What if the adjuster refuses to cooperate?
Asked by: Dr. Arnold Hickle IV | Last update: May 23, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (47 votes)
What to do if your insurance adjuster doesn't respond?
If you've called your adjuster and the person filling in for them when not available, call the main number and speak to someone and request to have a new adjuster as well as a reason as to why you're requesting it. Sometimes that's the only course of action when you have an unresponsive adjuster.
What happens if you don't cooperate with insurance?
Every modern auto liability insurance policy has a “duty to cooperate” clause, in which the insured driver has explicitly agreed to cooperate with their insurer's investigation and defense of a claim. Failure to cooperate may result in an insurance company deciding to deny coverage.
Why is my claims adjuster ignoring me?
Likely, the reason no response is they have nothing to update you on and given how you seem to be, they likely didn't want to hear you complain about something they are not in control of. The adjuster probably has someone who is doing all the reviews and you're in line behind everyone else who has been waiting.
How do you deal with a bad adjuster?
- Hit the “reset” button. We all have bad days. ...
- Become informed. Throughout our website, we provide educational material to help you understand the claims process. ...
- Contact a supervisor. ...
- Ask to change adjusters. ...
- Contact the Insurance Commissioner.
What should I do if the insurance adjuster won't call me back?
What to do if an adjuster refuses to cooperate?
What to Do When the Insurance Adjuster Won't Fight Fair. Even with a solid injury claim, some adjusters refuse to budge. If you aren't making headway negotiating on your own, consider consulting an attorney. An experienced personal injury or car accident lawyer can advocate on your behalf.
How to argue with a claims adjuster?
- Come well-prepared with supporting evidence. Records and documentation are critical components of the process. ...
- Calculate a full settlement amount. ...
- Know your bottom line. ...
- Beware of the first offer. ...
- Get the settlement offer in writing. ...
- Read the fine print.
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.”
Can I request 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 long does an adjuster have to respond to a claim?
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.
Can you sue an insurance company for not responding?
Seeking Legal Advice
A lawyer specializing in insurance law can guide you through your options and help you decide on your next steps. Yes, it is possible to sue an insurance company if they are taking too long to settle a claim, as this could be considered bad faith.
What is a bad faith claim?
Looking for evidence that supports the insurance company's basis for denying a claim and ignoring evidence that supports the policyholder's basis for making a claim is considered bad faith. If an insurer fails to promptly reply to a policyholder's claim, that act of negligence, willful or not, is considered bad faith.
Can insurance deny a claim for non-cooperation?
Insurance policies usually have cooperation clauses requiring policyholders to work with the insurance company when making a claim. These clauses ensure policyholders actively participate in claims investigations. Failure to cooperate may be a breach of the policy, and the insurer may deny coverage.
Can you file a complaint against an insurance adjuster?
If you're dissatisfied with the actions of your insurance company or insurance agent, you can file a complaint with your state department of insurance (DOI). Delays, denials, and unsatisfactory settlements are among some of the most common reasons for consumers to file complaints.
Why is my insurance adjuster taking so long?
Here are some common reasons they might try to drag out settling your claim: Insurance companies are a business. Auto insurance companies are profit-driven entities whose goal is to make money. They may delay settling your claim to minimize their financial losses.
Can you trust your insurance adjuster?
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.
What if I don't agree with the 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 an adjuster be personally sued?
But Courts Have Begun to Hold Insurance Adjusters Personally Liable in Some Instances. Both federal and state courts have recognized situations where an insurance adjuster may be held personally liable for wrongful acts or where the possibility of such liability exists.
Who is the owner of ask an adjuster?
Kevin Downs - CEO - Ask An Adjuster | LinkedIn.
How do you beat claims adjuster?
- Write a convincing demand letter to your insurance company.
- Carefully review any settlement offers you receive.
- Reject a settlement offer in writing on your behalf.
- 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 I convince my insurance adjuster?
Know What You Want: When you talk to the insurance claims adjuster, be clear about what you're asking for. Don't leave it up to them to decide how much money you should receive. Instead, give them a specific number that you feel is fair. Also, be sure to have documents to substantiate your claim for that price.
How do I get my insurance adjuster to respond?
How to negotiate a pain and suffering settlement?
- Prepare well. ...
- Learn about pain and suffering. ...
- Keep your tone with the adjuster professional. ...
- Explain how the injury affected your life. ...
- Do not be shy. ...
- Tell the insurance adjuster how painful the whole experience was. ...
- Explain how painful the treatment was.
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.