It’s normal to feel like you need to finish everything quickly after an accident. You might be missing work, getting medical bills, and getting calls from the insurance company with what sounds like a fair number. That’s why the first offer to settle can be so appealing. But in a lot of claims, the first number isn’t meant to show the full cost of an injury over time. It is meant to close the file.
Why the First Offer is Usually Lower Than You Thought
Most of the time, insurance companies start with a number that gives them some wiggle room. Some adjuster tactics are easy and common, like starting negotiations with a low starting point. Some are more subtle, like asking for a quick recorded statement, pointing out gaps in treatment, or saying your injuries aren’t that bad because you didn’t go to the emergency room. None of this automatically means bad faith, but it does explain why lowball offers are common in the beginning.
Timing is another reason why early offers don’t work. If you’re still getting treatment, you might not know how much it will cost or if you will need follow-up imaging, physical therapy, or visits with specialists. You might not know if the pain will keep you from working or doing your daily tasks for longer than you thought.
Things to Think About Before You Make a Choice
Before you accept any first settlement offer, make sure you can clearly add up all of your damages. Start with medical costs, such as bills, prescriptions, mileage, and any future care your provider thinks you will need. Add in the money you lost and the benefits you missed at work. Then think about costs that you have to pay for yourself, like help with childcare, chores around the house, or getting around. It’s harder to figure out how much pain and suffering you have, but it should be based on your records, what you can’t do, and how the injury affects your daily life.
If the offer needs a release, make sure you know what you’re signing. Many settlements are final, which means you can’t go back later and ask for more money if your symptoms get worse.
How to Talk About an Insurance Claim Without Getting Sidetracked
If you want to talk about the value of an insurance claim, give them facts. Tell the adjuster to explain how they came up with that number. Show proof that a higher number is correct. Be polite and consistent when you talk to each other. When you respond, don’t let your anger show. Instead, link your request to real costs and records. This method makes it less likely that the conversation will turn into a debate about opinions instead of facts.
Questions and Answers
Is the first offer always a lowball offer?
Not always, but it often gives you room to negotiate. Before making a choice, it is best to go over all of your costs and documents.
What are some common ways that adjusters try to get a settlement?
Setting a low starting point, pushing for a quick resolution, questioning when treatment should start, and downplaying symptoms based on limited information.
When is it a good idea to take the first settlement offer?
If the amount clearly covers all of your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs, and you are sure that your treatment is over and you won’t need any more care in the future.
What should I do if I want to talk about the value of my insurance claim?
Get your bills and records together, write down a summary of your damages, make a counteroffer in writing, and ask the insurance company to explain how they came up with their value.
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