Dealing with an insurance adjuster can be tricky business, especially when it comes to seeking compensation for your claim. Knowing how to best communicate with such professionals is very important. The right approach will go a long way in determining exactly how smoothly the process of your claim runs and may arguably even impact the outcome of the claim.
If you do not know how to handle these interactions, remember that there is no need to go through the process alone. Many experienced attorneys deal with insurance companies on a daily basis and can help you to a great extent. Great law firms, like TopDog Law, LLC, have experience handling situations just like this. Get their help if you find yourself in a similar situation.
6 Etiquettes to Follow When Communicating with an Insurance Adjuster:
1. Be Prepared Before the Call
Before you pick up the phone to talk with an insurance adjuster, take some time to prepare:
- Gather all relevant documents: Have your policy number, incident reports, and any other paperwork related to your claim ready.
- Review the facts: Review in your mind the events of the incident so you can provide accurate and consistent information.
- Know your rights: Be familiar with your policy and all your rights as a policyholder.
2. Stay Calm and Professional
When you’re on the call:
- Calm down: Even though you’re getting frustrated, make an effort to keep cool.
- Be polite: Treat the adjuster with the respect you would want someone to show you.
- Stay focused: Just stick to the facts of what happened. Try not to get sidetracked into personal stories or how you feel about them.
3. Be Honest, But Careful with Your Words
Honesty is essential when dealing with an insurance adjuster, you need to be very careful about what can be said.
- Stick to the facts: State the facts about how it happened. Don’t give your opinions.
- Avoid admitting fault: Even if you feel that you are partially at fault, say nothing. Let the investigation assign fault.
- Don’t downgrade your injuries: It’s better not to say anything at all about possible injuries if you aren’t sure how bad they are. Do not say you are “fine” if you could be injured.
4. Watch What You Share
Be careful what information you give:
- Don’t give a recorded statement. You are not required to, and it can be used against you later.
- Limit personal information: Give just what’s necessary for the claim.
- Don’t talk about past medical history: Only discuss relevant information about the issue at hand.
5. Take Notes and Ask Questions
Good record-keeping will help keep you on track with your claim:
- Write down the details: Keep a record of the adjuster’s name, their contact information, and the date and time of any talks with them.
- Summarize discussions: After the call, note down what was discussed and what the promises are.
- Clarify: Just in case you do not understand anything, don’t be afraid to let the adjuster explain it.
6. Be Patient but Persistent
Though the claims process takes time, there’s a lot you can do to keep things moving:
- Follow up regularly: If you have not heard from them within a long period of time, call to check with the insurance company about the progress on your claim.
- Meet your deadlines: If the adjuster requests further information from you, provide it promptly.
- Keep a paper trail: Important documents should be mailed by certified mail or emailed to a recipient to prove they were received.
Conclusion
Communication with an insurance adjuster is not always easy. Be prepared to make contact while remaining calm and professional. Be honest, but cautious with your words. Be a good notetaker, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be patient, but it’s also alright to be persistent about following up on your claim.
Proper guidance can make all the difference in your claim’s outcome. By following this etiquette and knowing when to seek help, you will be better prepared to deal with a claim process and fight back for justice.
