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How can I negotiate with a car insurance adjuster?

I recently got into a fender bender and the offer from the insurance adjuster seems drastically low. I told him I needed time to do some research and will get back to him in a day or two. I’ve never had to deal with anything like this and was wondering, can I negotiate with the car insurance adjuster?

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Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The process following an accident can be stressful.
Car insurance
companies often try to settle claims as quickly as possible and for the lowest payout possible. However, you do not have to accept their initial offer, and insurance companies often expect negotiations to ensue.
Before you reach out to enter negotiations, you are going to want to have a counter offer prepared and a separate price that you are prepared to accept. Additionally, make sure to gather all the documentation you can to support your case. This can include:
  • Receipts for vehicle repairs
  • Comparable vehicle values
  • Images of the damaged vehicle
  • A police report (if available)
Once negotiations begin, be prepared for a bit of back and forth before settling on an offer. If you are still not satisfied with their offer, you can escalate the situation by requesting additional appraisals. Both you and the insurance company select appraisers, and they would determine the final amount to be paid out.
Once the claim is settled and your rate is adjusted, it may be time to look for a new car insurance company. Using a comparison and shopping app like
Jerry
is a great way to compare
car insurance quotes online
from up to 50+ different insurance companies to ensure you are never overpaying for insurance. The average Jerry driver saves $879 a year on car insurance!
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