Imagine that you’ve sustained property damage, and now it’s time to deal with your insurance company. You file a claim, follow all the steps, and wait for the insurance adjuster to reach out to you. But what you probably don’t expect is that the adjuster might not be entirely upfront with you.
Although people naturally expect honesty from their insurance company, there are cases where adjusters use misleading or confusing language to protect the company’s bottom line. So, what are they actually allowed to do and how can you tell if your claim is being handled unfairly?
What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
Insurance adjusters play a critical role in the property damage claim process. Whether it’s a company adjuster (who represents the interests of your insurance company) or a public adjuster (whom you may hire to represent you), their responsibilities are largely the same, and they include:
- Inspecting the damage that was done to your property
- Conducting interviews with the policyholder and other witnesses
- Acquiring other evidence that may be relevant to your claim, such as repair bills
- Determining whether the policy covers the damage and how much coverage you are entitled to under it
- Estimating the cost of repairs or replacement of your property
After a claim, you will generally be put in touch with a company adjuster. While these adjusters are meant to be fair and objective in their work, the bottom line is that their loyalties lie with the insurer.
Is an Insurance Adjuster Allowed to Lie?
Legally, insurance adjusters are not allowed to lie. However, they can still use misleading statements, omissions, or other bad-faith tactics in order to underpay or deny claims. So, what are the red flags that an adjuster may be handling your claim unfairly? Common examples include:
- Pressuring you to settle: Some adjusters delay inspections or communication, while others push you to settle quickly before you’ve fully assessed the damage. Both tactics aim to make you accept less than you may be owed.
- Underestimating the damage: Another tactic is to try to convince you that the damage done to your property is not serious and, therefore, not worth much money. Never assume that the adjuster’s estimate of the damage is the final word.
- Saying “this is the best you will get”: The insurance company wants you to believe that there is no way you will get more money out of your claim than what they are offering.
- Blaming you for the property damage: The adjuster may hit you with allegations that you either caused the damage or failed to take proper steps to mitigate it, attempting to convince you that the claim is therefore worth less than it really is.
- Telling you that you don’t need a lawyer: The last thing an insurance company wants to deal with is a law firm that understands the rights of the policyholder and how to advocate for them. Don’t be surprised if an adjuster tries to dissuade you from hiring legal counsel.
Tips For Ensuring Your Insurance Claim Goes Smoothly
By being proactive about your claim, you can protect your rights and receive the fair treatment that you deserve from your insurance company. To reduce the chance that you’ll run into issues with your claim, take the following steps:
- Read and understand your policy: Familiarize yourself with your coverage before any damage occurs so you know what to expect.
- Document the damage promptly: Take photos and videos of your property damage as soon as it happens, or even during the event, if safe to do so.
- Mitigate further damage: Take reasonable steps to prevent additional harm (like covering a damaged roof) and document these efforts with photos or video.
- File your claim immediately: Follow your policy’s instructions and file your claim as soon as possible after the loss.
- Keep thorough records: Document all communications with your insurer (preferably in writing) and keep detailed records of losses and related expenses.
Unfortunately, even if you’ve followed all the right steps, your claim can still hit a roadblock, and that’s when legal support can make all the difference.
When Should You Talk to a Property Insurance Lawyer?
Remember, an insurance company adjuster is looking out for the insurer, not for you. If your claim is being delayed, undervalued, or denied, it may be time to get legal help. A property insurance lawyer can step in and help investigate your claim, challenge lowball offers, and work to secure the compensation you need to rebuild when disaster strikes.
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