What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?

After a car accident, an insurance adjuster will likely be one of the first people to contact you. You will probably be wondering, “What does an insurance adjuster do?” Our team of car accident lawyers has put together this article about insurance adjusters to answer questions we often answer for clients.

An insurance adjuster evaluates claims to determine the insurer’s liability and aids the claims process. They investigate accidents to determine fault, assess claims, establish liability, calculate payouts, and settle claims. It’s important to remember that an insurance adjuster’s primary job is to protect the insurance company’s bottom line. When investigating personal injury claims, they review insurance policy coverage limits, interview witnesses, inspect damaged vehicles, and estimate repair and medical costs to evaluate liability. Adjusters screen claims for red flags that might indicate fraud to justify lower settlement offers.

Ultimately, an adjuster works for the insurance company—not you. Their goal is to resolve your claim for as little money as possible, making it critical to understand their tactics before you speak with one.

What Are the Different Types of Insurance Adjusters?

There are three types of insurance adjusters, and knowing which one you’re dealing with matters:

Staff and independent adjusters represent the insurer’s interests. A public adjuster is the only type hired to represent your interests in a case that has only property damage. You need a personal injury lawyer if you are dealing with a personal injury claim.

What Should I Do If an Insurance Adjuster Calls Me After a Car Accident?

Your response should depend on whether or not you were injured in the collision.

How to Handle a Call from an Insurance Adjuster If You Were Injured

• Tell the adjuster you have legal representation.
• Provide your attorney’s contact information.
• Say nothing further about the accident or your injuries.
• Give a safe, complete response, such as: “I was injured and am currently seeing doctors. Please contact my attorney.”

How to Handle a Call from an Insurance Adjuster If You Were NOT Injured

A property damage insurance claim is for repair or replacement of your vehicle. After a car accident without injuries, contact the adjuster, submit the police report, and provide accurate information promptly. A recorded statement is optional due to the existing police report.

Don’t ignore the call. In this case, talking to the insurance adjuster and providing accident details will help get your car repaired or replaced faster.

• Cooperate with the adjuster.
• Submit the police report.
• Provide accurate information about the accident.
• Follow the steps in the “Car Accident Property Damage How-to Guide.”

The moment injuries to a person are involved, route everything through your attorney’s office.

What Should I NOT Say to a Claims Adjuster After I Was Injured in a Car Accident?

Do not say anything that could be used to reduce your settlement. Specifically:

• Never admit fault or accept any share of blame.
• Don’t speculate about your injuries—you may not yet know their full extent.
• Don’t volunteer details about the accident beyond what is necessary.
• Don’t negotiate without legal counsel present.
• Don’t provide personal information beyond basic contact details.
• Don’t sign anything without your attorney reviewing it first.
• Don’t give a recorded statement without your lawyer present.

Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can be used against you. When in doubt, say nothing and refer them to your attorney.

Quick-Reference: DO vs. DON’T When an Adjuster Calls

What Are Public Adjusters?

A public adjuster is a licensed professional hired by a policyholder to negotiate property damage claims with insurance companies. They assess damages and advocate for the benefits of the insurance policy, independent of the insurer’s interests. They generally charge a fee that is a percentage of the claim paid by the insurance company.

When Should I Hire a Personal Injury Attorney Rather Than a Public Adjuster?

Public adjusters handle property damage claims and are not attorneys. For accidents with serious injuries, a personal injury attorney from our law firm can manage insurance claims, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if necessary.