8 Car Insurance Claim Adjuster Secret Tactics You Should Know

As of December 2022, there are more than 284 million cars cruising around on U.S. roads. This number keeps increasing every year.

Furthermore, research shows that approximately 5 million car accidents every year in the United States. Breaking it further, a survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that there is a car accident in the US every 13 minutes. These stats are shocking.

When car accidents happen, depending on how bad they are, victims of the accident can end up in the hospital dealing with injuries. This can lead to hefty medical bills, and in most cases, means missing work and losing wages.

That’s not all. Post-accident, dealing with the other driver’s insurer can be a real hassle for victims of negligence. This is the real issue.

When people are involved in a car accident, many might not realize how some vehicle insurance companies can be pretty exploitative. Claims adjusters for these companies pose a genuine risk of exploiting the situation and taking advantage of individuals in such cases.

Regrettably, lots of U.S. drivers are clueless about the secret tactics insurance claim adjusters use to dodge compensating victims of car crashes for their injuries.

I will advise victims who are not literate about injury claims to hire a personal injury lawyer when they are dealing with insurance claim adjusters to enable them to get their full compensation.

So why should you hire a personal injury lawyer for claims arising from car accident injuries? The answer is simple. Lawyers who specialize in personal injury have years of experience representing clients who are involved in similar situations. They’re well-versed in all car insurance claim adjuster secret tactics.

However, if you’re still on the fence about hiring a personal injury attorney to handle your claims, we can only help you with the top eight car insurance claim adjuster secret tactics you should know. You definitely need to know these tactics so you won’t fall victim.

Common Car Insurance Claim Adjuster Secret Tactics

The common auto insurance claim adjuster secret tactics include the following:

1. Asking for a recorded statement

This is a trick; please don’t fall for it. Insurance claim adjusters can do anything within their reach to reduce your claim, including asking you to write a statement immediately.

Once again, don’t fall for it. It’s kind of a tactic to get you to say something that could make it seem like you’re partly to blame, when it’s obvious that you weren’t.

Most adjusters are manipulative. They will ask leading questions so that you can say things that you shouldn’t say. Sometimes, these answers can be implicating. They use what you say against you to dispute your car accident claim later on. Watch out for that!

I witnessed a situation where a friend (Sarah), who is an auto insurance policyholder, visited the office of an insurance company (name withheld) to apply her personal injury claim. I will use what transpired between them to illustrate the car insurance claim adjuster’s secret tactics.

The insurance adjuster, Mark, requested that Sarah to provide a recorded statement regarding the car accident. He assured her it was a routine procedure to expedite the claim process. Sarah, however, felt uneasy about the request and started weighing the potential implications of sharing her account in a recorded format.

2. Gaslighting

This is a popular tactic. If you don’t know the meaning of gaslighting, it simply means a type of psychological abuse where someone manipulates another person to doubt their sanity, reality, and ability to remember past events.

At times, claims adjusters might outright deny their insured driver’s fault. It’s a tactic meant to lure you to admit that you were at fault, even if it’s just partially.

In some cases, claim adjusters might even attempt to argue that it was the fault of a third party. It is a ploy to shift the responsibility away from their insured.

Being prepared can help you escape their gaslighting attempts. However, you might fall for it if you are not knowledgeable about these tactics. Don’t allow these insurance companies to take advantage of you.

Mark, the insurance adjuster, subtly began gaslighting Sarah, questioning the accuracy of her recollection of the car accident events and downplaying the severity of her injuries. Sarah found herself feeling confused and undermined, adding an emotional layer to an already challenging claims process due to this manipulation.

3. Presenting a minimal settlement proposal

Adjusters will offer you a minimal settlement proposal just to downplay the seriousness of the injuries that you sustained in the accident and reduce the value of your claim.

Following the accident, the person affected might have spent a lot one medical bills and personal expenses. Claim adjusters understand you might be tight on cash, hoping you’ll grab the low-ball offer just to handle other pressing bills.

This offer seems like the popular proverb “A bird in hand is better than two in the bush.”  In most cases, they frequently resort to delay tactics, aiming to prolong the process with the aim of testing your patience.

In a small office, Mark, an insurance claim adjuster, reviewed Sarah’s file. Despite knowing the extent of her car accident damages, he decided to offer a low-ball settlement, prioritizing the company’s profits over fair compensation. As Sarah received the offer, frustration and disbelief washed over her, setting the stage for a tense negotiation between the two parties.

4. Offering you a misleading deadline

Here’s the deal: sometimes, adjusters pull a move where they say you have to take their low-ball offer by a certain deadline. The truth is, it’s just a random deadline, and you shouldn’t accept it. They present this type of offer when they know that you deserve more.

That deadline they throw at you is basically a scare tactic. You don’t have to feel pressured, especially if you’re still getting treatment.

Mark, the insurance adjuster, presented Sarah with a misleading deadline, claiming urgency for her car accident claim. The goal was to push her into accepting a faster, potentially suboptimal settlement, leaving Sarah feeling cornered and unsure about her choices.

5. Asking for unnecessary documentation

This tactic is quite popular. Adjusters have no business asking for your medical history. They use this tactic to delay your claim. Your insurance company doesn’t need your medical history before you get your claim.

Giving them your medical documents can backfire against you. They can just come up with something like “Your treatment is not related to the car accident, but to an old and untreated injury. Adjusters can go to any length just to downplay your claim. They play dirty.

That’s precisely why it’s a good call not to hand over any medical records without getting advice from a personal injury lawyer first. They can guide you in the right steps.

Mark, the insurance adjuster, began requesting additional and seemingly unnecessary documentation from Sarah for her car accident claim. This raised concerns about the legitimacy of the requirements. It made Sarah question whether it was a deliberate tactic to complicate the process and discourage her from pursuing a full and fair settlement.

6. Understating the severity of your injuries

They might pull this gaslighting move where they question the treatment you got, basically trying to make you think you’re blowing things out of proportion and downplaying the tough time you’ve had.

You should understand that claims adjusters aren’t doctors, but they use their authority to quiz accident victims regarding the medications that could have been life-saving. Be ready for this tactic, and don’t hesitate to stand firm.

When Mark, the adjuster, asked Sarah for in-depth medical documents to back up her car accident injuries, she gathered them and sent them over. However, doubts started creeping in about the depth of Mark’s investigation and the real motives behind his request.

7. Attempting to persuade you against seeking legal counsel

Try bringing up the topic of hiring a personal injury lawyer to represent you; they’ll likely try to talk you out of it. These people are wise and cunning at the same time. Their only aim is to reduce your claim or make you lose it totally. Be guided.

Insurance claim adjusters understand that having legal representation makes it harder for their secret tactics to succeed, as lawyers are adept at countering their strategies.

There is nothing they won’t do to discourage you from hiring a lawyer. However, if they manage to succeed, your chances of getting proper compensation for the amount you merit are significantly lower. Stand your ground and consider seeking legal advice if needed.

Mark, adopting a persuasive tone, advised Sarah against seeking legal counsel for her car accident claim, emphasizing the efficiency and simplicity of settling directly with the insurance company. However, Sarah, sensing a potential imbalance, began to contemplate the need for professional guidance to ensure a fair resolution.

8. Expressing solidarity with you (got your back)

Be careful with this tactic. It might go unnoticed until you realize that it’s just a game.

If the adjuster for the at-fault side tries to be all friendly and helpful, don’t buy it. They don’t watch your back. The main loyalty of an adjuster lies with their employer (the insurance company) and client (the one who messed up). Therefore, this is just a trick to deceive you into thinking that you’re safe with them.

If they’re claiming to work for your interests, it’s not just false, it also goes against what they’re supposed to do. Don’t buy into their pitch to avoid seeking legal help by assuring you that they will handle everything; it’s a ploy you shouldn’t welcome.

Mark, the insurance adjuster, tried to assure Sarah, saying the company is on her side and wants a fair resolution. Despite his words, Sarah couldn’t shake the feeling that the company’s interests might take precedence over hers during the negotiation.

How to Handle Car Insurance Claim Adjusters

Insurance adjusters are smart professionals. Therefore, you will need to be well equipped with knowledge about claims before you can come out victorious. Do the following:

• Document Everything: Keep thorough records of the accident, including photos, witness statements, and a detailed account of events. This helps counter any misleading tactics.
• Know Your Policy: Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy to understand your rights and coverage. This knowledge can protect you from adjusters trying to downplay your entitlements.
• Be Cautious with Recorded Statements: Be mindful when providing recorded statements. Stick to the facts, avoid speculation, and don’t feel pressured to answer questions you’re unsure about.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you feel the adjuster is employing questionable tactics, consult with an attorney. They can guide you through your rights and help you navigate the claims process.
• Don’t Settle Too Quickly: Resist the urge to settle hastily. Take the time to assess the full extent of damages and consult with professionals to ensure fair compensation.
• Get a Second Opinion: If the adjuster’s evaluation seems low, consider seeking an independent assessment from a trusted auto repair shop or a third-party appraiser. Having an unbiased estimate can strengthen your negotiating position.

When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

You should contact a personal injury lawyer if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, experienced an accident, or if you’re facing difficulties with an insurance claim related to personal injury. It’s advisable to seek legal advice early to be understand your options and protect your rights.

Conclusion: Car Insurance Claim Adjuster Secret Tactics

Knowing some of the secret tactics used by car insurers  and claim adjusters can empower individuals and car insurance policyholders as they start their claims process.

Getting better at negotiating, making sure you document everything well, and being prepared for potential disputes can really make a big difference in how your claim turns out.

In the end, knowing these tactics can really help individuals stand up for their rights and make sure they get fair compensation after a car accident.

Protect your rights and seek justice! Consult an experienced personal injury lawyers today for the legal support you deserve. Don’t wait; take action now to secure the compensation you need.