasons and evidence, like increased medical expenses or overlooked damages.

When not to accept a settlement offer?

Here are key cases when not to accept: The Offer Doesn't Cover Long-Term Medical Expenses: If you'll need ongoing medical treatments, surgeries, or therapy, an early offer may not account for these future costs. Accepting it could leave you paying out-of-pocket for necessary care.

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.

What's a good settlement offer?

A reasonable settlement offer is one that adequately covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and any additional losses you have experienced, although it can vary significantly from one claim to another.

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 is a reasonable full and final settlement offer?

It depends on what you can afford. Your full and final settlement should offer equal amounts to each creditor. For example: Your lump sum is 75% of your total debt. You should offer each creditor 75% of what you owe them.

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 do insurance companies fear the most?

It's simple: Insurance companies' legal teams hate having to go before juries. Naturally, it's up to juries to apply the law in a fair and even-handed manner. However, it never helps insurance companies to be seen as the villains who are trying to get one over on people in genuine need.

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.

Should you accept a lowball offer?

Lowball offers may be a smart move for those with pressing financial obligations, such as debt repayment, medical bills, or supporting dependents. By accepting a lower offer, one can diminish the financial stress and ensure their immediate needs are met while they continue to search for better opportunities.

How do you professionally counter an offer?

You can use the following steps as guidance when countering a job offer to negotiate your compensation:
  1. Ask for time to make your decision. ...
  2. Conduct research on industry compensation. ...
  3. Assess your qualifications and experience. ...
  4. Review and evaluate the initial offer. ...
  5. Determine your counteroffer value. ...
  6. Submit your counteroffer.

How to politely decline a lowball offer?

If you're not willing to lower the price, you could offer alternative solutions, such as free shipping or a bundle deal. If you're not interested in the offer, let the buyer know in a polite and professional way. Explain why you're declining the offer, but avoid making the buyer feel bad.