How does an adjuster determine if a claim exceeds the deductible?

An adjuster determines if a claim exceeds the deductible by comparing the total loss amount to the deductible. This comparison is crucial because the deductible represents the amount of money a policyholder must pay out of pocket before the insurance company will begin to cover the remaining costs of the claim.

If the total loss amount is less than or equal to the deductible, the policyholder would not receive any payout from the insurer. Conversely, if the total loss amount exceeds the deductible, the insurance company will process the claim and pay the policyholder the amount that goes beyond the deductible. This assessment ensures that both the adjuster and the policyholder understand the financial implications of the claim relative to the policy's terms.

While historical claims can provide context for assessing the nature of claims, they do not directly influence whether a specific claim exceeds the deductible. Focusing solely on the value of a lost item would also not encompass all damages that might be part of a claim, leading to an incomplete assessment. Discussions with the insurance agent may provide insights or clarification, but they are not the definitive means of determining if the deductible has been surpassed—the primary factor remains the direct comparison of the total loss amount against the deductible itself.