The best way to approach an insurance claim dispute is calmly and courteously. First, you can write a letter to the independent appraiser explaining why you think your total settlement is not sufficient compared to what you calculated. Even if you're upset, don't show it. Avoid the natural urge to help them “gather the facts.” Keep your statements neutral for them.
If you don't know something, say so. If you don't feel comfortable answering a question, don't answer it. Better yet, defer filing any statement to an insurance adjuster until you've hired an attorney to represent you and have had an opportunity to talk with him or her. Our car accident lawyers have years of experience providing legal advice for these cases, so we understand the appraiser's tactics and the insurance claim process.
The best way to scare off insurance companies or appraisers is to have an attorney on your side who will fight for you. You shouldn't settle for anything less. First, you should review your car insurance policy to make sure you know what coverage is available to you. You'll also want to make sure that you've done everything necessary to preserve your right to coverage.
Your information will not be shared. One way to circumvent the insurance company is to keep all of your records in one place. Whether the insurance adjuster tries to overwhelm you or disappoint you with paperwork, it's critical to have it all in one place for reference. Use a designated folder to store paper documents and be sure to keep copies of all e-mail correspondence.
The other conclusion in this regard is that the more organized you are and the better you document your case, the more the adjuster will respect your claim and the way you conduct your business. Assessors who process claims with people who don't have lawyers are constantly faced with emotional and unsuspecting plaintiffs. Some appraisers are thankful when a claimant hires an attorney because the appraiser contacts a professional on the other side of the lawsuit. You can differentiate yourself and use the powerful psychological technique of “reciprocity” to support your claim.
A good appraiser will appreciate it if you help them do their job more easily by documenting your claim in the right way. In addition to contacting an attorney for help, there are some additional steps you can take if you disagree with your insurance adjuster after a car accident. For many people, dealing with an insurance company after a car accident can be almost as stressful as the accident itself. The last thing an insurance adjuster wants is for you to hire a car accident lawyer to represent your interests.
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