What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?

If you have had a car accident and are calling your insurance company, you may ask, “What does an insurance adjuster do?” An insurance adjuster evaluates claims to determine the insurer’s liability and aids the claims process. They investigate incidents to determine fault, assess claims, establish liability, calculate payouts, and settle claims.

Remember, insurance claims adjusters work for the insurance company, not you. Whether they represent your insurer or the other driver’s, their main goal is to minimize the claim payout.

If you’ve been seriously injured, it can be especially challenging to negotiate with an insurance adjuster. An experienced car accident lawyer from The Kryder Law Group, LLC, Accident and Injury Lawyers, can step in to help and protect your rights.

The Role of Insurance Adjusters

What Should I Do If an Insurance Adjuster Calls?

The answer depends on whether you were injured in the accident. The information you provide to the adjuster will depend on whether there is only property damage and you need to get your car repaired.

When you receive a call and have been seriously injured in auto accident, there are additional considerations to protect your interests. In both cases, it’s important to be polite and professional.

You’ve Been Injured—What to Do When Insurance Company Adjusters Call

When an insurance adjuster calls following an injury accident, be careful. Though appearing sympathetic, the adjuster’s aim is to minimize the payout, potentially using your information against you with the insurance company they work for. They might even encourage admission of fault.

Let the claims adjuster know that you have engaged a lawyer to represent you. Ask for their contact information and in return, share your attorney’s contact details with them.

What Should You NOT Say to a Claims Adjuster?

Avoid these pitfalls when dealing with an insurance adjuster:

• Never admit fault or accept blame.
• Don’t speculate on the severity of your injuries.
• Don’t negotiate without legal counsel.
• Refuse to record statements without your lawyer present.
• Don’t volunteer in-depth accident details.
• Avoid giving personal information, and only give contact details.
• Don’t sign anything without your lawyer’s review.

What to Say If a Claims Adjuster Asks for a Recorded Statement

Assert your rights if an insurance adjuster asks for a recorded statement. You’re not obligated to provide it, especially if police reports already cover the incident. Refer the claims adjuster to your attorney to halt insurance calls.

Don’t Discuss Your Injuries

Insurance adjusters may appear caring, but their goal is to reduce your settlement by downplaying your injuries and encouraging you to admit fault.

A safe response could be, “I was injured and am currently seeing doctors. Please contact my attorney.”

There Is NO Injury—What to Do When Insurance Company Adjusters Call

After a car accident, two types of insurance claims can be filed: personal injury claims, which cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering; and property damage claims.

As explained by Andrew Kryder, Esq. in the video series Car Accident Property Damage: How-to Guide, a property damage insurance claim is specifically for repair or replacement of your vehicle. After a car accident without injuries, contact the adjuster, submit the police report, and provide accurate information promptly. A recorded statement is optional due to the existing police report.

Don’t ignore the call. In this case, talking to the insurance adjuster and providing accident details will help get your car repaired or replaced faster. Follow Andy’s coaching in our video series Car Accident Property Damage: How-to Guide.

What if the Adjuster Isn’t Calling Me Back

If the insurance companies’ adjuster is unresponsive, contact your insurance agent or the insurance company. Persistent issues with the insurance company or its adjusters can be reported to the Illinois Department of Insurance.

What Are Public Adjusters in Illinois?

A public adjuster in Illinois is a licensed professional hired by a policyholder to negotiate property damage claims with insurance companies. They assess damages and advocate for the benefits of the insurance policy, independent of the insurer’s interests. They generally charge a fee that is a percentage of the claim paid by the insurance company.

When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney Rather Than a Public Adjuster?

Public adjusters handle property damage claims and are not attorneys. For accidents with serious injuries, a personal injury attorney from our law firm can manage insurance claims, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if necessary.