Should I trust an insurance adjuster?

Asked by: Janiya Nienow  |  Last update: September 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (46 votes)

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.

Can insurance adjusters be trusted?

In summary, trusting an insurance company adjuster completely with your insurance claim is not advisable. Their inherent bias, limited loyalty, lack of transparency, and potential for inadequate evaluations can lead to undercompensated settlements and frustration for policyholders.

What should you not say to 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.”

How much do 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.

Do insurance adjusters make mistakes?

One thing seldom heard from the insurance company or the third-party claims administrator (TPA) is “we / I made a mistake”. Mistakes happen. The difference between the excellent adjuster and the so-so adjuster is the number of mistakes made.

Can I trust the Insurance Adjuster?

19 related questions found

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.

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.

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.

Which insurance company pays 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.

What are the duties of an insurance adjuster?

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.

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

File a Complaint: If necessary, file a complaint with the insurance company or regulatory authorities. Don't Settle for Less: Refrain from accepting a low settlement offer without proper evaluation. Be Prepared for Legal Action: If negotiations fail, be ready to file a lawsuit to protect your interests.

How do you negotiate with an adjuster?

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

Prepare thoroughly by knowing your policy details and the value of your claim. Gather all evidence, including photos, medical records, and repair estimates. Stay calm, be polite, and firm in your communications.

Should I talk to my insurance adjuster?

One of the most consequential things you'll do in the aftermath of a car crash is speak with an insurance adjuster. Take this conversation seriously because it will set the foundation for your claim and could affect how much compensation you can recover.

How to scare home insurance adjuster?

Insurance adjusters often start with a lowball offer, hoping you will accept it without question. To scare an insurance adjuster, you must demonstrate that you know the true value of your claim. Reject the lowball offer in writing and provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the offer is inadequate.

Are insurance adjusters fair?

One of the most prevalent myths is that insurance adjusters are inherently biased against policyholders, aiming to minimize payouts. While the adjuster's primary responsibility is to their employer (the insurance company), their role also entails conducting a fair and thorough investigation of the claim.

Can you ask for a different adjuster?

Even if you don't hire a private claims adjuster, you can still work with the insurance company's adjuster. If you're not pleased with the initial adjuster that your insurance provides, you can contact them and request a new person.

How do claim adjusters get paid?

Public adjusters can earn a flat rate, hourly rate, or a contingency fee based on the outcome of the insurance claim. Similar to an independent adjuster, public adjusters typically choose to receive a percentage of the settlement. The policyholder is then responsible for paying the firm they hired.

How much do claims adjusters make in the US?

As of Jan 10, 2025, the average annual pay for a Day Claims Adjuster in the United States is $64,609 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $31.06 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,242/week or $5,384/month.

What is a damage inside an adjuster?

Inside adjusters, sometimes referred to as “desk” or “remote” adjusters handle claims from…you guessed it, inside. They are the policyholder's main contact and the person who ultimately applies the insurance policy terms and standards to the claim. But they don't actually go into the field and inspect the claim.

What not to tell 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. Admitting any level of fault can eliminate or reduce the compensation that may be available.

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.

Can an adjuster cancel a claim?

Yes, the adjuster is free to close their file, and they could even withdraw any settlement offers (We do not see this happen very often). However, state law, not the adjuster, determines the time limit you have to pursue your case.

How long does it take for an insurance adjuster to call?

Standard Waiting Time

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.

What happens if you don't agree with a total loss adjuster?

Sometimes, insurance adjusters and policyholders disagree on the car's value. When you don't agree with the settlement amount, you can negotiate with your adjuster. They assess the damage and determine how your coverage applies to damages and injuries. to get a better insurance payout.

How do you negotiate with an insurance adjuster?

Here are some things to keep in mind as you negotiate:
  1. Understand the Policy You Bought (Or Was Bought For You) ...
  2. Understanding the Role of Insurance Adjusters and Pubic Adjusters. ...
  3. Understand What's In Your Claim and Settlement Offer. ...
  4. Preparing for Negotiations. ...
  5. Appeal Your Offer. ...
  6. Consult a Property Damage Lawyer.