When it comes to filing a home insurance claim, many people may feel overwhelmed by the process. To make matters worse, insurance companies employ skilled claim adjusters to assess and evaluate claims. These adjusters often use specific tactics to try to deny or reduce the amount of the claim. By understanding these tactics, you can be better prepared to defend your claim and get the maximum benefits from your policy.
Delay Tactics
One of the most common tactics used by adjusters is to delay the claim process. The adjuster may ask for additional documentation or request additional inspections of the property to help assess the claim. This tactic can be used to wear down the claimant, who may eventually accept a lower settlement amount out of frustration. In some cases, the delays can even cause the claimant to miss the deadlines imposed by the policy.
Lowball Settlement Offers
Another common tactic used by adjusters is to make a lowball settlement offer. Adjusters are typically under pressure from their employer to minimize the amount of money paid out on claims. As a result, they may try to make a settlement offer far below the true value of the claim. To avoid being taken advantage of, it is important to document all of the damages and expenses associated with the claim, and to stay firm in negotiations.
Finding Pre-Existing Damage
Another tactic used by adjusters is to look for any pre-existing damage that may have been caused prior to the event that resulted in the insurance claim. Adjusters are trained to look for any signs of wear and tear that may have existed prior to the event. If the adjuster does find evidence of pre-existing damage, they may try to use this to reduce the amount of the claim.
Unforeseen Circumstances
In some cases, the adjuster may argue that the damages were caused by unforeseen circumstances that were not covered by the policy. This argument can be used to deny or reduce the amount of the claim. To avoid this tactic, it is important to understand the language of the policy and make sure that any eventualities are covered. Additionally, if there is evidence to suggest that the damages were caused by an unforeseen circumstance, it is important to present this evidence to the adjuster.
Incorrect Estimates
Adjusters may also try to use incorrect estimates of the cost of repairs or replacements to reduce the amount of the claim. To avoid this tactic, claimants should get multiple estimates from qualified professionals to prove that the original estimate was inaccurate. Additionally, it is important to keep accurate records of all expenses associated with the claim.
Low Valuations
In some cases, the adjuster may use a lower valuation of the property than what is actually listed on the policy. This tactic can be used to reduce the amount of the claim. To avoid this, it is important to make sure that the policy accurately lists the current value of the property. Additionally, if the adjuster does use a lower valuation, it is important to provide evidence of the true value of the property.
Denying Claims
The adjuster may also try to deny the claim altogether. This tactic can be used to avoid paying out the full amount of the claim. To challenge this tactic, it is important to provide evidence that the claim is valid and that it is covered by the policy. Additionally, if the adjuster does deny the claim, it is important to appeal the decision and present additional evidence.
Conclusion
Filing a home insurance claim can be a stressful experience, especially when dealing with adjusters who use secret tactics to reduce the amount of the claim. By understanding these tactics, however, you can be better prepared to defend your claim and get the maximum benefits from your policy. Additionally, it is important to keep accurate records of all expenses associated with the claim and to present evidence to support your claim. Doing so will help ensure that you get the full amount of the claim that you are entitled to.
