Even if the offer seems reasonable at first glance, you should always negotiate. After researching the value of your car, create a number that you consider fair for a deal. It must be the absolute minimum that you are willing to accept. Proper research, documentation and the setting of reasonable expectations must result in a fair agreement.
If you think you don't receive a reasonable offer after negotiation attempts, please contact your agent for guidance. In some states, the consumer affairs office may provide additional advice. When the insurance adjuster makes you a first offer, it can be so low that it's just a tactic to see if you know what you're doing (see below). Or it may be a reasonable offer, too low.
If the offer is reasonable, you can immediately make a counteroffer that is slightly lower than the amount of your demand letter. This shows the adjuster that you are also being reasonable and willing to commit. A little more negotiation should quickly lead you to a final amount of agreement that you both consider fair. The foundations of any good negotiation are a fair idea of what your car or its repairs will cost and you will have patience.
Document everything and ask for documents in return. If the insurance company refuses to be fair or realistic in its offers to you, you may consider filing a lawsuit in civil court, and remember that just because you file a lawsuit does not mean that you will end up spending time in a courtroom. You can negotiate a higher payment with insurance if your car is considered a total loss. Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be difficult, especially if you were injured in the accident.
When filing an auto insurance claim, many claimants accept the first offer from the auto insurance company without reviewing the details of the offer. If your car is damaged to the point where the repair cost is higher than it is worth, your insurer can declare your car as a total loss. This file must include a police accident report, if any, records of doctor visits, car repair bills, and anything else relevant to your accident. Sutliff & Stout are experienced car accident lawyers representing injured clients who have been involved in car, motorcycle and truck accidents in and around Houston.
When you file a claim on your auto insurance policy, your case will likely be assigned to a claims adjuster. Keeping records of the improvements you made to the car before the accident can also affect your final payment. If You Can't Determine a Fair Insurance Settlement, a Board-Certified Car Accident Attorney Can Help You. The following tips below will put you on the right path to negotiating a fair car insurance agreement with the insurance company after a car accident.
If the prospect of negotiating with your insurance company or that of the other driver is overwhelming, or if an insurance company has refused to pay you a fair settlement, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the process of negotiating and settling claims. Any rebate you receive for the value of the car will be used to pay the lease and the remaining value of the car. If you can't reach a fair settlement agreement after negotiating with an insurance company, you may need to hire a car accident lawyer. In a car accident, the at-fault insurance company can accept liability for damage to your vehicle and make an offer to resolve the property damage claim.
We strongly recommend that you talk to a qualified car accident lawyer if you think your insurance company is not offering fair compensation. .
