I have handled a lot of claims in my four-plus years as a claims adjuster. I would love to say that all of them end with the insured adding me to their Christmas card list, but this is not always the case.
My goal is to make the claims process as painless and easy for the insured as possible so we can reach a fair and timely settlement. In order to meet that goal, I need some assistance from you, the insured. Here are a few tips that can help you develop a good relationship with your claims adjuster:
- Communicate. The claims adjuster should provide you with their expectations on how the claims process will work. I recommend you voice your expectations to the claims adjuster as well so everyone is on the same page. Little things like letting your adjuster know the best time to call can go a long way in saving time and preventing headaches.
- Be cooperative. In most claims situations, the claims adjuster is going to request some type of documentation or information. Get the information to the adjuster as quickly as possible and ask if there is anything else you can do.
- Be patient. As I have said, I want to close the claim as quickly as possible, but I also need to make sure I am doing my job correctly. All claims are different in some way and some are just more difficult to resolve in a timely matter. Trust me, your claims adjuster is doing what he or she can to close the claim because the average life of a claim file is one of the standards we are measured by.
- Trust your adjuster. I know you have heard the horror stories about claims adjusters and how they are out to rip you off. This is not the case at all. My first day of work I was told, “We are not here to deny coverage, we are here to find coverage.” Don’t let one bad experience determine your attitude towards your current claims adjuster. Give them a chance.
I understand that anytime you need to talk to your claims adjuster, something has probably already gone horribly wrong. I understand that you probably aren’t in the best of moods when you hear from your adjuster. My only request is that you remember we are here to help you. If you bring a positive attitude to the process, we can get off to a positive start and the claims process will go a lot smoother.
Tell me about an experience you’ve had with your with claims adjuster. Was it positive given the circumstances? Do you have any recommendations on what your claims adjuster can do to help build your relationship? Let me know!
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