Understanding the process of subrogation recovery is not as difficult as the actual performance of the task. What separates the best from the good or average collectors is understanding the actual process of subrogation and the value of the intangibles that truly affect the overall costs to the clients.  Once (or if) the collector understands the value of the intangibles along with the true costs, they must be up for the challenge as well as the abuse that goes hand and hand with negotiating with an adverse party.

The “world” of fleet is vastly different from the “world” of insurance. Insurers have the resources and the knowledge to circumvent their financial obligations that fleet personnel simply do not have. Any individual that works in a corporate environment that wears multiple hats and dabbles in subrogation collections is doing himself/herself and the company that the individual works for a disservice. With all due respect, with the laws in each state significantly different and the various state regulatory insurance commissions basically being funded by insurance companies, the occasional subrogee is at a tremendous disadvantage attempting to collect on behalf of their company. They may think that collecting 75 to 80 percent of the collision loss is acceptable just to get the claim closed. In reality that 75 to percent should have been 100 to 125 percent had the individual understood every aspect of collections. With absolutely no disrespect to any individual who attempt collections, experienced negotiators, who collect subrogation dollars on behalf of their clients, possess infinitely more knowledge and experience to challenge every denial, deduction or other excuse presented by an insurer or third party who is unwilling to pay for a loss that they are 100% responsible for.

Collision losses are unfortunate events for any client or individual. Taking less money that the victim deserves just compounds the loss and unacceptable. Rethink your approach to subrogation, challenge both parties, either the adverse party or the individual collecting on your behalf. You will be amazed with what a bit more knowledge asking the right questions can deliver.