When an accident happen. Final Settlement

Negotiating a settlement for your insurance claim is much like any other negotiation. You're the "seller" and the adjuster is the "buyer." In essence what you're doing is selling the value of your claim to the insurance company through their representative - the claims adjuster.

The first rule of bargaining with the adjuster is, never lower your demand until the adjuster makes a counter-offer. If you lower your demand once or twice during a single negotiation contact (either in person or in a telephone conversation) without the adjuster making a counter-offer, you've revealed to him that your initial demand is weak. A good rule-of-thumb to always keep in mind is: If you lower your demand you should wait until the adjuster makes a counter-offer before reducing your demand a second time.

BE PATIENT! A claim settled in haste is rarely paid its fair and full value.

Try not to be in a hurry to settle your claim. Don't jump at the first offer. Holding back often increases your settlement amount. In almost every instance the passage of time is on your side. If you're patient you'll discover the adjuster will want to move your claim, sooner rather than later. Because of this you have a much better chance to obtain the "Value" for which you are aiming.

Once you and the adjuster agree on a figure, he'll ask you to sign a "release" to finalize the settlement.

	When an accident happen. If You and adjuster disagree.

If you've reached an impasse, because the adjuster fails to pay you the value you've placed on your claim, politely suggest that your differences might be overcome if you both got another opinion, and ask to speak with his supervisor. Asking the adjuster to bring his immediate superior into the picture may influence him to change his offer. If the adjuster promises to contact his supervisor for a review of the file, you should allow two or three weeks to pass. After he and his supervisor have had a chance to discuss your case the adjuster will often come back with a better offer.

If nothing comes of the above, call the insurance company. You know the adjuster's name. Advise the operator you would like to talk to that adjuster's supervisor. Be sure to have your claim number, the name of their insured, and any other relevant information he may ask for to help him locate your file.

You'll usually find the supervisor will be inclined to chat. One of his major responsibilities is to do everything he can to reduce his department's claim load. Under normal circumstances he'll be happy to get rid of your case because you're just one of thousands! Be prepared to allow him some time to examine your file. He'll probably not be familiar with your claim and will ask to call you back so he can review the facts before proceeding. That's a legitimate and reasonable request.

Do you feel the adjuster hasn't been treating you right? If so keep that to yourself. Don't be nasty or arrogant. It's OK to be firm but you should also be kind and gracious. Don't knock your adjuster. Simply ask his supervisor if there's a way you and he can reach a value on your case and get it settled. More often that not this approach works, especially if your adjuster has a reputation for being excessively negative, hard-nosed, lazy, difficult to deal with, or a combination of those traits which a few insurance adjusters acquire over the years. If you can't obtain a reasonable settlement offer from the supervisor, ask him or her to give you in writing the reasons for the insurance company's position. This statement may be helpful in any further steps you have to take.

If nothing of the above worked you can contact us and we will provide you a lawyer to prepare your case for mediation, arbitration and small cour

	When an accident happen. Mediation, Arbitration, and Small Claims Court.

Mediation takes place when insurance adjuster do not agree with the final settlement. Mediator meets both parties and offer a settlement to both to close the case. If mediation fails case is taken to arbitration, where arbitrator gives his or her decision that is almost final. The last resort is to take the case to a Small Court where the decision is final and case will be closed.