What to Do When Your Insurance Adjuster Isn’t Meeting Your Expectations

Dealing with insurance claims after an accident or damage to your home can be challenging enough without the added stress of an unresponsive or unhelpful claims adjuster. As an insurance agent, I’ve seen firsthand how a great claims adjuster can ease a stressful situation, while a poor one can make the process feel even more overwhelming. If you’re facing frustration because your adjuster isn’t providing clear communication, thorough explanations, or simply seems overwhelmed, it’s important to understand what’s happening and how you can get things back on track.

In this ongoing series every Tuesday and Thursday, I’m exploring common frustrations consumers experience with insurance—and providing clear steps on how you can effectively navigate each situation. Today, we’ll dive into why you might be experiencing difficulties with your claims adjuster, how your insurance agent can help smooth things out, and practical steps to get your claim moving again.

Why Do Problems With Claims Adjusters Occur?

Insurance adjusters play a critical role in evaluating your claim, assessing damage, and determining payouts. Most adjusters aim to provide quality service, but sometimes issues arise. Here’s why:

1. Heavy Workload and Shortages

One of the biggest reasons for poor communication or rushed evaluations from an insurance adjuster is simply workload. After a large storm, flood, or other widespread incident, adjusters quickly become overloaded. Many are managing numerous claims simultaneously, which can affect their ability to provide personalized attention or timely responses.

2. Communication Challenges

Not every adjuster excels in clear and frequent communication. Some might be excellent with the technical side of evaluating damage but struggle to keep policyholders informed, leading to frustration or confusion. Without clear communication, misunderstandings about the claims process can easily occur.

3. Inconsistent Evaluation Methods

While insurance companies have guidelines for evaluating claims, adjusters vary in their level of thoroughness and experience. Less-experienced adjusters might miss important details or not fully understand local repair costs, resulting in evaluations that don’t fully cover damages.

4. Misunderstandings and Miscommunications

Sometimes disagreements stem from simple misunderstandings. Adjusters rely on documentation and details provided by policyholders, and if these documents or photos aren’t clear enough, miscommunications and frustration can arise.

How to Handle Issues with Your Insurance Adjuster

Experiencing frustration with your claims adjuster doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Here are practical ways to address the situation effectively:

1. Clearly Document Your Communication

Keep detailed records of every interaction you have with your adjuster, including dates, phone calls, emails, and exactly what was discussed. Good records help clarify misunderstandings and serve as powerful evidence if further action is required.

2. Request Regular Updates

Don’t wait passively for your adjuster to reach out to you. Schedule regular follow-ups to stay informed about the status of your claim. Polite but persistent communication can help keep your claim moving forward.

3. Provide Additional Information

If you believe your adjuster has missed something important, submit additional photos, detailed estimates from contractors, or documentation clearly outlining your losses. Providing clear evidence makes it easier for them to reconsider their evaluation.

4. Ask for a Second Opinion

If you’re genuinely concerned that the adjuster is underestimating damage or repair costs, consider getting an independent estimate from a trusted contractor or a public adjuster. Presenting this second opinion can help ensure your claim receives fair consideration.

5. Contact Your Insurance Agent for Help

One of the most effective solutions to resolving frustrations with an insurance adjuster is working closely with your insurance agent. Agents have direct relationships with claims departments and can often intervene to speed up communication, clarify misunderstandings, and advocate for a fair evaluation.

6. How Your Insurance Agent Makes a Difference

Your agent’s job doesn’t stop once your policy is issued. In fact, some of their most important work happens when you file a claim. Here’s how your agent can help when you’re struggling with an adjuster:

• They can help facilitating communication. Instead of repeatedly chasing down your adjuster yourself, your agent can step in and help you get timely updates and clearer information. Agents have established connections within the claims department, making communication faster and more efficient.
• The can be an advocate on your behalf. A skilled insurance agent knows your policy inside and out and can effectively argue your case if the adjuster’s evaluation seems inaccurate or unfair. They can guide the adjuster through overlooked details or negotiate a more reasonable payout for you.
• An experienced agent can help guide you through the process. Claim procedures can be complicated. Your agent can clearly explain each step, help you anticipate what’s next, and provide tips to streamline the process. This guidance reduces stress and ensures you always know what to expect.

Steps to Prevent Problems Before They Start

The best approach is proactive prevention. Here’s what you can do now to ensure a smoother claims experience in the future:

• Discuss your policy thoroughly. Regularly review your coverage with your agent so you’re clear on what’s covered and what isn’t.
• Know what documentation is required. Ask your agent about necessary documentation for filing claims so you’re prepared ahead of time.
• Build a good relationship. Developing a solid relationship with your agent means having a trusted advocate ready to help whenever you face difficulties.

Getting the Service and Support You Deserve

Encountering problems with your insurance adjuster can be frustrating, but there are clear ways to resolve these challenges. Keeping detailed records, being proactive, and working closely with a dedicated agent who can advocate for your interests ensures a smoother claims process and a fair settlement.

If you’re currently experiencing difficulties with your claims process, or if you’d simply like reassurance that your policy provides adequate protection, reach out today. I’m here to help you understand your coverage, answer your questions, and ensure you receive the excellent service you deserve.

Check back every Tuesday and Thursday as we continue to explore other common insurance issues and give you practical ways to handle them with confidence.