How Insurance Adjusters Reduce Your Settlement — And What You Can Do About It

July 14, 2025•3 min read

After an accident, many people believe the insurance company is on their side. They expect fair compensation for their injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages, and pain. But the truth is: insurance adjusters are trained to reduce your payout—not maximize it.

At Nelson, Bryan, and Cross, we’ve seen countless clients come to us after receiving lowball settlement offers. In many cases, they had no idea how much their claim was really worth—or how insurance companies work behind the scenes to minimize what they pay.

Here’s how insurance adjusters reduce your settlement—and what you can do to protect yourself.

1. Acting Like They’re on Your Side

Adjusters are skilled at building trust quickly. They may seem kind, patient, and even sympathetic. But remember: their loyalty lies with the insurance company—not with you.

They’re trained to:

Get you to say things that could hurt your claim
Discourage you from hiring a lawyer
Push for a quick, cheap settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries

2. Asking for a Recorded Statement

One of the first tactics adjusters use is asking for a recorded statement. While this may seem routine, they often use your own words against you later.

For example, if you say “I’m feeling okay” — that could be used to argue your injuries were not serious. If you misremember a fact, they may claim your story lacks credibility.

Tip: Never give a recorded statement without legal guidance.

3. Downplaying Your Injuries

Insurance companies often argue that your injuries:

Were pre-existing
Are not as severe as you claim
Do not require extensive treatment
Could have healed quickly

They may rely on doctors hired by the insurer or use vague language in your medical records to minimize your claim.

That’s why prompt medical care and accurate documentation are critical.

4. Delaying the Process

Adjusters know that time is on their side. They may:

Take weeks to return calls
“Lose” documents
Request unnecessary paperwork
Drag out the claim process

Their goal? Wear you down, frustrate you, and pressure you to accept a lower settlement out of desperation.

5. Using Surveillance and Social Media

If your claim involves a serious injury, don’t be surprised if the insurance company investigates you. They may:

Hire private investigators
Monitor your social media accounts
Look for photos, videos, or posts that suggest you’re not as injured as claimed

Even innocent activities—like attending a family event—can be twisted to imply you’re exaggerating your condition.

6. Making a Lowball Offer Early

Sometimes adjusters will make a quick offer in hopes you’ll accept before knowing the full cost of your recovery. But accepting too early can mean:

No compensation for future medical care
No payment for lost future wages
No reimbursement for ongoing pain and suffering

Once you sign a release, you can’t go back later—even if your condition worsens.

How You Can Fight Back

You don’t have to accept the insurance company’s version of your story—or their valuation of your claim. To level the playing field:

Hire an experienced personal injury attorney
Let your attorney handle communications with the insurer
Document everything: medical visits, treatments, lost income, symptoms
Avoid social media while your claim is pending
Get second opinions on medical findings when needed

At Nelson, Bryan, and Cross, we know how insurance companies operate. We’ve negotiated with them, gone up against them in court, and helped countless clients recover what they truly deserve.

You Deserve Fair Compensation — Not Games

Don’t let an insurance adjuster pressure you into settling for less. You have the right to full, fair compensation for your injuries, expenses, and emotional distress.

Dave Pridemore

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