What questions should I ask the insurance adjuster?

If you were in a recent car accident, you’ve probably already received a call from an insurance adjuster. They likely had a lot of questions for you, but what about your questions for them? Car accidents are complicated, and you need to have your questions answered before you sign or do anything.

For instance, you’ll want to know why the adjuster needs to record your conversation, as well as who’s going to pay your medical bills and property damage expenses. Keep reading for tips on how to deal with insurance adjusters and questions you can ask to help regain control of the situation.

Brief overview of insurance adjusters

An insurance adjuster works on behalf of an insurance company to do work “out in the field.” This means that after an insurance claim is filed, they’ll contact you via phone or email to schedule an inspection to give their opinion of the damage to your vehicle.

They’ll use information from their inspection and their communications to determine how much money they believe the insurer should pay you for your damages and losses. 

Although the adjuster may appear sympathetic and act as though they’re interested in your condition, care, and recovery, they’re working on behalf of the insurance company and aren’t working in your best interests–in fact, it’s quite the opposite. They’ll do whatever they can to reduce their employer’s costs. That means you’re going to have to work hard to make sure your rights are protected and that you aren’t taken advantage of. 

What to ask an insurance adjuster

You don’t have to let the insurance adjuster dominate the conversation. There are plenty of questions you should consider asking, including the following.

1. Why are you recording our conversation?

Adjusters will often ask to record your statement because they’ll ask you tricky questions and will try to get you to say something or might even twist your words to use your statements against you in an effort to reduce or deny your claim.

You can refuse to submit to a recorded conversation, choose to provide a written statement, or best of all, you can tell them that you’ll only speak to them with your attorney.

2. Who’s going to pay for my expenses?

If you’re convinced that the other driver was at-fault, then you’re obviously wanting to know who will be liable for your medical bills related to the accident, property damage, and other financial losses.

If the adjuster works for your insurer, ask what coverage of your policy applies to the damages associated with the accident, including how your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage applies to that accident.

If the adjuster works for the at-fault driver’s insurance company, ask about the coverage that the driver has, including the limits for bodily injury and property damage. There’s a good chance that the adjuster won’t answer those questions, so you might need the help of an attorney to get those answers.

3. Why are you asking for my medical records?

This is yet another tactic adjusters use to devalue claims. They might use your medical history against you by alleging that you were already hurt before the accident occurred, or that there’s something in your medical condition that means you were negligent in the accident such as if you have a medical condition that made it unsafe for you to drive.

They’ll argue that you’re trying to fraudulently get the insurer to pay for your pre-existing injury. Please don’t allow them access to your medical records without speaking to an attorney first. 

Want more tips for dealing with adjusters? We can help.

The best way to deal with insurance company adjusters is to simply not deal with them at all. An experienced attorney, such as Mike Rafi, can shield you from adjusters’ manipulating tactics. All you need to do is refer the adjuster and their questions to Mike – he’ll handle the rest. 

If you would like to learn more, you can schedule a free consultation with Macon car accident lawyer Mike Rafi whenever you like by using his convenient online contact form by calling him at (478) 216-1664. He’s ready to make sure your rights are protected and that you get every penny you deserve for someone else’s negligence.