JSMedia – An auto insurance adjuster is a person who works on behalf of an insurance company. These individuals are known as claims adjusters, general or desk adjusters. Their main job is to examine and evaluate claims filed by policyholders. They also interview claimants and consult police and hospital records to verify the extent of a claimant’s injuries or damages. This process allows them to determine the level of liability for the insurance company. This position can be a challenging one, but a rewarding one for the right person.
Your auto insurance adjuster will ask you several questions about your car accident. The answers to these questions will help him or her document the details of the accident and determine fault. These questions can include whether anyone was injured in the accident, the names of the injured parties, their contact information, and the type of medical care received. Often, the insurance adjuster will want to discuss how much each party is expected to pay for medical treatment and other expenses related to the accident.
While an auto insurance adjuster’s job is to investigate claims, it is always best to stay professional and respectful during the entire process. Avoid talking about personal details or trying to get out of explaining your accident. It can lead to poor treatment from the insurance company, especially if your request is too excessive. You should also make sure your statements are in writing – verbal communications are difficult to prove and will not stand up to scrutiny. A good idea is to email your auto insurance adjuster to discuss the settlement terms. If possible, do not hesitate to ask the adjuster for periodic written communication.
How to Deal With an Auto Insurance Adjuster
An auto insurance adjuster may try to overwhelm you with paperwork, so it’s important to keep everything in a single location. You should also save all correspondence and documents. An insurance adjuster may even send you a reservation of rights letter, which is basically a statement from the insurance company indicating that they are willing to discuss your claim but don’t accept any responsibility. If you find this letter in writing, you should not sign it, as it means that you didn’t accept the insurance company’s liability.
It’s a common mistake to assume that you’ll get a decent amount of compensation. The reality is, an auto insurance adjuster’s job is to minimize your payout by finding any evidence of past damage. Unless you’re in a position to make a decision, you should understand that your insurer wants to avoid any unnecessary risk. That’s why they should avoid accepting a claim without a full explanation.
A good auto insurance adjuster will be courteous and professional. If you treat him like a professional, he will respect you and your needs. Remember that an auto insurance adjuster isn’t an adversary. They don’t have any vendetta against you, so treat him with respect. You should also be willing to communicate with your auto insurance adjuster as often as you can. It’s impossible to talk to every insurance adjuster in your company, but he’ll appreciate it if you do.
When talking to an auto insurance adjuster, be sure to be as detailed as possible. Typically, they’ll need to know how the accident happened and what was damaged in the other vehicle. During the interview, the adjuster will look for all evidence that supports the claim and will make an accurate assessment of the damages. Similarly, if you’re injured, he’ll need to know about any medical conditions, so they can be fairly compensated.
You’ll need to prepare yourself for the interview. Many auto insurance adjusters will call you within the first 24 hours of an accident. Be aware that they are recording the conversation and will use it against you. Likewise, your adjuster may ask for your medical records. While you’ll have the right to refuse to be interviewed, you’ll need to ensure that he understands your concerns and needs. If he asks for your health records, he will ask you for your permission to record it.
The auto insurance adjuster will review all of your documents and determine the value of the damage in your vehicle. In many cases, he will ask you to provide an estimate from a certified repair shop. If you’re not happy with the settlement offer, you can ask him to submit a formal complaint with the insurance company. A good claim will cover all of your expenses. If the car insurance adjuster is not satisfied with your settlement offer, he will work for a settlement that you can agree on.