3 Tips For Negotiating With An Insurance Company

20 August 2015
 Categories: Law, Blog

Share

If you've been involved in an automobile accident, you may suffer numerous financial losses. These can take a toll on your daily life and cause you a great deal of stress in the process. It's to your advantage to work swiftly to get any accident case settled. This will allow you to recover your losses and help recover the peace of mind you need.  Knowing specific tips for negotiating with your insurance company may provide you with the necessary information to get your case settled sooner rather than later.

Tip #1:  Make a list

You should have a settlement amount in your mind before you attempt to deal with your insurance adjuster. This is the individual who works for the insurance company who will contact you about your accident. Prior to having any type of communication with this individual, you should know the precise amount of your losses.

Listed below are some things to include:

1. If you sustained damage to your vehicle, this amount should be included. It's ideal to have a letter from your mechanic stating the amount of your losses for verification. Additionally, if your car was a total loss, you should have this amount in writing, as well.

2. If you have been unable to work because of injuries you suffered in the accident, you should obtain a letter from your employer stating a number of your losses. This will be based on your monthly earnings and the amount of time you were out of work.

3. Be sure to include any medical bills you've had to pay out-of-pocket because these should be paid by your insurance company.

Tip #2: Avoid the first offer

Your insurance company may be eager to settle with you and may feel that you're more likely to take an offer made immediately following the accident. However, this will likely be one of the lowest offers you may receive, and it's in your best interest to hold out and avoid taking the first amount that is made available to you.

Tip #3:  Express your emotional losses

One of the toughest things about being in an accident is the amount of distress you may experience. The pain and suffering you've encountered should be made known to your insurance company and may allow you a higher settlement amount.

By taking the time to be prepared for your insurance adjuster, prior to being contacted, this may aid you in getting a higher settlement amount.  Be sure to know what to expect and plan accordingly beforehand by meeting with your attorney if you don't receive the amount of your claim you feel you deserve. 

For more information, contact a firm like Jacobs & Barney LLC.