Why was Nancy unable to add punitive damages to her claim after Cindy crashed into her house?

The correct answer focuses on the limitations placed on adjusters regarding the negotiation of punitive damages. In general, punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant's conduct is found to be particularly harmful or reckless, and they are intended to punish the wrongdoer as well as deter similar conduct in the future.

In this scenario, adjusters typically operate within the parameters of the insurance policy and the legal framework governing claims. If punitive damages are not part of the claims that an adjuster is authorized to negotiate, they cannot be included in the claim, regardless of the situation's circumstances. This limitation is often due to the nature of insurance contracts and the legal standards needed to justify such damages.

The other options focus on different numerical considerations or limits on the claim, which do not directly relate to the fundamental authority of the adjuster regarding punitive damages. The focus here is strictly on the adjuster's authority and the scope of damages that can be claimed under the insurance policy.