Understanding the Adjuster's Role: Not Your Friend

Many people deal directly with the insurance company when injured in an accident to get fair compensation.  In many cases, you might not need a lawyer if you have a small injury or the loss is straightforward.  Here are a few things you must know about your adjuster.

1.      Your adjuster does not work for you.  He or she works for your insurance company.  This is true whether he or she is an employee of the insurance company or an “independent” adjuster who looks after your case.  And as stated by one regulator, “the bottom line is that insurance companies make money when they don’t pay claims”:  see my blog Deny Till You Die.

2.      An adjuster may also be called a “claims representative” or a “customer service representative”.  That changes nothing.  He or she still works for the insurance company.

3.      The insurance adjuster’s job is to settle your claim as cheaply as possible.  It is not to ensure that you receive all the compensation you deserve.  See my blog How To Get Your Case Settled Fairly:  The Adjuster.

The majority of the adjusters you will meet will be professional and have a pleasant manner.  However, you will be more successful in your dealings with them if you understand that their job is to settle fast and settle for the least amount possible.