What negotiation tactics do insurance adjusters use?

1 The lowball offer

One of the first tactics that insurance adjusters use is to make a lowball offer, hoping that you'll accept it quickly and end the negotiation. They may try to convince you that your claim is weak, that you have no evidence, or that you are partly at fault. They may also pressure you to sign a release form or a settlement agreement before you consult a lawyer or a doctor. The best way to respond to a lowball offer is to reject it politely and firmly, and to ask for a written explanation of how they calculated it. You should also gather as much documentation as possible to support your claim, such as medical records, repair estimates, police reports, and witness statements.

2 The delay tactic

Another tactic that insurance adjusters use is to delay the negotiation process, hoping that you'll get impatient, desperate, or discouraged. They may ignore your calls, emails, or letters, or ask for unnecessary or repetitive information. They may also claim that they are waiting for approval from their supervisor, or that they need more time to review your documents. The best way to deal with the delay tactic is to keep a record of all your communications with the adjuster, and to follow up regularly and politely. You should also set a deadline for a response, and let them know that you are willing to escalate the matter to their manager, or to file a complaint with the state insurance department, if they don't comply.

3 The blame game

A third tactic that insurance adjusters use is to shift the blame to you or to a third party, hoping that you'll accept a reduced or denied claim. They may argue that you were negligent, that you contributed to the accident, or that you failed to mitigate your damages. They may also claim that another driver, a manufacturer, or a contractor is responsible for your losses, and that you should pursue them instead. The best way to counter the blame game is to stick to the facts, and to present evidence that shows the extent of your injuries and property damage, and the liability of the other party. You should also avoid admitting any fault, or signing any statements that could be used against you.

4 The emotional appeal

A fourth tactic that insurance adjusters use is to appeal to your emotions, hoping that you'll settle for less than you deserve. They may express sympathy, empathy, or concern for your situation, and try to make you feel guilty, grateful, or relieved. They may also compliment you on your honesty, cooperation, or reasonableness, and try to make you trust them or like them. The best way to handle the emotional appeal is to remain professional and objective, and to focus on the facts and the numbers. You should also avoid sharing any personal or financial information that could be used to manipulate you.

5 The take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum

A fifth tactic that insurance adjusters use is to present a final offer, and to threaten to withdraw it or to close your file if you don't accept it. They may try to intimidate you, to create a sense of urgency, or to make you feel that you have no other options. They may also imply that you are being unreasonable, greedy, or unrealistic, and that you are risking a worse outcome if you go to court. The best way to respond to a take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum is to ask for a written confirmation of the offer, and to consult a lawyer or a professional negotiator before you make a decision. You should also know your rights, your alternatives, and your bottom line, and be prepared to walk away if the offer is unacceptable.

6 The win-win solution

A sixth tactic that insurance adjusters use is to propose a win-win solution, hoping that you'll agree to a compromise that benefits them more than you. They may suggest that you split the difference, that you accept a partial payment, or that you trade off some benefits for others. They may also claim that they are giving you the best deal possible, or that they are doing you a favor. The best way to evaluate a win-win solution is to compare it with your original claim, and to consider the pros and cons of each option. You should also do some research on the fair market value of your claim, and on the average settlement amounts for similar cases.