When speaking with a homeowners insurance adjuster, avoid making assumptions or guesses about the cause of the damage or how much repairs might cost. Stick to clear, factual descriptions of what happened and let the adjuster’s inspection determine the specifics.
Things to avoid saying:
- Guessing about the cause of the damage instead of stating only what you know
- Downplaying the damage or saying “it’s not a big deal”
- Agreeing to a settlement amount on the spot without reviewing it first
- Admitting fault or suggesting the damage may have existed before the covered event
- Speculating about repair costs before getting a professional estimate
Instead, focus on describing what happened, when you noticed the damage, and providing any documentation, like photos or contractor estimates, that supports your claim. It’s also reasonable to ask questions and request time to review any offer before agreeing to it.
Having a contractor inspection and repair estimate ready can help support your claim with accurate, professional documentation rather than relying on guesses during the adjuster’s visit.