Challenge insufficient settlements and negotiate higher payouts for your property damage claim.
Get Claim Command Pro →Insurance companies count on policyholders accepting inadequate settlements because most people don't know what a fair settlement looks like. Here's how to tell if your settlement is too low.
The most obvious sign is when the settlement amount is significantly less than what contractors quote for repairs. If you have three contractor estimates averaging $45,000 and your settlement is $30,000, your settlement is too low.
Review what repairs the settlement is supposed to cover. If it excludes damage that clearly resulted from the covered event, the settlement is insufficient.
For actual cash value settlements, check whether the depreciation applied is reasonable. A five-year-old roof in good condition shouldn't be depreciated 80%.
Sometimes damage isn't fully apparent until repairs begin. If contractors discover additional damage during work, your original settlement was too low.
Insurance software uses pricing databases that don't reflect actual market rates
Adjusters are trained to limit scope to visible damage only
Depreciation schedules are calibrated to minimize payouts
Ambiguous policy language is interpreted in the carrier's favor
You're not stuck with an inadequate settlement. Follow these steps to negotiate a fair payout.
Access expert tools to challenge insufficient settlements and negotiate higher payouts.
Get Claim Command ProIt depends. If you signed a full release, reopening is difficult. If you haven't signed a release, you can typically submit supplemental claims for additional damage.
Timeframes vary by policy and state law. Most policies allow supplemental claims within a year of the loss date, but check your specific policy.
No. Negotiating your claim doesn't affect your insurability or future premiums (unless you file multiple claims).
You can still request additional payment. Document any additional damage discovered during repairs and submit a supplemental claim.
Results vary, but policyholders who properly document deficiencies and negotiate effectively often recover an additional 20-50% beyond the initial settlement.