| Insurance claims adjusters are, for the most part, | | | | of people have read it. But today I want to put a |
| very nice people in a tough job. They are caught in | | | | spin on that article and make an even more obvious |
| between the insurance company that wants them to | | | | point. |
| control the claim settlement amount, and you, the | | | | When you are dealing with claims adjusters, make |
| policyholder or claimant, who wants the very highest | | | | sure that you are ALWAYS pleasant, well-mannered, |
| settlement amount possible. | | | | and polite. You can't control them, but you CAN |
| But I'm not nearly as concerned about them. If they | | | | control YOU. |
| don't like their job, they can quit. Nobody is forcing | | | | You need to "nice them to death!" Make sure you |
| them to be claims adjusters. | | | | are doing the following: |
| I'm mostly concerned about you, the policyholder. | | | | 1. Speak calmly whether in person or by phone, no |
| The book that I wrote, "Insurance Claim Secrets | | | | matter what your level of frustration may be. |
| REVEALED!" shows consumers all the ways that they | | | | 2. Make your requests for payment, documents or |
| can take control of their insurance claims, and add | | | | any other requests politely, and make them in writing. |
| hundreds or even thousands more dollars to their | | | | 3. Be firm but respectful when you are using a claim |
| claim settlements. Many of the strategies in the book | | | | strategy. Being demanding will only make the adjuster |
| are confrontational. But you can learn to confront | | | | feel threatened, and he will want to resist your |
| honestly without unpleasantness. | | | | demand to prove he cannot be controlled by you. |
| Insurance companies have games and scams that | | | | 4. When you write a letter, be sure that you are |
| they use to delay claims and minimize settlements. | | | | polite and respectful. Simply state what you want |
| Policyholders and claimants are usually placed under | | | | them to do and remember to say "please" and |
| financial hardship when they have an insured loss. | | | | "thank you"...just like your mother taught you. |
| Few of the people I've ever met who had a claim | | | | 5. Do not, under any circumstances, lose your |
| could afford to repair or replace their damaged goods | | | | temper! Words said in anger are impossible to retract. |
| out of their bank account. Most of the time, people | | | | You can apologize as much as you want, but better |
| depend upon the restitution they receive from the | | | | to say things for which you will not have to |
| insurance company. | | | | apologize. Be in control. If you feel like blowing up at |
| Insurance companies know this, and rely upon it. | | | | your adjuster, end the meeting or phone |
| They know that delays will place pressure on | | | | conversation and come back another time to finish |
| policyholders and claimants, and that makes them | | | | your business. |
| more willing to accept lower settlements. | | | | I promise that you will never regret maintaining your |
| Back in September 2008 I wrote and posted an | | | | composure when you are immersed in the claims |
| article about "Dealing with Adjusters." It has been one | | | | process. |
| of my most popular articles. Hundreds and hundreds | | | | |