I have been on both sides of the negotiation table. I have worked for insurance companies, defending personal injury lawsuits. Now, I use that knowledge to assist my injured clients with their injury claims. Here, I share five questions that insurance adjusters hate to answer, and for good reasons.
1. What are the available policy limits on my injury claim?
In many states, including Kentucky, the insurance company isn’t required to disclose the policy limits of the at-fault party prior to the filing of the lawsuit. However, asking this question can show the adjuster that you are knowledgeable about your potential claim value. It might even prompt the adjuster to reveal the policy limit amount, especially in states outside of Kentucky. The adjusters are usually reluctant to reveal this information as it can hamper their ability to offer a low settlement.
The “authority” of an adjuster refers to the maximum amount they can offer to settle a claim. This limit is typically set by a claim’s supervisor or someone higher up within the insurance company. Adjusters dislike this question because it might force them to consult with their supervisor more frequently. This is especially the case if your demand offers exceed their authority.
3. How much have you paid for similar injuries to mine in the past?
Insurance adjusters have access to vast databases that show what their company has paid for similar injuries in the past. They may be reluctant to share this information with you, but asking this question enables you to do your research. You can investigate verdicts in your local jurisdiction to find out what juries have been awarded for similar injuries and use that information to argue for a higher settlement.
4. How many times has your insurance company or your insureds lost a trial?
An insurance company loses a trial in an injury case when a jury awards the injury victim an amount greater than the insurance company’s last settlement offer. By asking this question, you are subtly hinting that you may be willing to take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered. This can potentially help you receive a higher offer.
5. What is the reserve on my injury claim?
The “reserve” is the amount the insurance company has set aside to pay your claim. This differs from the adjuster’s “authority.” The adjuster might have less authority than the reserve set by the insurance company. While it’s unlikely the adjuster will disclose the reserve, asking this question displays your knowledge about how insurance claims are assessed and could set the groundwork for your case to be transferred to a supervisor with higher authority.
Injured? Don’t Wait, Call Tate! For Help On Your Injury Case
Kentucky lawyer Tate Meagher and his team are here to fight back against the insurance companies and large corporate defendants for you. Tate and his team help those injured in car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycling accidents, bus accidents, slip or trip and fall incidents, premises liability incidents, dog bite incidents, and dog attack incidents.
