On not talking to adjusters

Was asked to give a speech on how to communicate with adjusters.  Showed up and told the group that my rule of thumb was to never talk to them at all.

• All they will do is make a self serving entry in the file that they talked to you and it will always be slanted in the insurance company’s favor.

• Or they get gold stars for checking off speaking to you.

• For attorneys who do not yet have significant track record/trial experience they are gaging how eager/hungry you are to settle. So when you call and say - hey did you get the demand - they know you are both eager and hungry.

• If they want something they can send a letter to you.

• If you want something send them a letter.

• If you send a letter. This will be put in the insurance files and cannot be paraphrased/skewed by the adjuster

• If they don’t do something on time like respond to a demand or request, send them one reminder if you want. Otherwise proceed by filing the lawsuit etc. which will then result in a lawyer being assigned.

 There are always exceptions to the general rule.  But this is the general rule for me.

Also p.s. Stop sending them bits and pieces of data as it is being collected. Wait until you can produce all or most of it at the same time. Otherwise you have contributed to the adjuster setting reserves too low based upon incomplete information.

 Photo: me not talking to an adjuster.