{"id":353143,"date":"2016-11-04T15:44:24","date_gmt":"2016-11-04T20:44:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/when-the-car-insurance-settlement-offer-is-too-low.html"},"modified":"2024-07-22T18:33:31","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T23:33:31","slug":"when-the-car-insurance-settlement-offer-is-too-low","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/when-the-car-insurance-settlement-offer-is-too-low.html","title":{"rendered":"When the Car Insurance Settlement Offer is Too Low"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When the Car Insurance Settlement Offer is Too Low<\/h1>\n
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\n By Sarah Williams, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

You got a settlement offer from the car insurance company after your car accident, but the offer seems too low. This is a common situation since the job of an insurance adjuster involves trying to save their company money. A low settlement offer<\/a> doesn’t mean you need to take it. This article discusses what to do to try to reach a fair settlement.<\/p>\r\n

Analyze the First Offer<\/h2>\r\n

An insurance adjuster’s offer is based on many elements of your claim. A low settlement offer might be due to many possible issues. The insurer may not have all the information about your injuries, medical bills, or property damage. They might feel they have a good chance of winning a court case because of the circumstances surrounding your accident. There could be evidence of contributory negligence<\/a> on your part.<\/p>\r\n

A low initial settlement offer may also be a simple settlement negotiation tactic<\/a>. Look at the information sent to the insurer to help you better understand the insurance adjuster’s position. This improves your chances of negotiating or winning a higher amount. It’s wise to review your written response with a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you don’t undermine the value of your claim with the statements you provide.<\/p>\r\n

Send a Written Response<\/h2>\r\n

A written response to the first settlement offer can better develop your insurance claim or personal injury case. Request information about the insurer’s reasoning in the initial car accident settlement amount. If insufficient documentation is the issue, you can submit the following in your reply:<\/p>\r\n