Insurance adjusters are trained to approve the minimum payout. They understand that you are under duress and that you may not have all of tools needed to adequately fight a lower-than-expected claim payout. They also know that most claimants don’t realize they can fight for the fair claim they have coming their way.
Disputing a Claim
If you have filed an insurance claim and the payout is less than expected, you still have plenty of options. How far you want to go with it is up to you. At minimum, you should start by asking the adjuster to reassess the claim. Sometimes this is enough. If the adjuster refuses or comes back with a same or similar number, your next step is to ask for a different adjuster to review the claim.
You may find yourself consulting an attorney. This is not as rare as you may think. There are attorneys who specialize in this field. Insurance claims attorneys are seasoned and can tell you right away if you have grounds for a dispute. They will cost you, but getting what you deserve from your insurance may be worth it.
Worries About Backlash
One issue that keeps some from fighting insurance settlements is the fear that the company will drop your policy. While this can happen, your insurance company must have adequate reason, such as lack of payment on your part or inaccurate completion of data when you originally applied for the policy.
Should your insurance company cancel your policy without reason, you once again may have cause to speak with an attorney. An insurance claims attorney will be able to tell you what your rights are before they take your case.
Preventing Future Problems
Once you have experienced a low-ball offer from your insurance adjuster you are not stuck with them forever. You have a few options on the table that can prevent issues like this from happening again.
Do you like your insurance company but not the broker? Contact the company and ask for a new one. You are not wed to the person who sold you the policy, especially if they are not coming through for you when times are tough.
You can also purchase insurance from a different company altogether. It can be painful and frustrating to have to go through the process of vetting a new insurance company. However, it is also worth it if your current company isn’t meeting your needs.
The good news is that you should receive a refund on whatever portion of your policy was not used. You don’t have to worry about losing your money if you have paid a policy and you decide to switch companies. Keep in mind that you won’t receive a full refund but a pro-rated one. Therefore, if possible, it is most cost effective to switch insurance just before your current policy is set to expire.
If you feel you are not being treated respectfully or fairly by your insurance company, there are many others that you can choose. Don’t be afraid to keep shopping for insurance until you are satisfied.
Private Management Insurance Agency is highly willing to offer whatever assistance you may need at each step of the quoting and transaction process. You can reach our customer service team on Monday through Friday from 9 am-5 pm PST— Call us at (858) 252-4111, or you can also set a schedule with us just by clicking here:
