If you filed a claim with your homeowners insurance company, then what you say and shouldn’t say to an insurance claim adjuster can make all the difference in the world.
(6) What you Should and Shouldn’t say to an Insurance Claim Adjuster – YouTube
Insurance claim adjusters work for insurance companies, they do not work for you. Their job is to “adjust” the claim, however, often times because of what the insured has told them their payouts for a home insurance claim denies to a lot less than expected or even denied. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you should and shouldn’t say when dealing with an insurance claim adjuster.
What You Should Say:
- Keep everything short & simple: Don’t ramble, don’t tell some long story.
- Details of the Incident: Please refer to point #1. If a pipe broke in your kitchen, you simply say “A pipe broke in kitchen”, that’s it, be quite after that.
- Property Damage: Briefly give an account of property damage, including photos and documentation. No need to speculate as to all the damages. It would be wise to also say you are not a general contractor so there could be other damages you have missed and don’t know of.
What You Shouldn’t Say:
- Speculation or Guesswork: Refrain from speculating or guessing about the incident. Stick to the facts and what you know for sure. Make sure that anybody who has helped with temporary repairs has informed you properly. It’s perfectly fine to say, you’re not really sure on all the facts on how it happened.
- Recorded Statements without Preparation: Be cautious about giving recorded statements without proper preparation. It’s advisable to consult with a public adjuster or attorney before agreeing to this.
- Field Inspection: When the insurance adjuster comes to your home to inspect the damages, don’t become too talkative and tell stories, or try to be his best friend thinking if you are super nice to the adjuster he will “help you out” with your claim. These people are hired by the insurance company NOT to treat you fairly. Once you understand this concept you will realize this whole claim process is specifically designed to either deny your claim or pay you as little as possible.
Conclusion
Navigating conversations with insurance claim adjusters requires a careful balance of providing necessary information and protecting your interests. Insurance claim adjuster over the last 5 years have transformed from claim adjusters to “Denial Specialists” or “Low Paying Claim Specialists.”
