Have you ever wondered why some insurance adjusters start out so friendly, acting like they’re on your side, only to take a sharp turn when it’s time to talk numbers?
No, it’s not a coincidence. It’s a strategy.
Insurance companies don’t make billions by handing out fair settlements. Their adjusters are trained to reduce payouts, and one of their most powerful tools isn’t legal jargon or complex contracts – it’s psychology.
Understanding the tricks they use can mean the difference between getting the compensation you deserve and walking away with a fraction of it.
Let’s break down their playbook.
The ‘Nice Guy’ Act: Building False Rapport
One of the first things that an insurance adjuster will do is try to make you feel comfortable. They might act in a way that makes them seem warm and understanding, and maybe even share a personal anecdote or two.
This is reciprocity bias in action. When someone treats you kindly, you instinctively want to return the favor. And that’s how these adjusters make you let your guard down.
To catch the nice guy act, notice how the adjuster speaks to you. They might:
- Say things like, “I know this must be so stressful for you,” or “I just want to make things as easy as possible for you.”
- Reassure you that they’re looking out for your best interests, making you more likely to trust them.
- Show empathy by relating to your struggles or listening actively (seemingly).
If they succeed in this act, you will start seeing them as an ally rather than an employee of the company.
To counter it, you don’t have to be impolite. Just remember, it’s a business transaction, not a friendship. Talk to the adjuster courteously, but never assume they have your best interests at heart. Because they don’t.
Downplaying Your Injuries
If you say, “I feel a bit sore, but I’m okay,” expect to hear that exact sentence thrown back at you when they argue you don’t deserve a big settlement.
Adjusters use minimization tactics to make your injuries sound less severe than they actually are. And if they succeed, they can justify offering you a lower payout.
They do this by:
- Asking questions about why you didn’t seek medical attention immediately, implying that you weren’t really hurt.
- Suggesting that you had pre-existing conditions that were to blame for your pain, and the accident didn’t cause any.
- Acting skeptical if your injuries aren’t visible or physical, even though internal injuries, soft tissue damage, and mental health concerns are just as serious.
This is why you should see a doctor immediately after an accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries take days to show symptoms.
Also, depending on where you live, the claim about pre-existing conditions may not be valid. For example, in Oregon, you can still sue the negligent party even if the resulting injury was only due to a pre-existing condition you had.
It’s best to reach out to a relevant and experienced lawyer in your area. If you’re in Oregon, contacting Hillsboro personal injury attorneys would be a good choice.
Delaying the Process Until You’re Desperate
Time is money, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, and other expenses.
Insurance adjusters know this, which is why they like to drag things out. This is what you call decision fatigue – the longer you wait, the more mentally exhausted you become.
This tactic increases the chances of you taking whatever the adjuster is offering just to get it over with.
Adjusters delay the process by:
- “Misplacing” documents or claiming they need more paperwork.
- Not responding to emails and calls.
- Asking for more information just to buy more time.
If they figure out that you’re struggling with finances, they will use it to pressure you into settling.
What you can do is keep a record of every conversation and document you share with adjusters, and consider hiring an experienced lawyer to push things forward.
Don’t let frustration make you accept a lowball offer.
Pressuring You to Settle Quickly
Sometimes, instead of delaying the process, adjusters take the opposite approach – rushing you to settle.
People are naturally afraid of losing out on what’s already on the table, even if waiting could lead to a better outcome. Adjusters use this to their advantage.
They might:
- Say things like, “This is the best offer you’ll get, and it won’t be available later,” just to trigger that loss aversion.
- Dangle a check in front of you, hoping you’ll grab it before realizing it’s not enough.
- Suggest that taking the offer now will make your life easier.
Remember this: Once you accept their offer, you can’t ask for more.
The easiest way to counter this is to never accept the first offer. It’s almost always lower than what you actually deserve.
Also, always consult a lawyer before you sign anything.
Twisting Your Words Against You
Insurance adjusters are trained to make it sound like they’re having a casual conversation with you. But every word you say is being analyzed for ways to weaken your claim.
They’re always looking for statements that support their goal of reducing your payout while ignoring everything else, which is why they might:
- Ask leading questions like, “You’re feeling better today, right?” making you instinctively say yes, even if you’re not.
- Get you to admit partial fault without realizing it by asking things like, “Were you distracted by anything before the accident happened?”
- Use your own words, like “I’m feeling a bit better today,” as evidence that your injuries aren’t serious.
Keep your answers short and factual, and never give a recorded statement without legal advice.
How to Outsmart These Tactics
Now that you know how insurance adjusters do things, here’s how to avoid their traps:
- Document everything. Keep medical records, accident reports, or any other documents with the insurance company.
- Stick to the facts. Don’t offer extra details or opinions that can be twisted.
- Refuse to be rushed. Take the time to evaluate your options before accepting any settlement.
- Get professional help. Consult a lawyer to level the playing field and prevent yourself from being taken advantage of.
Insurance adjusters aren’t evil masterminds, but they are trained to use psychology to pay you as little as possible.
The more you understand these psychological tricks, the harder it becomes for them to manipulate you. Don’t let their strategies cost you thousands.
Lesa Smith