Adjuster

Understanding the Role of Insurance Adjusters in Connecticut

Insurance adjusters play a significant role in personal injury cases, and understanding their responsibilities and limitations can help you navigate the complex world of insurance claims. In Connecticut, the term “adjuster” is defined and regulated under state law, ensuring that adjusters must follow strict ethical and legal guidelines. While this regulation benefits you as an injury victim, it can also make the claims process complicated.

Who Can Become an Adjuster in Connecticut?

To work as an insurance adjuster in Connecticut, a person must be licensed by the state. This licensing process ensures that adjusters adhere to the rules and regulations that protect you, the policyholder, during the claims process. To become licensed, an adjuster must:

• Meet minimum education requirements
• Pass testing
• Undergo background checks
• Be of a certain age
• Complete an application

Once licensed, adjusters must continue their education to maintain their credentials and stay up-to-date with any changes in insurance laws.

What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?

An insurance adjuster is responsible for making critical decisions that directly affect your claim. When you submit a claim, the adjuster will assess various factors, including:

• Whether the person making the claim is covered under the insurance policy
• Whether the specific incident falls under the terms of the policy
• If the incident occurred within the policy’s coverage period
• How much the insurance company will pay on the claim
• What type of investigation, if any, should be conducted
• Whether the claim will be settled or proceed to court
• Whether an attorney will be needed to defend the claim or determine the extent of coverage

For example, if you’re involved in a car accident, the insurance adjuster will examine the situation and determine the next steps. The adjuster may deny coverage to the other driver, affecting your ability to receive compensation, or they might offer you a settlement outright. In some cases, they may need to investigate further before making a decision.

Is an Adjuster a Lawyer?

No, insurance adjusters are not lawyers. Only licensed attorneys can practice law. It is illegal for an adjuster to offer legal advice, and if they do, it should be disregarded. Keep in mind that it’s often not in your best interest for an adjuster to provide legal guidance, as their goal is to minimize the amount the insurance company has to pay.

Are All Adjusters the Same?

No, adjusters vary based on their areas of expertise. Some adjusters work exclusively on certain types of insurance claims, such as:

• Property insurance (homes, personal property)
• Auto insurance (car accidents, vehicle damage)
• Trucking insurance (large vehicles, commercial liability)
• Workers’ compensation (work-related injuries)
• General liability (business-related accidents)

Adjusters have specialized knowledge, and in some cases, this experience may be used to challenge or reduce your claim. Insurance companies may try to take advantage of your lack of familiarity with their process, making it harder for you to recover the compensation you deserve.

Fighting Back Against Adjusters: How We Can Help You

Insurance adjusters often have a significant amount of influence over your claim, and they are trained to minimize payouts. If an adjuster is making it difficult for you to recover the compensation you’re entitled to, the experienced team at Bert McDowell Injury Law can help you fight back. We have over 20 years of experience handling insurance claims and can navigate the complexities of the claims process on your behalf.

Need Help With Your Insurance Claim?

If you feel that an insurance adjuster is unfairly denying or undervaluing your claim, contact Bert McDowell Injury Law today. We offer FREE consultations and are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Fill out the form on this page or call us at (475) 231-3274 to get started.