You know that sinking feeling when you file an insurance claim and suddenly your own insurance company starts treating you like you’re trying to pull a fast one? Yeah, I’ve heard that story way too many times. You pay your premiums religiously for years, then when you actually need coverage, it feels like you’re fighting an uphill battle just to get what you rightfully deserve.
Here’s the thing – insurance adjusters play a huge role in how your claim gets handled. Understanding what they do (and what they’re supposed to do) can make all the difference between getting fair treatment and getting the runaround. Let me break down everything you need to know about insurance adjusters and bad faith claims, because honestly, this stuff can get pretty complicated.
What Exactly Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
Think of an insurance adjuster as the middleman between you and the insurance company’s checkbook. They’re the ones who investigate your claim, figure out what happened, and decide how much (if anything) the insurance company should pay out.
Now, there are different types of adjusters, and this matters more than you might think:
Company Adjusters (Staff Adjusters)
These folks are actual employees of the insurance company. They get a steady paycheck from the insurer, which means their loyalty is pretty clear. They’re supposed to be fair and objective, but let’s be real – they know who signs their paychecks.
Independent Adjusters
These are contractors that insurance companies hire when they need extra help or specialized expertise. They’re not direct employees, but they still get paid by the insurance company. It’s kind of like hiring a freelancer – they want to keep getting work from the insurer, so they’ve got incentives to keep their clients happy.
Public Adjusters
Here’s where things get interesting. Public adjusters work for YOU, not the insurance company. You hire them to represent your interests and fight for a fair settlement. They’re like having your own advocate in the process.
So, the adjuster’s job sounds straightforward on paper: investigate the claim, assess damages, review your policy, and recommend a settlement amount. But in practice? Well, that’s where things can get messy.
When Insurance Adjusters Cross the Line: Recognizing Bad Faith
Bad faith isn’t just about getting a settlement that’s lower than you hoped for. It’s about the insurance company (through their adjusters) failing to deal with you fairly and honestly. And trust me, there’s a big difference.
The Adjuster Who Disappears
Ever had an adjuster who takes forever to return your calls? Or maybe they schedule appointments and then don’t show up? This isn’t just poor customer service – it could be bad faith. Insurance companies have a duty to promptly investigate and respond to claims.
I remember talking to a client whose adjuster literally went radio silent for three months after the initial claim was filed. Three months! Meanwhile, this person was dealing with property damage and mounting expenses, and the insurance company was just… nowhere to be found.
The Unreasonable Investigation
Sometimes adjusters will drag out investigations way longer than necessary, or they’ll demand documentation that’s clearly unreasonable or impossible to provide. Imagine them asking for receipts from 15 years ago for items that were destroyed in a fire – that’s the kind of stuff we’re talking about.
Lowball Offers Without Justification
Look, not every low settlement offer is bad faith. But when an adjuster makes an offer that’s clearly way below fair value and can’t or won’t explain how they arrived at that number? That’s a red flag.
The Moving Goalpost Game
This one’s particularly frustrating. You provide everything the adjuster asks for, then they come back asking for more documentation. Then more. Then they want something else entirely. It’s like they’re trying to exhaust you into giving up.
How Adjusters Sometimes Work Against Your Interests
Here’s something that might surprise you: adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. That’s not necessarily illegal or even unethical – insurance companies are businesses, after all. But there’s a line between being thorough and being unreasonable.
The Quick Settlement Trap
Sometimes adjusters will push for a really quick settlement, especially right after an accident when you’re still dealing with injuries or trauma. They might make it sound like this is the best offer you’ll get, or that you need to decide right now.
Don’t fall for it. You don’t have to accept the first offer, and you definitely don’t have to decide on the spot. Take your time.
Misrepresenting Your Policy
This happens more than it should. An adjuster might tell you that something isn’t covered under your policy when it actually is. Or they might misinterpret policy language in a way that benefits the insurance company.
Always read your policy yourself. I know, I know – insurance policies are about as fun to read as tax code. But it’s your money on the line.
Using Your Statements Against You
Adjusters are good at getting you to say things that can be used to deny or reduce your claim. They might ask leading questions or take your statements out of context.
For example, if you say you’re “feeling okay” when asked how you’re doing after an accident, they might use that to argue that your injuries aren’t serious. Even though you were just being polite!
Your Rights When Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
You’ve got more rights than you probably realize. Insurance companies don’t always go out of their way to tell you about them, but they’re there.
The Right to Honest Dealing
Your insurance company has a legal duty to deal with you in good faith. This means they need to be honest, fair, and reasonable in handling your claim.
The Right to a Prompt Investigation
Insurance companies can’t just sit on your claim forever. They need to start investigating promptly and keep the process moving at a reasonable pace.
The Right to a Fair Settlement
If your claim is covered, you’re entitled to a settlement that fairly compensates you for your losses. Not the bare minimum – a fair amount.
The Right to Know Why
If your claim is denied or you’re offered less than you think is fair, you have the right to know why. The adjuster should be able to explain their reasoning and point to specific policy language or evidence.
The Right to Representation
You can have an attorney present during recorded statements or meetings with adjusters. You can also hire a public adjuster to represent your interests.
Red Flags That Suggest Bad Faith Behavior
Sometimes bad faith is obvious – like when an adjuster flat-out lies to you. But often it’s more subtle. Here are some warning signs to watch out for:
Unreasonable Delays
If your adjuster is taking weeks to return calls or months to make decisions on straightforward claims, that’s a problem. Sure, complex claims take time, but there’s a difference between thorough and stalling.
Requesting Excessive Documentation
It’s normal for adjusters to ask for documentation to support your claim. But if they’re asking for things that are clearly unnecessary or impossible to obtain, they might be trying to create obstacles.
Denying Claims Without Proper Investigation
If an adjuster denies your claim without actually investigating it properly, that’s bad faith. They need to do their homework before making decisions.
Making Threats or Using Pressure Tactics
Professional adjusters don’t threaten claimants or use high-pressure tactics. If an adjuster is trying to intimidate you or pressure you into accepting a settlement, that’s not okay.
Failing to Explain Decisions
When an adjuster makes a decision about your claim, they should be able to explain their reasoning clearly. If they can’t or won’t explain why they’re denying coverage or offering a certain amount, that’s suspicious.
What to Do When You Suspect Bad Faith
If you think your insurance adjuster is acting in bad faith, don’t just sit there and take it. You’ve got options.
Document Everything
Start keeping detailed records of every interaction with your adjuster. Write down dates, times, what was discussed, and any promises made. Save all emails and letters. If you have phone conversations, follow up with an email summarizing what was discussed.
Know Your Policy
I can’t stress this enough – read your insurance policy. Yes, it’s boring. Yes, it’s full of legal jargon. But you need to know what you’re entitled to so you can spot when an adjuster is trying to pull a fast one.
Don’t Accept the First Offer
Insurance companies often start with lowball offers, hoping you’ll just accept and move on. You don’t have to take the first offer. In fact, you probably shouldn’t.
Get a Second Opinion
If you’re dealing with property damage, consider getting your own estimate from a contractor or repair shop. If you’re dealing with injuries, make sure you’re seeing your own doctor, not just the insurance company’s preferred medical examiner.
Consider Hiring Help
Sometimes you need professional help. A public adjuster can represent your interests in dealing with the insurance company. An attorney who specializes in bad faith claims can help if the situation gets really bad.
Speaking of attorneys, if you’re in Colorado and dealing with what feels like bad faith behavior from your insurance company, the team at McCormick & Murphy P.C. has been handling these exact situations since 1995. They specialize in insurance bad faith cases and understand exactly how adjusters sometimes try to shortchange claimants.
The Claims Process: What Should Actually Happen
Let me walk you through what a fair claims process should look like, so you know when things are going off the rails.
Initial Contact and Claim Filing
When you file a claim, the insurance company should acknowledge it promptly – usually within a few days. They should assign an adjuster and give you their contact information.
The adjuster should contact you soon after being assigned to your case. We’re talking days, not weeks.
Investigation Phase
This is where the adjuster does their detective work. They should:
- Interview you about what happened
- Inspect any property damage
- Review relevant documents (police reports, medical records, etc.)
- Talk to witnesses if necessary
- Review your policy to understand what’s covered
This phase should move along at a reasonable pace. Complex claims take longer than simple ones, but you should see steady progress.
Evaluation and Decision
Once the investigation is complete, the adjuster should evaluate your claim and make a decision. If it’s covered, they should make a fair settlement offer. If it’s denied, they should explain why in writing.
Settlement or Appeal
If you accept the settlement offer, great – you should get your money promptly. If you don’t agree with the decision, you should have a clear process for appealing or disputing it.
Types of Bad Faith You Might Encounter
Bad faith comes in different flavors, and recognizing the type you’re dealing with can help you respond appropriately.
Denial Bad Faith
This is when your claim gets denied even though it should be covered under your policy. Maybe the adjuster misinterprets the policy language, or maybe they just ignore evidence that supports your claim.
Delay Bad Faith
Sometimes insurance companies will drag out the claims process hoping you’ll get frustrated and give up, or accept a lower settlement just to get it over with. Unreasonable delays in investigation, evaluation, or payment can all constitute bad faith.
Lowball Settlement Bad Faith
This happens when the insurance company offers way less than your claim is actually worth. They might use outdated valuations, ignore certain damages, or just hope you don’t know any better.
Investigation Bad Faith
If the adjuster doesn’t properly investigate your claim – maybe they skip important steps or ignore evidence – that can be bad faith too.
How Adjusters Are Trained (And Why It Matters)
Here’s something most people don’t know: insurance adjusters go through extensive training on how to minimize claim payouts. They learn techniques for questioning claimants, spotting potential fraud, and finding reasons to deny or reduce claims.
Now, some of this training is legitimate – insurance fraud is a real problem, and adjusters need to know how to spot it. But some of the techniques they learn can cross the line into bad faith territory.
The Recorded Statement Strategy
Adjusters are trained to take recorded statements from claimants, and they know exactly what questions to ask to get answers that might hurt your claim later. They might ask about your injuries when you’re still in shock, or ask leading questions that make it sound like you’re admitting fault.
You don’t always have to give a recorded statement, by the way. Check your policy – sometimes it’s required, but often it’s not.
The Documentation Game
Adjusters know that most people don’t keep detailed records of their possessions or medical treatments. They’ll ask for documentation knowing that you might not have it, then use that as a reason to deny or reduce your claim.
The Time Pressure Tactic
They’re also trained to create artificial urgency. “This offer is only good until Friday” or “If you don’t accept this now, the offer might be lower later.” These are pressure tactics designed to get you to settle before you have time to think it through or get advice.
Working Effectively with Insurance Adjusters
Look, not all insurance adjusters are out to screw you over. Many are honest professionals trying to do their job fairly. But even the good ones are working within a system that incentivizes minimizing payouts.
Be Professional but Cautious
Treat your adjuster with respect, but don’t assume they’re your friend. They’re not. They work for the insurance company, not for you.
Stick to the Facts
When talking to adjusters, stick to the facts about what happened. Don’t speculate, don’t admit fault, and don’t downplay your injuries or damages.
Don’t Sign Anything Without Reading It
This should be obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people sign documents without reading them carefully. Don’t do it. If you don’t understand something, ask questions or get help.
Keep Your Own Records
Don’t rely on the adjuster to keep track of everything. Keep your own records of all communications, documents, and expenses related to your claim.
When to Lawyer Up
Sometimes you can handle an insurance claim on your own. But sometimes you need professional help. Here are some situations where you should seriously consider hiring an attorney:
Your Claim Is Denied Without Good Reason
If your adjuster denies a claim that you believe should be covered, and they can’t give you a satisfactory explanation why, it might be time to get legal help.
The Settlement Offer Is Unreasonably Low
If the adjuster’s offer is way below what you think your claim is worth, and they won’t budge or explain their reasoning, an attorney can help you fight for fair compensation.
You’re Dealing with Serious Injuries
If you’ve been seriously injured, the stakes are high. Insurance companies know that serious injury claims can be worth a lot of money, so they’ll often fight harder to minimize payouts.
The Adjuster Is Acting in Bad Faith
If you’re seeing clear signs of bad faith – unreasonable delays, deceptive practices, failure to investigate properly – you need someone in your corner who knows how to fight back.
You’re Feeling Overwhelmed
Sometimes the claims process is just too much to handle on your own, especially if you’re dealing with injuries or other personal challenges. There’s no shame in getting help.
The attorneys at McCormick & Murphy P.C. have been dealing with exactly these situations for nearly three decades. They know how insurance companies operate, they understand the games adjusters sometimes play, and they’re not afraid to take on big insurance companies when they’re not treating their clients fairly. You can learn more about their professional background and client reviews to see how they’ve helped other people in similar situations.
The Business Side of Insurance Adjusting
Understanding how the insurance business works can help you understand why adjusters sometimes act the way they do.
Adjusters Have Performance Metrics
Most insurance adjusters are evaluated based on how much money they save the company. They might have targets for average settlement amounts or claim closure rates. This creates obvious conflicts of interest.
The Profit Motive
Insurance companies make money by collecting premiums and paying out as little as possible in claims. It’s just business to them, but it’s your life and your money.
Volume Pressures
Many adjusters handle huge caseloads. They might be managing hundreds of claims at once, which means they’re under pressure to close cases quickly rather than thoroughly.
State Regulations and Oversight
Insurance is regulated at the state level, and different states have different rules about how adjusters must behave.
Colorado’s Rules
Here in Colorado, insurance companies have specific duties to their policyholders. They must investigate claims promptly and fairly, they must deal honestly with claimants, and they must pay valid claims without unreasonable delay.
If you think your insurance company has violated these duties, you can file a complaint with the Colorado Division of Insurance. This won’t necessarily get you more money, but it can put pressure on the insurance company to treat you fairly.
Bad Faith Laws Vary
Some states have stronger bad faith laws than others. Colorado has reasonably good protections for consumers, but you need to know your rights and be willing to enforce them.
Technology and Modern Adjusting
The insurance industry has changed a lot in recent years, and technology is playing a bigger role in claims adjusting.
Automated Claims Processing
Some insurance companies now use computer algorithms to evaluate claims automatically. This can speed up the process for simple claims, but it can also lead to errors or unfair denials.
Photo and Video Estimates
Many adjusters now use smartphones and tablets to document damage and create estimates. This can be more efficient, but it can also lead to important details being missed.
Data Mining and Fraud Detection
Insurance companies use sophisticated data analysis to look for patterns that might indicate fraud. Sometimes these systems flag legitimate claims as suspicious, leading to unnecessary delays and investigations.
Common Myths About Insurance Adjusters
Let me clear up some misconceptions people have about insurance adjusters:
Myth: Adjusters Are Always Trying to Rip You Off
Not true. Many adjusters are honest professionals doing their best to handle claims fairly. The problem is that they’re working within a system that incentivizes minimizing payouts.
Myth: You Have to Accept Whatever the Adjuster Offers
Absolutely false. You can negotiate, you can appeal, you can get second opinions, and you can hire professionals to help you.
Myth: Adjusters Are Insurance Experts
While adjusters know a lot about insurance, they’re not necessarily experts on your specific policy or situation. Don’t assume they’re always right.
Myth: Being Nice to Your Adjuster Will Get You a Better Settlement
Being professional and courteous is always good, but don’t think that being extra friendly will somehow get you more money. Adjusters make decisions based on policy language and company guidelines, not on how much they like you.
Building Your Case Against Bad Faith
If you think you’re dealing with bad faith, you need to build a strong case. Here’s how:
Documentation Is Everything
Keep records of every interaction with your insurance company. Save emails, letters, and claim documents. Write down details of phone conversations immediately after they happen.
Follow Your Policy Requirements
Make sure you’re meeting all the requirements in your insurance policy. If you don’t report claims promptly or provide required documentation, it gives the insurance company ammunition to deny your claim.
Get Independent Evaluations
Don’t rely solely on the insurance company’s evaluation of your damages. Get your own estimates for property damage, your own medical evaluations for injuries, and your own appraisals for valuable items.
Understand the Timeline
Keep track of how long each step in the process is taking. If things are moving unreasonably slowly, that could be evidence of bad faith.
The Financial Impact of Bad Faith
Bad faith doesn’t just cost you the money you should have gotten from your claim – it can have broader financial consequences.
Additional Living Expenses
If you’re dealing with property damage and your insurance company is dragging their feet, you might have to pay for temporary housing, storage, or other expenses out of pocket.
Medical Bills
If you’re injured and your insurance company is delaying or denying coverage, you might end up paying medical bills that should have been covered.
Lost Income
Dealing with a bad faith insurance company can be incredibly time-consuming. You might have to take time off work for meetings, phone calls, and appointments.
Emotional Costs
Don’t underestimate the emotional toll of fighting with your insurance company. It’s stressful, frustrating, and exhausting.
Prevention: Protecting Yourself Before You Need to File a Claim
The best way to deal with bad faith is to prevent it in the first place. Here are some things you can do:
Read Your Policy
I know I keep saying this, but it’s really important. You can’t enforce your rights if you don’t know what they are.
Document Your Possessions
Keep an inventory of your belongings, including photos and receipts. This makes it much easier to prove what you’ve lost if you need to file a claim.
Choose Your Insurance Company Carefully
Not all insurance companies are the same. Some have better reputations for treating their customers fairly. Do your research before you buy.
Understand Your Coverage
Make sure you have adequate coverage for your needs. It’s better to pay a little more for good coverage than to find out after a loss that you’re underinsured.
Working with Public Adjusters
If you’re dealing with a significant property loss, you might want to consider hiring a public adjuster. These are licensed professionals who work for you, not the insurance company.
What Public Adjusters Do
Public adjusters handle every aspect of your insurance claim. They document your losses, prepare your claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and fight for fair compensation.
When to Consider a Public Adjuster
Public adjusters typically charge a percentage of your settlement (usually 5-15%), so they’re most cost-effective for larger claims. If you’re dealing with significant property damage or if your insurance company is giving you the runaround, a public adjuster might be worth the cost.
Choosing a Public Adjuster
Make sure any public adjuster you hire is licensed in your state. Ask for references and check their track record. And make sure you understand their fee structure before you sign anything.
The Legal Process for Bad Faith Claims
If you end up filing a bad faith lawsuit against your insurance company, here’s what you can expect:
Filing the Lawsuit
Your attorney will file a complaint alleging that the insurance company acted in bad faith. The insurance company will then file a response.
Discovery
Both sides will gather evidence, including documents, depositions, and expert testimony. This phase can take months or even years.
Settlement Negotiations
Most bad faith cases settle before going to trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company’s lawyers to try to reach a fair settlement.
Trial
If the case doesn’t settle, it will go to trial. A jury will decide whether the insurance company acted in bad faith and, if so, how much you should be compensated.
Damages in Bad Faith Cases
If you win a bad faith case, you might be entitled to several types of damages:
Contract Damages
This is the amount you should have received under your insurance policy in the first place.
Consequential Damages
These are additional damages you suffered because of the insurance company’s bad faith – things like additional living expenses, lost income, or medical bills you had to pay out of pocket.
Emotional Distress Damages
In some cases, you might be able to recover damages for the emotional distress caused by the insurance company’s bad faith conduct.
Punitive Damages
If the insurance company’s conduct was particularly egregious, you might be awarded punitive damages designed to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future.
Attorney’s Fees
In many states, including Colorado, if you win a bad faith case, the insurance company has to pay your attorney’s fees.
Examples of Bad Faith
Let me share some examples of bad faith behavior:
The Vanishing Adjuster
A homeowner filed a claim after a hail storm damaged their roof. The adjuster came out, took some photos, and promised to get back to them with an estimate. That was six months ago. The homeowner has called dozens of times, left messages, sent emails – nothing. Meanwhile, the damaged roof is starting to leak, causing additional damage to the interior of the house.
The Impossible Standard
A car accident victim was told by their adjuster that they needed to provide receipts for every single item that was damaged in their car – including things like the owner’s manual, floor mats, and spare tire. When the victim pointed out that these items came with the car and they didn’t have separate receipts, the adjuster said they couldn’t pay for those items.
The Moving Target
A business owner filed a claim after a fire damaged their restaurant. First, the adjuster said they needed proof of income. The owner provided tax returns and bank statements. Then the adjuster said they needed vendor invoices. The owner provided those. Then they wanted employee records. Then utility bills. Then something else. Each time, the adjuster found a new reason why the documentation wasn’t sufficient.
The Lowball Special
A homeowner’s house was destroyed in a wildfire. The insurance company’s adjuster valued the house at $200,000. The homeowner got their own appraisal, which came in at $350,000. When they presented this to the adjuster, he said he’d “take another look” but came back with the same $200,000 figure. He couldn’t explain why there was such a big difference.
Questions You Should Ask Your Adjuster
Don’t be afraid to ask your adjuster questions. You have a right to understand what’s happening with your claim. Here are some good questions to ask:
About the Investigation
- What steps are you taking to investigate my claim?
- When do you expect the investigation to be complete?
- What documentation do you need from me?
- Have you identified any coverage issues?
About the Evaluation
- How did you calculate the settlement amount?
- What factors did you consider?
- Did you use any specific valuation methods or databases?
- Can you provide me with a detailed breakdown of your calculations?
About the Timeline
- When can I expect to receive payment?
- What might cause delays?
- What happens if I don’t agree with your evaluation?
About Your Rights
- Do I have to accept this settlement offer?
- Can I get a second opinion?
- What’s the appeals process if I disagree with your decision?
Red Flags in Adjuster Communication
Pay attention to how your adjuster communicates with you. Here are some warning signs:
Vague Responses
If your adjuster can’t give you straight answers to simple questions, that’s a problem. Professional adjusters should be able to explain their decisions clearly.
Pressure Tactics
“This offer won’t be available tomorrow” or “If you don’t accept this now, we might offer less later.” These are pressure tactics designed to rush you into a decision.
Inconsistent Information
If your adjuster tells you different things at different times, write it down and ask for clarification. Inconsistencies might indicate that they’re not being truthful with you.
Unreasonable Requests
If your adjuster is asking for documentation that’s clearly unnecessary or impossible to obtain, they might be trying to create obstacles to paying your claim.
The Role of Technology in Modern Claims Adjusting
Technology is changing how insurance claims are handled, and it’s worth understanding how this might affect your claim:
Drone Inspections
Some adjusters now use drones to inspect roof damage or other hard-to-reach areas. This can be more thorough than visual inspections from the ground, but it can also miss details that would be obvious during an in-person inspection.
Artificial Intelligence
Some insurance companies use AI to evaluate claims automatically. This can speed up the process for simple claims, but it can also lead to errors or unfair denials if the AI doesn’t understand the nuances of your situation.
Digital Documentation
Many adjusters now use tablets or smartphones to document damage and create estimates on the spot. This can be efficient, but make sure you get copies of all photos and documentation.
Virtual Inspections
Especially since COVID-19, some adjusters conduct inspections via video call, having you show them the damage through your phone or computer camera. While this can be convenient, it might not be as thorough as an in-person inspection.
What Happens After You File a Bad Faith Complaint
If you file a complaint with your state insurance commissioner or hire an attorney to pursue a bad faith claim, here’s what typically happens:
The Insurance Company Responds
Once they know you’re serious about fighting back, insurance companies often change their tune. They might suddenly become more responsive or make a better settlement offer.
Investigation
If you’ve filed a complaint with the state, they’ll investigate your allegations. If you’ve hired an attorney, they’ll conduct their own investigation and gather evidence.
Negotiation
Most bad faith disputes are resolved through negotiation rather than going to trial. Once the insurance company realizes you’re serious and have a valid complaint, they’ll often be more willing to negotiate fairly.
Resolution
Hopefully, you’ll reach a fair resolution that compensates you appropriately for your losses and the hassle you’ve been put through.
Choosing the Right Legal Help
If you decide you need legal help with a bad faith claim, here’s what to look for in an attorney:
Experience with Insurance Bad Faith
Not all attorneys understand insurance bad faith law. You want someone who specializes in this area and has a track record of success.
Resources to Take on Insurance Companies
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers and unlimited resources. You need an attorney who has the resources and experience to go toe-to-toe with them.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
Most bad faith attorneys work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay attorney’s fees unless you win. This aligns their interests with yours.
Good Communication
You want an attorney who will keep you informed about what’s happening with your case and who will explain things in terms you can understand.
If you’re in Colorado and dealing with what seems like bad faith behavior from your insurance company, McCormick & Murphy P.C. checks all these boxes. They’ve been fighting insurance companies on behalf of their clients since 1995, they work on contingency, and they have the experience and resources to take on even the biggest insurance companies. Their office is located at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, and you can reach them at (719) 800-9407.
Moving Forward: Your Next Steps
If you’re dealing with what you think might be bad faith behavior from your insurance adjuster, don’t just hope it gets better. Take action:
- Start documenting everything – every conversation, every email, every delay or unreasonable request.
- Read your policy – you can’t fight for your rights if you don’t know what they are.
- Don’t accept the first offer – insurance companies often start low, hoping you’ll just take it and move on.
- Get second opinions – whether it’s for property damage estimates or medical evaluations, don’t rely solely on the insurance company’s experts.
- Know when to get help – if you’re dealing with serious injuries, significant property damage, or clear bad faith behavior, consider hiring professionals to help you.
- Don’t give up – insurance companies count on people getting frustrated and giving up. Don’t let them wear you down.
Remember, you have rights as an insurance policyholder. You’ve paid your premiums, and you deserve fair treatment when you need to file a claim. Don’t let insurance adjusters take advantage of you, and don’t be afraid to fight back when they’re not treating you fairly.
The insurance claims process doesn’t have to be a nightmare, but when it is, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you need help understanding your rights, dealing with an unresponsive adjuster, or fighting a bad faith denial, there are resources available to help you get the fair treatment you deserve.
Your insurance policy is a contract, and the insurance company has legal obligations to you. When they don’t meet those obligations, they should be held accountable. Don’t let them get away with bad faith behavior – you’ve got more power than you think, and there are people who can help you use it.
