How To Get the Most From Your Insurance Claim

If you have been a victim in a car accident or have been injured due to another person’s negligence most likely have filed a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Now it is in the insurance company’s best interest to pay out as little money as possible and in your best interest to receive as much money as possible. Being well-informed and educated can improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your damages.

Here is how to get the most from your insurance claim.

Do Your Homework

inspecting vehicle for insurance claimAfter an insurance adjuster inspects your loss, they will prepare a document assessing your damages that must be repaired, items to be replaced, medical bills and the cost to mitigate the victim’s losses. Carefully review the adjuster’s report and make note of any discrepancies, adjusters will typically use a replacement cost computer program which is not 100% accurate.

Bring up these discrepancies to the insurance adjuster and they might increase the amount issued for your damages.

The First Check

Once you receive the first check from the insurance company, you may be tempted to deposit it or send it to your mortgage company immediately, but first you must carefully review the adjuster’s report and agree with all items and costs associated. Keep your eye out for missing items, partial or incomplete measurements and low-balled contractor costs.

Contracting work can vary greatly from region to region. In local markets where builders and skilled labor is in short supply, the regional costs used to determine your losses can be heavily skewed. If this is the case then refuse the first offer from the insurance company. This will allow you to bring any additional items to their attention so they can adjust your settlement.

Complain Cordially

If you have a complaint about the adjustment, it is important to maintain composure and bring your complaints in a polite, friendly manner. Make all of your complaints in writing utilizing complete and concise verbiage. In your complaint remember to include the specific issue or problem, a specific request for resolution and a desired time-frame for resolution.

Keep copies of your complaints with time-stamps should you need them further down the road.

Seek Legal Action

If you can not reach an amicable compromise with the insurance adjuster, you may need to file for a personal injury lawsuit. The case will then be argued in court with damages being determined by the legal system. If you believe you have a personal injury lawsuit give us a call today!

Photo courtesy of Depositphotos.