Dealing with car insurance adjusters after your car is declared a total loss can be scary. Knowing the process and how to advocate for yourself with the auto insurance company can make all the difference in the settlement you get. In Georgia, this process is even more complicated due to the state’s total loss thresholds.
Working with a Georgia car accident lawyer can be super helpful in guiding you and preparing you to negotiate and get a fair payout from the insurance company. In this blog, we’ll go over the key strategies and tips on how to negotiate with car insurance adjusters about a car total loss so you can feel more confident in the process.
What is a Total Loss?
A total loss is when the cost to repair a vehicle exceeds its value. In other words, if it costs more to fix your car than it’s worth, car insurance adjusters will declare it a total loss. This means you’ll get paid out on the car’s actual cash value, not the cost of repairs.
When is a Vehicle Declared a Totaled Vehicle?
Insurance companies have specific criteria to declare a vehicle a total loss. This involves comparing the repair costs to the car’s value. If the repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the vehicle’s value—usually around 70% to 80%—the insurer will declare it a total loss. This percentage can vary by state and insurance company.
Georgia Specifics on Total Loss Percentages
In Georgia, the total loss thresholds are governed by state law. Georgia uses what’s called the “total loss formula” (TLF) where a vehicle is considered a total loss if the cost of repairs plus the salvage value exceeds the car’s actual cash value. This is different from the fixed percentage approach used in some other states. Knowing the Georgia total loss formula is key because it affects the insurance settlement process and helps you negotiate with your car insurance adjuster.
Car Insurance Adjusters
Knowing the role and tactics of car insurance adjusters is key to getting a fair settlement for your totaled car.
Their Objectives and Strategies
Car insurance adjusters are part of the claims process. Their main goal is to manage costs for the insurance company. They inspect your vehicle and determine its value. Car insurance adjusters use many different ways to calculate this. They look at repair costs, market value, and depreciation. Knowing their objectives will help you prepare to negotiate.
Car insurance adjusters may use specific tactics to reduce payouts. They may start with a low offer and hope you won’t question it. This is a common practice in the industry. Knowing this will help you during the negotiation. You can prepare to counter the insurance company’s offer with facts.
Dealing with Experienced Car Insurance Adjusters
Car insurance adjusters are experienced. They know the ropes of the negotiation process. This can be tough for individuals who are not familiar with the system. But you can even the playing field. Get information on your car’s value and market conditions. This will help you make a strong case.
Negotiating with the Car Insurance Adjuster
Negotiating with your car insurance adjuster can make a big difference in the settlement for your totaled car.
First Conversation with the Car Insurance Adjuster
Start the negotiation by having a clear and calm conversation with the car insurance adjuster. Be prepared to talk about your car’s condition and how the accident affected its value. Set a positive tone from the get-go. This will help the conversation go more smoothly.
Documentation to Support Your Value
Documentation is key. Gather and present evidence to support your claim for more money. This includes:
- Repair records of your car before the accident.
- Receipts for recent upgrades or maintenance.
- Comparable vehicle listings from reputable sources like Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides.
Show this to the car insurance adjuster and they will see your car is worth more than their initial offer. Proper documentation is crucial in negotiating a fair insurance payout.
Stay Calm and Professional during Negotiation
Negotiating with a car insurance adjuster can be tough. Stay calm and professional throughout the process. Don’t get confrontational. Focus on the facts. If you get overwhelmed take a break and collect your thoughts. A cool head will get you better results in your negotiation.
Negotiation Tactics
Negotiating with car insurance adjusters is tough but you can increase your chances of a good outcome with the right tactics. Here are some to consider.
Build a Strong Case with Evidence
Gather all your documentation for your insurance provider. This includes your car’s title, maintenance records, and any recent repair invoices. Collect photos of your car before the accident. Use Kelley Blue Book and NADA Guides to find your car’s fair market value. This will help you make a strong case for the car insurance adjuster.
Counter Offers
Once you get the initial offer from the insurance company, don’t accept it. Review the offer based on your research and evidence. If it’s lower than expected, prepare a counteroffer that reflects your car’s fair market value and the appropriate settlement amount. Be clear and concise in your explanation and use your evidence to support your request. This shows you’re informed and serious about a fair settlement.
Get Help if Needed
If negotiations go nowhere or you get overwhelmed, get help from professionals. An attorney who handles insurance claims can be very helpful. They know the negotiation process and can represent you. This can be especially important if the car insurance adjuster is not budging. Having someone in your corner may get you a better settlement and make sure you get what you’re owed.
Settlement Review
Reviewing the settlement offer is the final step in the negotiation with your insurance company. This is where you determine if the initial offer meets your expectations based on your totaled car’s true value.
Review the Initial Offer
First review the insurance company’s offer. Look for details on how they calculated the amount. See what factors they used, like your car’s age, mileage, and condition before the accident. This will give you a better understanding of their thinking.
Compare the Insurer’s Assessment to Your Research
Next, compare their assessment to your research. Use Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, and the National Automobile Dealers Association to get data on your car’s fair market value. Make a list of similar cars in your area and their prices. This will help you build your case when you negotiate.
Find the Discrepancies and Undervaluations
As you review both offers, look for the differences. If the insurance company’s offer is way lower than your research, document those differences. Note the undervaluations, like missing features or recent upgrades that weren’t considered. This will be your ammo for the car insurance adjuster. Emphasize that the insurance company is obligated to pay fair market value for your vehicle, and use your documentation to negotiate a fair settlement.
Contact an Experienced Georgia Car Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve recently been in an accident and are facing a total loss claim with car insurance adjusters, don’t go through the negotiation process alone. The team at 1Georgia Injury Lawyers is here to help you understand your rights and fight for the settlement you deserve.
Contact us at 678-635-9939 for a free case review today!
