What to Say to Your Adjuster
When you talk to your claims adjuster, be factual, be brief, and let your documentation do the talking.
Understand whose side the adjuster is on
The adjuster represents the insurance carrier, not you. Their role involves investigating losses and recommending settlements, with a default position of paying the minimum amount that satisfies policy terms. That does not make them the enemy, but being precise helps.
Stick to facts you observed directly
Describe only what you witnessed. Avoid speculation about cause, fault, or pre-existing conditions. "I don't know" is preferable to guessing.
Example: A homeowner's casual speculation about a storm causing the damage was used by the adjuster to reduce the claim based on weather records, a clear demonstration of how offhand statements become evidence.
Keep your declarations page in front of you
Reference your declarations page during conversations to anchor the discussion in actual policy language rather than the adjuster's interpretation.
Ask for everything in writing
Request an email summary after every phone conversation. If the adjuster does not comply, send your own summary and ask them to confirm or correct it. This creates the paper trail that protects you later.
Phrases that can hurt you
Statements like "It is no big deal" or "I should have fixed that earlier" become evidence and may reduce your settlement. Keep your comments factual and resist the urge to fill silence.
When to bring in your agent
Independent agents can help when the settlement seems low or communication stalls, often shifting the dynamic without a formal escalation. Once you have a claim number, we can advocate on your behalf during the adjustment process.
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I get multiple repair estimates after a property insurance claim?
Yes, you can and often should get more than one repair estimate after a property insurance claim. Multiple bids help verify that the adjuster's settlement figure reflects actual market costs, and your estimates can be shared directly with the adjuster to support a fair settlement.
What does an insurance adjuster do, and how do I work with one?
An insurance adjuster inspects your loss, reviews your policy coverage, and determines the settlement amount the insurer will offer. Prepare by documenting everything and bringing your estimates. You can disagree with an adjuster's findings and request reconsideration.
What is the insurance claims process step by step?
The claims process begins with notifying your insurer, then documenting the loss, submitting a claim form, cooperating with an adjuster's inspection, reviewing the settlement offer, and accepting payment. Each step has timing expectations, and keeping records throughout protects your interests.