Learn why adjusters undervalue claims, how to identify low offers, and strategies to negotiate fair settlements.
Get Claim Navigator →You get an estimate from your insurance adjuster that seems low, but you're not sure if it's actually unfair or if you're just hoping for more. Here's how to tell the difference.
The clearest sign of a lowball offer is when multiple contractors provide quotes that are $5,000, $10,000, or $20,000 higher than the adjuster's estimate. One contractor might be high, but if three contractors are all significantly above the adjuster's number, the adjuster's estimate is probably low.
Compare the adjuster's estimate line by line against what contractors say needs repair. If the adjuster's estimate is missing entire categories of work, it's a lowball offer.
Even if the adjuster includes all the right line items, the unit prices might be artificially low. Insurance companies use proprietary pricing databases that often reflect below-market rates.
For actual cash value policies or recoverable depreciation, check whether the depreciation percentages are reasonable. Adjusters sometimes apply aggressive depreciation that exceeds industry standards.
Every dollar not paid on claims is a dollar of profit
Most people don't know what a fair settlement looks like
Starting low gives room to negotiate while still paying less than fair value
Software and pricing databases are calibrated to produce low estimates
Don't accept the first offer. Follow these steps to negotiate a fair settlement.
Get the tools and guidance you need to negotiate a fair insurance settlement.
Get Claim NavigatorNo. Even if the first offer seems reasonable, it's worth getting contractor quotes and reviewing the estimate. Initial offers are almost always negotiable.
Results vary, but increases of 20-50% are common when policyholders provide proper documentation and negotiate effectively.
No. Negotiation is expected and normal. Insurance companies respond better to policyholders who understand the process and communicate professionally.
Escalate to their supervisor, file a complaint with your state insurance department, or invoke your policy's appraisal clause.
Not necessarily. Many policyholders successfully negotiate fair settlements with proper guidance and tools, avoiding the 10-30% fee public adjusters charge.