Quick summary

If an insurance company tells you its settlement offer is “final,” do not sign anything or accept payment immediately. You still have options: get the offer in writing, verify the math and coverage, preserve evidence, consider appraisal or dispute procedures in your policy, file a complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration, and speak with an attorney if needed. This page explains practical next steps, your rights in Maryland, and how to decide whether to accept, negotiate, or challenge the offer.

Detailed answer — step-by-step guidance

1. Ask for the offer in writing and read every document

Always request a written settlement offer and any proposed release or release-and-settlement form. A final written offer lets you compare figures, see what claims the insurer intends to close, and spot hidden terms (for example, a broad release that ends other claims). Do not sign a release or cash a settlement check until you understand what claims you are giving up.

2. Verify the amount and how the insurer calculated it

Compare the insurer’s math to your own documentation: repair estimates, medical bills, pay records, receipts, and photos. Ask the insurer to explain line by line how it arrived at its numbers and to provide any reports or adjuster notes relied on. If the insurer refuses, document that refusal in writing and keep copies of all communications.

3. Review your policy for dispute-resolution language

Many Maryland insurance policies include specific procedures such as appraisal, mediation, or arbitration for disputed amounts. Appraisal clauses are common in property claims and allow two appraisers and an umpire to determine value. Arbitration clauses can require you to use non-judicial dispute resolution. Review the policy deadlines and steps carefully before you accept an offer. If you miss a policy deadline you may lose important rights.

4. Preserve evidence and document everything

Keep original repair estimates, medical records, receipts, photos, text messages, and emails. Save voicemails and record dates, times, and names of insurer representatives you speak with. Good documentation strengthens negotiations and any future complaint or lawsuit.

5. Consider a counter-offer and negotiation

“Final” can be a negotiation tactic. If the insurer underpaid, present your supporting evidence and a clear counter-offer. Use independent repair or medical estimates. Be concise and factual in your communication. If the policy allows appraisal or arbitration, state that you are invoking that procedure if the insurer will not negotiate fairly.

6. Use the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) for complaints

If you believe the insurer treated your claim unfairly, you can file a complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration. The MIA can investigate practices, help obtain documents, and sometimes get insurers to reopen a claim. See the MIA consumer pages for filing instructions and timelines: Maryland Insurance Administration — consumer complaints.

7. Know when to consult an attorney

Talk to an attorney when: (a) the insurer’s offer is clearly far below your documented loss, (b) the insurer insists on a broad release that affects other claims, (c) coverage disputes (whether the policy covers the loss) arise, or (d) you suspect bad faith or unfair claim practices. An attorney can evaluate whether a lawsuit, appraisal, or arbitration is appropriate, and can protect your rights during settlement negotiations.

8. Understand potential legal claims and remedies

Under Maryland law, insurers must follow fair claim settlement practices and cannot unreasonably deny or delay payment. If the insurer breaches the policy or engages in unfair settlement conduct, you may have contractual or statutory remedies. You can ask the Maryland Insurance Administration for guidance and, if warranted, seek relief in court or through arbitration/appraisal if your policy allows. For more on Maryland’s rules and regulatory oversight, see the Insurance Article and consumer resources: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-303 (unfair claim settlement practices) and Maryland Insurance Administration.

9. If you accept a settlement, know the consequences

Accepting and signing a release typically ends your right to pursue the same claim later. Confirm what claims the release covers (for example, first-party property only, or also bodily injury). If a release is ambiguous, ask for clarifying language or seek legal review before you sign.

Helpful hints

• Never accept a verbal “final” offer — always get it in writing.
• Do not sign a release or cash a check until you fully understand what you are releasing.
• Ask for an itemized breakdown and supporting reports for the insurer’s offer.
• Use independent estimates (contractor, mechanic, medical) to challenge low offers.
• Check your policy for appraisal, mediation, or arbitration clauses and follow those steps if needed.
• File a complaint with the Maryland Insurance Administration if the insurer refuses fair treatment: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/complaints.aspx
• Keep a written log of all contacts with the insurer (date, time, name, summary of discussion).
• Ask an attorney before signing broad releases or accepting offers that seem to undershoot your documented loss.
• If you cannot resolve the dispute and your policy allows it, consider appraisal or arbitration instead of immediate acceptance.

Where to get more help

Maryland Insurance Administration — consumer complaint information and guidance: https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/Pages/complaints.aspx

Maryland Courts — self-help resources if you consider small claims or civil action: https://www.mdcourts.gov/selfhelp