After an accident, you will have to deal with an insurance adjuster. They seem friendly, ask about your injuries, and promise to “take care of everything.” But don’t be fooled. Their job is to protect the insurance company—not you.
Insurance companies pay billions in claims annually and work hard to reduce their debts. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2022 was around $24,000. However, many victims receive far less because of insurance adjusters’ tactics. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t trust an insurance adjuster.
Their Goal is To Minimize Payouts
Insurance companies are businesses; they want to maximize profits like all businesses. The less they pay you, the more they keep for themselves.
Insurance adjusters receive special training on how to reduce settlements. They might tell you your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim. They may suggest your medical treatment isn’t necessary.
For instance, in Connecticut, some even delay the process, hoping you’ll get frustrated and accept less than you deserve. If you’re unsure about the value of your case, a personal injury attorney in New London, CT, can help you understand your rights.
They May Pressure You to Accept a Quick Settlement
Right after an accident, you may feel overwhelmed. The medical bills start piling up, and if you’re unable to work, your income might take a hit. Adjusters know this, and they take advantage of it.
They may offer you a settlement within days. It might seem like a good deal, but it’s often much lower than what your claim is worth. Once you accept, you can’t go back and ask for more—even if you later realize your injuries are worse than you thought.
They Might Downplay Your Injuries
Adjusters are trained to make your injuries seem minor. They may say things like, “Are you sure it’s that bad?” or “Most people recover quickly from this type of injury.”
They might also ask for your entire medical history—not just records related to the accident. They do this to find pre-existing conditions that they can blame for your injuries. If they succeed, they may reduce or deny your claim.
Always see a doctor after an accident and follow their treatment plan to protect yourself. Don’t let an adjuster convince you everything is fine when you’re not.
They Could Use Your Statements Against You
After an accident, an adjuster may call and ask for a recorded statement. They may say it’s just a “formality,” but they’re looking for ways to use your words against you.
For example, if you say, “I feel okay today,” they may argue that you aren’t injured. Even a simple “I’m sorry” could be twisted to suggest you admitted fault.
The best approach? Keep your answers short and stick to the facts. Better yet, avoid speaking to an adjuster without professional guidance.
They Might Delay Your Claim Intentionally
If an insurance company can’t get you to accept a lowball offer, they may try another trick—delays.
Some common excuses include:
- “We need more time to investigate.”
- “We’re waiting on additional paperwork.”
- “We need to get approval from a supervisor.”
They do this hoping that the longer you wait, the more desperate you’ll become. You may feel pressured to accept whatever they offer just to move on.
They May Try to Shift the Blame Onto You
If an adjuster can prove you were even partially at fault, they can reduce the amount they must pay.
In states that follow comparative negligence laws, your compensation may decrease based on your level of fault. For instance, if you’re found to be 30% responsible for an accident, your settlement could be reduced by 30%. You might not receive anything in some states if you’re even slightly at fault.
Adjusters might twist details, misinterpret evidence, or get you to admit fault without realizing it. This is why it’s essential to be cautious when discussing the accident.
Final Thoughts
Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. They may act friendly, but their goal is to save money—not to ensure you get fair compensation. They might minimize your injuries, pressure you into a quick settlement, delay your claim, or even shift blame onto you. Understanding their tactics can help you protect yourself and get the compensation you deserve.