After a car accident in Idaho, you’ll likely get a call from an insurance adjuster—maybe from your own insurance company, or maybe from the other driver’s insurer. Either way, this person will be polite, ask about your health, and say they’re here to help. But it’s critical to remember: insurance adjusters are not on your side. Their job is to protect the company’s bottom line—not your financial recovery.
Dealing with adjusters requires strategy, clarity, and a firm grasp of your rights under Idaho law. This post walks through what you should expect from insurance adjusters, common pitfalls, and how to protect yourself after an accident in the Gem State.
Who Are Insurance Adjusters?
Insurance adjusters are employees or contractors hired by insurance companies to investigate claims and determine how much the company should pay. You might encounter:
- First-party adjusters from your own insurance company
- Third-party adjusters from the at-fault driver’s insurer
- Independent adjusters hired by either party to review the claim
Regardless of their title, their goals are typically aligned with minimizing the insurer’s financial exposure. That means they may look for ways to deny your claim, downplay your injuries, or shift blame.
Idaho’s At-Fault Insurance System
Idaho is a fault-based state for car accidents. This means that the person who caused the accident (and their insurer) is responsible for compensating the injured party. In Idaho, every driver is required to carry minimum liability insurance of:
- $25,000 for injury or death to one person
- $50,000 for injury or death to two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage
Because liability is the basis for financial recovery, insurance adjusters will focus heavily on determining fault—and limiting their own driver’s share of it.
What to Expect From Insurance Adjusters
Once the accident is reported, you can expect a call from the adjuster within days. They may:
- Ask for a recorded statement
- Request access to your medical records
- Ask you to sign a release form
- Offer an early settlement
- Suggest that you don’t need an attorney
Every one of these steps is designed to limit what the insurance company ultimately pays. Even friendly adjusters are trained negotiators whose job is to save money—not ensure you’re fairly compensated.
Key Rules for Dealing With Insurance Adjusters in Idaho
1. Don’t Give a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Adjusters often ask leading questions that can later be used against you. Even your own insurer might ask questions in a way that minimizes their payout. It’s recommended to talk to experienced legal counsel before getting on the phone with an adjuster.
If you decide to speak with an adjuster, keep it brief and stick to basic facts:
- The date and time of the crash
- The location
- The vehicles involved
- That you are seeking medical treatment
Avoid discussing fault, symptoms, or speculating on what happened.
2. Don’t Sign a Medical Release Too Soon
Adjusters will often ask you to sign a blanket medical release. This gives them access to your entire medical history—not just records related to the accident. They may use unrelated pre-existing conditions to argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash.
Under Idaho law, you’re entitled to privacy, and you only need to provide records that are directly related to the injuries you’re claiming.
3. Be Cautious About Early Settlement Offers
In Idaho, as elsewhere, adjusters sometimes offer a quick settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. This is especially common in rear-end collisions or low-speed impacts where soft-tissue injuries can worsen over time.
Once you accept a settlement, you typically waive your right to pursue additional compensation—even if your medical bills increase or you suffer long-term effects.
Your Rights Under Idaho’s Comparative Fault Rule
Idaho uses a modified comparative fault system (Idaho Code § 6-801). If you are:
- 50% or more at fault – You can’t recover any damages.
- Less than 50% at fault – Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Adjusters know this rule well and may try to shift partial blame onto you—even if their driver ran a red light or was clearly distracted. If they can prove you were even 51% responsible, you get nothing.
Always be cautious about accepting fault or using phrases like “I should have seen them coming.” These statements can be used against you.
What If the Adjuster Is From Your Own Insurance Company?
Even if you’re dealing with your own insurer—for example, under uninsured motorist coverage (UM) or medical payments (MedPay)—you should still proceed carefully. These adjusters may also look to minimize payouts or delay claims.
- Idaho law doesn’t require UM/UIM coverage, but most policies include it unless waived in writing.
- MedPay in Idaho typically covers up to $5,000 or more in immediate medical costs, regardless of fault.
Always review your policy closely and understand what’s covered.
Steps to Protect Your Claim
- Document Everything – Take photos, keep a pain journal, save receipts, and track all appointments.
- Communicate in Writing – Whenever possible, deal with insurance adjusters via email rather than over the phone.
- Request Written Offers – Don’t agree to any settlement over the phone.
- Don’t Rush – Take the time to understand the full scope of your injuries before negotiating.
- Consider Legal Help – Especially for serious injuries, disputed liability, or lowball offers.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with insurance adjusters after a car accident in Idaho is a high-stakes process. What you say—and what you sign—can determine whether you receive fair compensation or are left paying for someone else’s mistake.
The process can be frustrating and confusing, but you don’t have to go through it blindly. Stay informed, be cautious, and assert your rights. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve under Idaho law. Give us a call before you talk to the adjuster and we’ll give you a free, no strings attached consultation. If we can’t help, we’ll give you some free advice for how you can maximize your compensation on your own.
