"Adjusters are human too, and sometimes a friendly reminder can bump your claim back to the top of their pile."
Couldn't agree more. Last year, my claim sat untouched for weeks until I called—politely, of course—and suddenly it was processed the next day. Funny how that works sometimes...
Yeah, it's funny how a quick call can make all the difference. Had a similar experience when my '68 Mustang got rear-ended—claim was just sitting there gathering dust. One friendly check-in later, and suddenly things started moving again. Adjusters probably juggle tons of cases, so a polite nudge can remind them you're still waiting. Glad yours worked out smoothly in the end... patience and politeness usually pay off in these situations.
Yeah, patience and politeness can help, but honestly I've seen adjusters drag their feet no matter how nicely you nudge them. Had a minor fender-bender last year and it took multiple calls before anything budged. Guess it depends on luck and who picks up the phone that day...
"Guess it depends on luck and who picks up the phone that day..."
Gotta disagree slightly here. Luck might play a part, but relying on luck or just being polite isn't really a solid strategy when dealing with adjusters. I've had a few run-ins myself and found that having a clear, documented approach beats patience every time.
Here's what I usually do, step-by-step:
1. **Document EVERYTHING immediately after the incident**: Photos, videos, notes on weather, time, location, traffic conditions—everything matters. Adjusters drag less when there’s clear evidence in front of them.
2. **Get a police report**: Even minor fender-benders benefit from official documentation. Insurance companies love paperwork, and adjusters can't ignore something official as easily.
3. **Communicate in writing whenever possible**: Phone conversations can be forgotten or misunderstood. Emails create a clear paper trail. If you must call, follow up with an email summarizing the conversation (date, time, who you spoke with, and key points discussed).
4. **Set clear expectations and deadlines**: Politely but firmly state what you expect and when you expect it. For example, say something like, "I understand processing takes time, but I expect to hear back by Friday." Adjusters are more likely to prioritize your case if they know you're keeping track.
5. **Escalate when necessary**: If you notice unnecessary delays, don't shy away from escalating to supervisors or management. Adjusters often have heavy caseloads, and squeaky wheels do get greased first.
I learned my lesson after being overly patient once—my claim sat untouched for weeks. Ever since I started using this approach, things have moved much smoother and faster. Politeness still matters (no need to be rude to anyone doing their job), but being assertive and organized is the real key to getting adjusters moving.
Totally agree with having things in writing—saved me big time last year. One thing I'd add is keeping a log of every interaction (calls, emails, etc.). Adjusters notice when you're organized and serious about your claim... makes a difference.
