In a claim refusal letter, begin with a statement of appreciation, common ground, or understanding; provide a concise and factual explanation; and end in a friendly and confident way. Remember to use the indirect approach.
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.
You can reject the first settlement offer to set the ground for settlement negotiations. A personal injury attorney can compile various sources of evidence to convince the insurer to a higher valuation of your losses. Your attorney can propose a counteroffer, a value likely to cover your losses.
If, after you have thought about reasonableness and the policy limit, you still think the offer you have is too low, you can reject it. Always reject a settlement offer in writing. Type a letter to your contact at the insurance company listing the reasons you think that their offer is too low.
If you find the offer unacceptable, your attorney can draft a formal letter and propose a counteroffer. This letter should clearly state that the initial offer is unacceptable and refute any inaccuracies in the insurance adjuster's statements.
This letter should state: That you will not accept the initial settlement offer; The reasons why you feel you deserve a higher settlement amount; Each of their low-offer reasons, and your responses; The higher settlement amount that you will accept.
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.
Example of a Claim Settlement Letter By accepting this settlement, you agree that this amount fully resolves all claims against Insurance Company Name related to this incident, and no further claims can be made. To accept this offer, please sign and return the enclosed settlement agreement by Deadline.
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.
State the settlement offer you are willing to accept and the reasons why. You can repeat the position you stated in the first demand letter. Your attorney can advise you on whether you should stick with the amount stated in your first demand letter or if you should present a counteroffer.