Conduct Independent Analysis
If you think the insurance adjuster's estimate is too low, the first thing you should do is get proof from someone else. Get at least two detailed quotes from licensed, reliable contractors who specialize in the type of damage you've had. To make a full comparison with the adjuster's numbers, these estimates should list the costs of supplies, labor, and other things. Take a lot of pictures and videos to show all the damage. Make sure you get angles and details that the adjuster might have missed. If your claim is very complicated or worth a lot of money, you might want to hire a public adjuster. These people only work for policyholders, not insurance companies, and they can usually get you 15–30% more money in payments.
Craft an In-Depth Counterargument
Prepare a formal rebuttal document using the evidence you gathered to address the specific disparities between the adjuster's valuation and your independent estimations. Make sure to emphasize any damages that were not taken into account, repair prices that were underestimated, or goods that were deleted. To back up your claim, you should cite the exact words used in the policy, especially when it comes to provisions for replacement costs or extensions of coverage. To show how much it would actually cost to restore your property to as it was before the loss, you should include documentation of similar materials and current market pricing. Make the disparity between the proposed amount and the appropriate pay stand out by presenting this information in a clear and ordered style.
Reconsideration of Claims Requested
Follow the correct procedures when submitting your counterargument; for example, you should first formally request reconsideration from your adjuster and their supervisor. You should ask for a different adjuster to re-inspect the property since sometimes a new eye can see things differently. Keep talking in a businesslike manner and be persistent yet aggressive while this is happening. Keep track of all correspondence by recording the date, names, topics covered, and follow-up tasks. The best way to keep track of what was discussed and agreed upon during a phone discussion is to send an email summarizing the session.
Escalation Pathways
If reconsideration fails to resolve the discrepancy, several escalation options exist. Utilize your insurer's internal appeals process, which most companies maintain for disputed claims. File a complaint with your state's insurance department, which can mediate disputes and investigate potential regulatory violations. Consider invoking your policy's appraisal clause, which establishes a structured process for resolving valuation disagreements through neutral third-party assessment. For significant discrepancies on major claims, consult with an attorney specializing in insurance law who can advise on legal remedies and representation.