To properly reject an insurance settlement offer, you must communicate the rejection in writing through a formal demand letter. This letter should clearly state the reasons for rejecting the offer, such as it not providing maximum compensation for the damages incurred.
If you choose to reject the low settlement offer, you must communicate your decision to the claims adjuster. Your legal representative can help you write a letter that states your intentions. Within the letter, you can indicate that you reject the offer and highlight why you deserve a higher settlement amount.
Keep your emotions out of the letter and stick to facts, such as the extreme pain and suffering you have had to endure and the frustration and hassle of attending medical treatments. Be professional, courteous, and confident, and never attack the claims adjuster personally in your counteroffer letter.
I am writing in response to the settlement offer you presented on Settlement Offer Date, related to claim number Claim Number for the incident that occurred on Incident Date. After careful consideration, I must reject this offer as it does not meet my needs based on the severity and ongoing nature of my injuries.
Once you put a settlement on the record, you cannot change your mind unless there were misrepresentations made to you and you relied on those representations to enter into the settlement agreement.
Be sure you send your letter to the appropriate person, whether that be an insurance adjuster or an attorney. Make it clear that you are rejecting their initial offer and include your reasons for doing so. If they provided written reasons for their low initial figure, you should also respond to those in writing.
File a Lawsuit If negotiations fail, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Courts expect parties to attempt out-of-court settlements first. A solid case showing the insurance company's likely loss in court can bring them back to the negotiation table.
Extended Claims Process: Declining an offer can lengthen the resolution process, which may be challenging if immediate financial needs are pressing. Possible Legal Action: If negotiations don't yield a satisfactory offer, a lawsuit may become necessary, requiring additional time and resources.