INSURANCE ADJUSTERS

People are increasingly frustrated in their dealings and conversations with insurance adjusters and claims representatives. The "take it or leave it" attitudes and the "one offer settlements" are raising the public's anger and dislike for what they feel is a one sided approach to their problems. It has become, with some companies, "just a business"---without attempt to understand, relate and try to help. No. Not all claims adjusters operate in a rude or difficult manner. Some are pleasant , promptly available, helpful and sympathetic. But, increasingly, many are not. Have you ever:

1. Been unable to find or reach an adjuster to talk with you about your claim?

2. Called and been given over to a voice mail message system that requires you to not only remember numbers and extensions (yes, and even call back because you "got lost" in the options (i.e.) "press 1", "press 2", Press 3", etc.), then been told that the person was "in the office today, but away from their desk or on the phone helping other customers" and not get a "real person"?

3. Then, get the "real person" only to find that they are not aware of your claim (the person who caused your injury has yet to report it first before they can "open a file" and help you) or really, give you the feeling that they just don't care?

4. You receive a letter or call from an insurance adjuster with an offer on your claim very much less than it would take to put things right.

5. Been told by an insurance adjuster things that you feel were either untrue or unfair, (or both) and, that the offer is the "best they could do for you,"
   OR

6. Finally, you felt that you were a victim Twice--once though no fault of yours, you suffered the injury, loss and damage, and, then a second time in your dealings with an adjuster where you may have felt insulted and taken advantage of-and none of this was even your fault to begin with!!

We often hear such complaints about some insurance companies today. Everyone would like to settle these matters without suits, trials and delays. Everyone, it seems, except a growing number of insurance representatives and companies.

When did things, in some companies, "turn so ugly"? We believe that many companies today have become so big, profitable and powerful that they have lost touch with people on a personal level. Insurance is big business. Insurance companies control huge amounts of money, property and investments. While there is nothing wrong with the concept of "making a reasonable profit", it is wrong when making a profit is the primary goal, and paying losses and customer service are no longer of prime importance.

Many insurance companies today have forgotten what it is that they are really supposed to do- what it is they exist for in the first place-to pay for the losses and reasonable damages people have suffered at the hands of their insured!

Insurance premiums are not, and should not, be and become the sole property of any insurance company or adjuster. That money and those funds ( after subtracting reasonable business expenses, profits and costs) should be in the nature of a "public trust" available to fairly compensate victims and their families. Such payments should be made promptly, courteously and fairly. Many times today, they are not.

What has happened to insurance companies today? We think we know, and, we believe that we know how we need to respond.

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