What an Insurance Adjuster Does
An insurance adjuster is an employee or contractor whose job is to investigate claims and determine what the insurance company will pay. Adjusters work for the insurance company — not for the injured party. Their goal is to resolve the claim for as little as possible while staying within the bounds of the policy and the law.
Adjusters review police reports, medical records, photographs, and witness statements. They evaluate liability and damages and make settlement offers based on the company's assessment of the claim\'s value.
What to Say — and Not Say — to an Adjuster
- Do provide basic factual information: Date, time, location of accident, and the names of parties involved when required by your own policy
- Do not give a recorded statement to the opposing insurer without consulting an attorney: Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can lead to admissions of fault or minimize injury severity
- Do not accept the first offer without evaluation: Initial offers are frequently below what experienced attorneys negotiate
- Do not sign medical authorizations that give the insurer unrestricted access to your entire medical history: These can be used to find pre-existing conditions and reduce your claim
Common Insurance Adjuster Tactics
- Calling quickly after an accident before the full extent of injuries is known
- Asking open-ended questions designed to elicit fault admissions
- Minimizing injuries based on limited early medical records
- Rushing to settlement before the statute of limitations concerns motivate the victim to consult an attorney
- Friendly and sympathetic tone designed to build rapport and lower the victim's guard
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk to the other driver's insurance adjuster?
You generally have no legal obligation to give a statement or cooperate with the at-fault driver's insurer. Your own insurer may have different requirements under your policy. Many attorneys advise having all communication with the opposing insurer go through the attorney once you are represented.
Can an adjuster access my medical records?
Adjusters can only access medical records you authorize them to access. Signing a broad medical authorization gives the insurer access to your full medical history, which can be used to find pre-existing conditions. An attorney can help you provide only the records relevant to the accident-related injuries.
What should I do if the insurance adjuster says my claim is worth less than I think?
Do not accept the adjuster's valuation as final. Their job is to minimize the payout. Consult a personal injury attorney who can independently evaluate the claim\'s value, negotiate on your behalf, and file a lawsuit if necessary to obtain fair compensation.
InjuryClaimSource is an educational resource for accident victims. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. Information on this site is for general informational purposes only. Laws vary by state. Always consult a qualified personal injury attorney in your area.