Insurance Adjuster Tricks to Watch Out for

After a car accident, you might expect the insurance company—yours or the other driver’s—to cover your medical bills, fix your car, and help you get back to normal life. Unfortunately, that’s not always how it works.

Adjusters may use several subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) tactics to reduce or deny your compensation. Knowing these common car accident claim tricks helps you understand your rights and increases your chances of getting the payment you deserve.

Trick #1: Downplaying Your Injuries

Insurance adjusters are trained professionals; their job is to minimize how much money the insurance company pays out. They may suggest your pain isn’t serious, you’re exaggerating, or your injuries were pre-existing.

Red Flags

• “You didn’t go to the hospital right away, so you must not have been that hurt.”
• “You were able to return to work quickly, so your injuries couldn’t have been severe.”
• “You already had back problems before the crash, didn’t you?”

How to Fight Back

• Get prompt medical treatment after the crash.
• Ask your doctors to take notes on your condition and put them in your chart.
• Keep copies of medical records and lost income related to the crash.
• Hire a lawyer with experience in maximizing car accident compensation.

Trick #2: Offering Fast Lowball Settlements

One of the most common tactics insurance adjusters use is to call you shortly after the accident with a settlement offer. It may sound like a relief; they’re ready to write a check and put this behind you.

But here’s the catch: the amount they offer is almost always far less than what your claim is worth. And once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you can’t go back for more money.

Red Flags

• They’re eager to send the check. Insurers know you’re likely stressed and facing medical bills or lost wages, making you more likely to accept a fast, lowball insurance settlement.
• You haven’t reached MMI. They want to settle before you consult an attorney or understand the full extent of your injuries. Accepting a settlement before you’re at maximum medical improvement (MMI) leaves you out-of-pocket for any future medical costs related to the crash.

How to Fight Back

• Document your injuries thoroughly, including their impact on your life and other costs you’ve incurred as a result (such as home help, yard work, babysitting, etc).
• Have a lawyer negotiate on your behalf since insurance company negotiation strategies take time and careful calculations.

Trick #3: Recorded Statements

This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Recorded statements in insurance claims rarely benefit the injured party.

Insurers want you to say something—anything—that they can use against you later. Even innocent remarks like “I didn’t see the other car” or “I feel okay now” can be twisted into admissions of fault or signs that your injuries aren’t serious.

Red Flags

• An adjuster may say they “just need to get more information” or “want to hear your side of the story” and ask if they can record the conversation.
• Your insurance rep sounds sympathetic or friendly, trying to build rapport.

How to Fight Back

• Don’t agree to a recorded statement. You are under no legal obligation to do so.
• Refer all correspondence with insurers to your attorney.
• Have a lawyer create a written statement with you.

Trick #4: Delaying the Claims Process

If a fast underpayment doesn’t work, insurance companies may devalue a claim simply by dragging their feet. This is designed to wear you down and increase your desperation. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to accept a low settlement just to get it over with.

Red Flags

• Adjusters are taking days or weeks to return calls.
• Your insurers repeatedly request information you’ve already provided.
• Your insurance rep “lost” your paperwork.

How to Fight Back

• Keep detailed records of all insurance communications in case you need to prove bad faith.
• Hire a lawyer as soon as possible so you don’t lose the right to sue under Indiana’s statute of limitations.

Contact an Indianapolis Car Accident Attorney

Being aware of these tactics isn’t just about spotting bad behavior—it’s about protecting your rights and your financial future. A car accident can leave you with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress. You should not be stuck with the injuries—and the bill—for someone else’s negligence.

At Wilson Kehoe Winingham, we know how to deal with insurance adjusters who care more about company profits than victims’ pain. Call us at (317) 920-6400 or contact us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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