What are insurance adjusters looking for?

Asked by: Kaley Block  |  Last update: April 14, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (1 votes)

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 do insurance adjusters look at?

Insurance claims adjusters look for any reason to deny or minimize a claim. Their search for concrete evidence hopes to reduce the amount of money the insurance company has to pay.

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.”

How do I prepare for an insurance adjuster?

Tips for Working with Insurance Adjusters
  1. Tip 1 – Be on time for an adjuster appointment.
  2. Tip 2 – Participate in your first adjuster overview appointment. ...
  3. Tip 3 – If you have pictures and other documentation of the initial damage, make sure to show the adjuster.

What will an insurance adjuster ask?

If you're wondering how to talk to an insurance claims adjuster, understand they want to know basic information about the accident. They'll ask you to share details including what happened, where it happened, the types of vehicles involved, and perhaps the other driver's identity.

What Insurance Adjusters Should Look For in a Restoration Company

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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.

What to expect when an insurance adjuster comes to your house?

Among other things, they'll inspect the damage to your home and come up with an estimate for fixing the damage. These adjusters work on behalf of your insurance company, not on your behalf. As a result, you don't pay for their services.

How to pass claims adjuster exam?

How To Pass Your Claims Adjuster Exam
  1. Step 1: Review Your State's Licensing Requirements. ...
  2. Step 2: Register For You State's Pre-Licensing Course. ...
  3. Step 3: Study For Your Exam! ...
  4. Step 4: Pass Your Adjuster Licensing Exam.
  5. Step 5: Submit An Application To Get Your License. ...
  6. Step 6: Take An Xactimate Course.

How long does a claims adjuster take?

Whether you're dealing with a car insurance claim or a homeowner's claim, the insurance adjuster typically has 14 days to issue an initial response and 90 days to make at least a partial payment. However, this timeline doesn't guarantee you'll receive the full compensation you're owed within 90 days.

How do insurance adjusters estimate damage?

They inspect the car, interviewing involved parties, and scrutinizing accident reports. Adjusters may employ specific software to estimate repair costs, taking the vehicle's age, mileage, and pre-accident condition into account.

Why would an adjuster deny a claim?

If there is any indication that their policyholder isn't responsible the insurer will deny your claim. Claims may also be denied if there's evidence to show that the policyholder isn't entirely to blame for an accident. In California, anyone who contributes to an accident can be held responsible for resulting injuries.

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.

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 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.

What to say to an insurance adjuster home?

Avoid any admissions of fault or liability when talking to your adjuster. Such statements can be used to shift blame, potentially decreasing the amount you might be compensated. Instead, focus on describing the damage and the events as they happened, without inserting personal opinions about who might be at fault.

What happens if you don't agree with an 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.

Can you negotiate with a 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.

Can insurance adjusters tell how old damage is?

Numerous resources tell an adjuster how old the damage is. For vehicles, a comprehensive vehicle report can be obtained to determine whether the vehicle has been involved in other accidents. For homes, visual inspection and repair or inspection records can help them determine if something is pre-existing.

Can I sue my insurance company for taking too long?

The answer to this question is complex, but California health insurance providers are bound by state law to respond to claims within a specific amount of time. If they fail to do so, you may have the basis for a lawsuit against your insurer due to bad faith.

How do claims 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.

What questions do adjusters ask?

What to Expect from Insurance Adjusters After a Car Accident
  • Questions About the Involved Vehicles. ...
  • Questions About How the Car Accident Happened. ...
  • Questions About Shared Liability. ...
  • Questions About Vehicle Damages. ...
  • Questions About Your Injuries. ...
  • Insurance Tactics Used to Reduce Your Car Accident Insurance Payout.

Do you have to be good at math to be a claims adjuster?

Analytical skills – being able to analyze information and use logic in a careful manner to determine the proper outcome of each claim. Math skills – having enough math aptitude to calculate property damage. Software skills – knowing how to use relevant, independent adjuster software to close claims quickly.

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.

How long does it take an insurance adjuster to make an offer?

Some insurance adjusters respond to demand with an offer of compensation well within the allotted thirty (30) day time frame, while others, taking the previously mentioned factors, can understandably exceed the given period.

What do insurance adjusters check?

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.