When the adjuster’s settlement offer is too low

If you are referring to the adjuster’s opening offer, ninety-nine times out of a hundred, it will be too low. An insurance adjuster is given authority by her supervisor to settle a case within a dollar range, say $17,000 to $22,500. Why would she start anywhere but at or near the bottom of the range if her aim is to settle the case as cheaply as possible for her employer? For that reason, it is unwise to accept her first offer whether you think it’s too low or not.

Suppose you have no idea what the value of your case is and the adjuster makes an offer that gets you really excited—sounds like a lot of money! Chances are, it is still on the low end of her authorized range. Don’t jump at it. You can and should make a counter-demand for more.

Note that the lower the amount, the narrower the adjuster’s range is from lowest to highest. For example, if she’s offering you $1,200, it is likely that her range is from about $1,000 to about $2,500. If the offer is $5,000, her likely range is a little wider, say, from $5,000 to about $8,000. As the numbers go up, the range gets wider. A larger case with an offer of $17,000 may go up to $22,000 or so. Larger than that, an offer of $65,000 may go as high as $80,000.

I wouldn’t suggest asking for an outrageous amount just because you know the adjuster has more money to play with. That won’t bring you any closer to settling your claim. In other words, don’t ask for $100,000 when the offer is $1,500 unless there is some very important, compelling proof that the adjuster does not yet have that will justify your demand. Asking for more than what is offered, however, to open the door to further negotiations is perfectly fine. Just be reasonable.

For more information about auto insurance claims, check out the following articles:

Evaluating Your Own Car Insurance Claim

The Initial Steps in Settling Your Car Insurance Claim

Negotiating Your Car Insurance Settlement

Making a Demand or Waiting for an Offer

Settling Your Car Insurance Claim: How to Write a Demand Letter

When Your Car Insurance Claim is Denied

The Medical Authorization Form: What it is and Why You Got One

Check out our Free Advice website if you would like to learn more about auto accidents and the law.

Student Car Insurance

Money matters can be tough for University-goers and car insurance is no exception. Despite only making up 7% of the car insurance market, young drivers, including students, pay 22% of the total premiums in the UK.

The reason cheap student car insurance is hard to come by is because students are deemed a high risk group. According to the Association of British Insurers 18-year-olds are involved in three times as many accidents as drivers in their fifties and students typically live in high crime areas.
What should students look for in a car insurance policy?

Most young drivers will be focused on one thing - finding the cheapest car insurance. However, if you can afford it, think beyond the price and look for the best student car insurance policy offering the right level of cover for you. Consider the value of policy features such as a courtesy car if you travel to uni from home and would be stranded without your car.

Generally however, finding cheap student car insurance is the main objective. If you are driving an inexpensive car you may prefer third party only or third party fire and theft coverage to comprehensive cover as the latter may cost more in annual premiums than the vehicle itself is worth.
Get a new car insurance quote now
How can students save money on car insurance?

There are several additional ways to save on student car insurance:

* Buy carefully - Pick a car with a small engine and no modifications.
* Enhance security - Consider installing an alarm and immobiliser to earn a discount. Parking in a garage overnight or at least in a well-lit area could also help you save.
* Mileage limit - If your seminars are only held in the afternoons agree not to drive during the rush hour, or agree to a mileage limit if you only travel short distances.
* No-claims discounts - Many providers offer rapid bonus schemes to students allowing them to earn a full year's discount on student car insurance in around nine months.
* Pass Plus - Complete the Pass Plus course straight after your driving test to earn a discount of 10% or more in your first year.
* Shop around - Gather as many quotes as you can to save cash.

Though it is possible to add a parent as a named driver to a policy for a marginal discount, never ask another driver to front a policy for you as this is illegal and may invalidate a claim.

Insurance Steve Poizner announced the entry higher in the low-cost insurance program, even three years

Amid 12.5 percent unemployment, Californians are still the smart choice to stay insured

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced today that in February the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) is the largest number of people included visa for one month during the last three years. Poizner urged all Californians are affected by the recession, continued to all other options before falling to consider car insurance insurance.

"In the midst of economic crisis, people cut corners where they can, and some have even made the unwise decision to get rid of auto insurance," said Commissioner Poizner. "During a moment of economic difficulty was in California, I am encouraged me that drivers are out of this program that can save them money and prevent them from breaking the law. J think would benefit all throw Their car request insurance, think again. "

The program received 788 applications for ALCC in February 2010, more than any other month in three years. The program has also seen an increase of 30 percent over the use to date in 2010, compared to the same period of 2009. There was a jump of 18.9 percent in 2009, used in the previous year. An awareness program active and growing economic conditions in the program, which was founded in 1999 and credited in every county in California since 2007.

Approximately 7,500 applications were approved in 2009 compared to CICA 6306 in 2008. The busiest month was April 2009 with 727 questions. The monthly average for the year of 624 applications.

The purpose of the CICA is a liability insurance cheap car for drivers who can demonstrate a good financial need. Prices are fixed annually in each region and set up so that premiums are sufficient to cover losses and expenses in each county. County rates are http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0100-consumers/0060-information-guides/0010-automobile/lca/index.cfm.

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is reminding motorists that it is easier to qualify for the program than they might think. Eligibility for the program are:

* The candidate must have at least 19 years of continuous license for 3 years and the driver must be in "good" - no more than one at-fault property damage only accident, or one point for a moving violation in the last three years .
* No accident because of injury or death during the last three years and no crime or misdemeanor conviction for a violation of vehicle.
* The family meets the income limits of $ 27,075 qualifies for a single person, $ 36,425 for two persons and $ 55,125 for a family of four. Restrictions continued to increase with family size.
* The value of an insured vehicle must not exceed $ 20,000.
payment plans are available.

To see if you qualify for ALCC, go to www.insurance.ca.gov / low cost, or by phone at (866) 60-AUTO-1 (866-602-8861).
# # #


Please visit the Department of Insurance website www.insurance.ca.gov. Media requests should be directed to toll free consumer 800.927.HELP. Callers from outside the state, please call 213.897.8921. The telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD), please call 800.482.4833.