Insurer Perspective

• Before you even begin settlement discussions with your insurer's claims adjuster, it is important to gain an understanding of your insurer's perspective. Insurance companies attempt to build goodwill through consumer-friendly advertising, but when it comes time to settle, the company is not necessarily your best friend. Insurers maximize profits by minimizing claim payments, so you can be sure your claims adjuster will do all he can to keep your claim payment as low as possible.
  
  

Do Your Homework

• Gain an idea of what a fair settlement offer should be by doing your homework. Check with auto body shops to see how much replacement parts actually cost, and get repair estimates from a number of shops, not just ones mentioned by the insurer. If the lack of access to the vehicle caused you to miss work, factor any lost wages into your desired settlement figure and have the documentation to support you. When it's time to settle, you should have a specific dollar figure in mind.
  
  

Negotiate

• You can be sure that the settlement amount offered by your adjuster will be the lowest amount he believes the company is legally obligated to pay. There's also a good chance that it will be lower than your own figure. Instead of merely accepting the adjuster's first offer, make a counteroffer and use your own research to justify the amount. While you may not get the full amount you hoped for, negotiating toward a middle ground may still get you more than the initial offer.
  
  

Appeals

• If you feel that your insurance company is not acting fairly during the settlement process, such as by attempting to mislead you or by misrepresenting facts regarding your claim, you do have rights. Your insurance policy must list the appropriate appeal procedure, which may include processes like mediation or arbitration. If you still are not satisfied with the insurer's actions, every state has laws governing unfair claims practices if you wish to pursue legal action.