Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company — not for you. Understanding their tactics and knowing how to respond is the difference between a fair settlement and leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
What Does an Insurance Claim Adjuster Actually Do?
An insurance adjuster's job is to evaluate your claim and determine what the insurance company will pay. Despite often sounding sympathetic, the adjuster's primary obligation is to their employer — the insurer. Every dollar they save on your claim is a dollar the insurance company keeps.
Tactics Adjusters Use to Minimize Your Claim
- Quick settlement offers before you know the full extent of your damages
- Asking recorded statements to find inconsistencies
- Citing policy exclusions that may not apply
- Applying excessive depreciation to reduce ACV payments
- Delaying claims until the policyholder gives up or accepts less
How to Protect Your Claim
Document all damage thoroughly with photos and video before any repairs. Get independent contractor estimates rather than relying solely on the insurer's preferred vendors. Do not sign any releases or accept any settlement until you understand the full scope of your damages. Consider consulting with a property insurance attorney before accepting any offer.
When to Hire a Property Insurance Attorney
If your claim is denied, underpaid by more than 20% of your estimate, or delayed beyond Texas statutory timeframes, an attorney can pursue bad faith remedies including attorney's fees and statutory penalties under the Texas Insurance Code.