What should I know before talking to an adjuster?
Reviewed by Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin
California State Bar #45226 ↗ · Approval recorded November 4, 2026
How we record review approvalAn adjuster handles claims for an insurer. Be truthful and keep notes. Do not guess about fault or how long your injury will last.
In this guide
Here’s an example
A person says their tests are not done yet. They do not say they are fully healed just to be polite.
A made-up example to explain the idea. Your facts may lead to a different answer.How the rule works
The adjuster’s job is to assess the claim for the insurer. It is useful to separate facts you know from things you are still finding out. Keep copies of what you send.
Legal references: [1] California Department of Insurance — Automobile insurance guide
What can change the answer?
Your own policy may require you to help the insurer review the claim. A request from the other driver’s insurer can raise different issues.
Questions people ask
Court decisions behind this answer
A case can help explain a rule. Its facts and limits matter too.
Murphy v. Allstate Ins. Co.
Supreme Court of California · 1976
17 Cal.3d 937, pp. 941–945
The insurer owed a duty about settlement to its own insured. The other side could not simply enforce that duty as their own.
Your own policy can give you different rights. This does not allow an insurer to break other laws.
Case applicability reviewed as recorded above.
A useful next step
Ask which insurer the person works for. Get the claim number. Ask what they need and why.
If you are unsure which rule applies, a lawyer can review your facts and any deadlines. Learn about GJEL’s injury representation.
The law behind this guide
The references below support the legal discussion. Their application depends on the facts.
- California Department of Insurance — Automobile insurance guide ↗Agency guidance · Review recorded above
- Murphy v. Allstate Ins. Co. (1976) 17 Cal.3d 937 ↗Case law · Review recorded above
Updated 2026-11-04. Read our editorial standards.