Introduction
Home insurance adjusters work for the insurer, not you. Their goal is to settle claims quickly and cheaply. Many use underhanded tactics to cut payouts, leaving homeowners stressed and underpaid. Knowing these strategies helps you fight back. This guide reveals 10 common adjuster tricks and how to counter them. (Keywords: home insurance claim adjuster secret tactics, insurance adjuster strategies)
Secret Tactic 1: Tricking You to Admit Fault
Adjusters ask loaded questions like, “Were your windows locked?” to shift blame. Admitting fault, even partially, reduces your payout.
- Example: They claim unlocked windows worsened storm damage.
- Response: Stay silent on fault. Consult an attorney if pressured. (Keywords: admitting fault, adjuster questions)
Secret Tactic 2: Delaying
Adjusters ignore calls to make you desperate. Delays force rushed decisions.
- Response: Note every call/email ignored. Threaten a “bad faith” lawsuit with an attorney’s help. (Keywords: claim delays, insurance bad faith)
Secret Tactic 3: False Deadlines
They invent deadlines like, “Sign by Friday or lose coverage.” This creates fake urgency.
- Response: Ignore threats. Negotiate or hire a lawyer to demand fair timelines. (Keywords: insurance settlement deadlines, adjuster pressure)
Secret Tactic 4: Policy Loopholes
Adjusters twist policy terms to deny claims. Example: Calling roof damage “wear and tear.”
- Response: Ask for exact policy clauses in writing. Dispute vague rejections. (Keywords: insurance policy loopholes, claim denials)
Secret Tactic 5: Requesting Unnecessary Documentation
They demand old bills or irrelevant records to stall your claim.
- Response: Refuse unrelated requests. Escalate if adjusters keep delaying. (Keywords: insurance documentation, claim delays)
Secret Tactic 6: Underestimating Your Claim
Lowball repair estimates are common. Adjusters use cheap labor rates or ignore hidden damage.
- Response: Hire an independent inspector. Get contractor quotes to prove costs. (Keywords: undervalued claims, repair estimates)
Secret Tactic 7: Advising You Not to Use an Attorney
Adjusters say attorneys “slow things down.” Truth: Attorneys win 40% higher payouts (2023 data).
- Response: Hire a lawyer immediately if denied or lowballed. (Keywords: insurance attorney, claim negotiation)
Secret Tactic 8: Acting Like They Care
Friendly adjusters build trust to extract damaging details. Example: “I want to help, but…”
- Response: Stay cautious. Share only facts, not opinions. (Keywords: adjuster manipulation, insurance tactics)
Secret Tactic 9: False Promises
Adjusters may say, “We’ll cover extra repairs later,” but later refuse.
- Response: Get every promise in writing. Verify coverage before approving work. (Keywords: insurance promises, adjuster lies)
Secret Tactic 10: Dragging Out Negotiations
Endless haggling wears you down. Adjusters know most people settle out of frustration.
- Response: Let a lawyer negotiate. They’ll push for faster, fairer deals. (Keywords: claim negotiation, settlement tactics)
Conclusion: Navigating the Claims Process
Key Steps:
- Document every adjuster interaction.
- Never accept the first offer.
- Use independent inspectors or contractors.
- Legal help matters. Attorney Jonathon Douglas (Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, PA) spent years working for insurers. Now, he uses insider knowledge to fight for Florida homeowners.
1. Tricking You to Admit Fault
Adjusters ask sneaky questions like, “Did you repair the roof last year?” to blame you. Never admit fault.
- Example: If burglars broke a window, they’ll say you didn’t lock it.
- Response: Stay silent and call a lawyer.
2. Delaying Your Claim
Ignoring calls is a common tactic. Adjusters hope you’ll accept less to get repairs started.
- Response: Keep records of every ignored communication. A lawyer can accuse them of bad faith.
3. Fake Deadlines
Adjusters might say, “You have 48 hours to decide.” This is a lie. Take your time. Negotiate or get legal help.
4. Policy Loopholes
They’ll claim your policy excludes certain damages.
- Response: Ask them to show the exact rule. Dispute vague answers.
5. Unnecessary Paperwork
Demanding old bills or irrelevant records wastes your time.
- Response: Refuse and escalate the issue.
6. Lowball Offers
Adjusters often underestimate repairs.
- Response: Hire your own inspector and contractor to prove the real cost.
7. “Don’t Hire a Lawyer”
Adjusters fear attorneys. Studies show claims with lawyers settle for 40% more.
8. Fake Friendliness
A kind adjuster might ask, “How’s your family?”
- Response: Stay professional. Don’t share personal details.
9. Empty Promises
Get every promise in writing. Verbal agreements mean nothing.
10. Drawn-Out Negotiations
Long negotiations exhaust you.
- Response: A lawyer speeds up the process.