Question
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with an owner-operator who is having a very difficult time with an adjuster.
The adjuster is as important as the insurance company and agent and perhaps at times more so.
There are literally hundreds of adjusters, often referred to as "heavy equipment appraisers". In my insurance career of some 24 years, some appraisers are excellent and others....well, perhaps they shouldn't be appraising trucks.
Usually the insurance company will assign an independent adjuster. Your agent may not have any input into this area. But it is imperative you stay in touch with your agent regarding any problems and/or concerns. The agent can mediate on your behalf to help in getting problems resolved.
It's in your best interest to keep good notes. Document your phone conversations with the adjuster. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but the main points are important. For example if the adjuster tells you he'll give you a new tire with no deduction for wear, verify it with him at that time, then WRITE IT DOWN. When the repairs are done and he's not made any compensation for the tire, you can refer to your notes (referencing the date, time, place and any other parties present) as a reminder to the adjuster. It may have just been a simple oversight.
Letting too much time lapse can cause additional misunderstandings.
Also, it is your responsibility to stay on top of the repairs. If the repairing garage is not working on your vehicle and it's not due to back-ordered parts or the like, find out what's going on and attempt to correct the problem. Minimize the downtime.
You need to remember this is your business and when it's down, there's no revenue and the truck payments don't stop.
Keep your agent informed, keep good notes and monitor the repairs. If you do this, it will minimize any misunderstandings and additional stress.
Answer
Amen!! As usual Connie...Excellent advise!!
Mel
[This message has been edited by Mel (edited March 01, 2000).]
Answer
Connie I'm also an owner operator very green (6 months) and wondering if the quotes that i'm getting for primary liability are on the up and up or am i getting raked? Originally posted by Connie the Insurance Lady:
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with an owner-operator who is having a very difficult time with an adjuster.
The adjuster is as important as the insurance company and agent and perhaps at times more so.
There are literally hundreds of adjusters, often referred to as "heavy equipment appraisers". In my insurance career of some 24 years, some appraisers are excellent and others....well, perhaps they shouldn't be appraising trucks.
Usually the insurance company will assign an independent adjuster. Your agent may not have any input into this area. But it is imperative you stay in touch with your agent regarding any problems and/or concerns. The agent can mediate on your behalf to help in getting problems resolved.
It's in your best interest to keep good notes. Document your phone conversations with the adjuster. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but the main points are important. For example if the adjuster tells you he'll give you a new tire with no deduction for wear, verify it with him at that time, then WRITE IT DOWN. When the repairs are done and he's not made any compensation for the tire, you can refer to your notes (referencing the date, time, place and any other parties present) as a reminder to the adjuster. It may have just been a simple oversight.
Letting too much time lapse can cause additional misunderstandings.
Also, it is your responsibility to stay on top of the repairs. If the repairing garage is not working on your vehicle and it's not due to back-ordered parts or the like, find out what's going on and attempt to correct the problem. Minimize the downtime.
You need to remember this is your business and when it's down, there's no revenue and the truck payments don't stop.
Keep your agent informed, keep good notes and monitor the repairs. If you do this, it will minimize any misunderstandings and additional stress.
Answer
Halfpint,
Not sure if we are talking about the same thing here, but it's been a long day for me.
My post was referring to adjusters who appraise damage on tractors and trailers involved in accidents.
As for the quotes on the primary liability, the people who provide the quotes are underwriters.
If you have an issue with the quotes you are getting, feel free to call my office at your convenience. I will be glad to review your particular situation confidentially without obligation.
You can reach me at 800-933-7911.
Connie
Answer
Connie,
I have been doing exactly as you have said (writing notes, dates, times, etc) in dealing with our recent accident in which our driver was sleeping in a parking spot at a truck stop and got creamed. My question to you is, how can I get them all (the other driver's co.) to work on this FASTER??!! I called the agent who sent me to the adjuster, who has sent it to an "appraiser" who I can't seem to reach. We are into our 7th day of down time & I can't get it released from the tow co. until the insurance co. pays the bill. Also, how will I figure our down time? No one has told me yet. They say they will "rush" this but I think that their definition is a lot different than mine. What is your advice?
Thanks in advance.
Answer
Getting everyone choreographed to work at a faster pace is the secret and frankly, I don't think there is an answer.
What you need to remember is that your insurance company has a desire to service your needs. That includes your agent, your adjuster, etc. They want you to be satisfied because they want your business. The other insurance company's desire is to represent and assist their client.
Are you handling this with your insurance provider? If you are, then you need to make sure you continue to communicate with them to expedite the situation. Keep in mind you will be responsible for your deductible and your carrier will attempt to recover it if this claim proves to be one that can be subrogated against the responsible party.
If you are not handling this with your insurance and only with the other party's, remember where their first line of responsibility is, with their client and things may move a bit slower.
If damage is extensive and if it appears that things are not moving as fast as you need them to by working with the other insurance, I suggest you contact your agent to see what can be done to move this along in the most expeditious manner.
As for the downtime, it really cannot be finalized until the vehicle is repaired and back on the road.
Our office has a sample formula that we provide our clients to assist them in preparation. For a complimentary copy, email your mailing address to us. My clients have advised that they have been very successful when using this sample formula. It does involve a bit of paperwork, but good documentation will enhance the chances of a smooth claim.
I hope this helps. If you care to discuss your situation, please feel free to call me personally at 800-933-7911.
Regards,
Connie