What Should You Say to Your Insurance Company after an Accident?

Insurance companies like to say they’re a “good neighbor” or they’re “on your side.” But after an accident, are they really? Many people fear being taken advantage of, especially since a representative will likely call soon after an accident to try to learn more information. Nothing can prepare you for a car accident, but there are things you can do to prepare yourself for an insurance representative or claims adjuster.

Immediately following an accident, you can be sure an insurance company will call you. Be careful, though. Saying the wrong thing can jeopardize your personal injury claim. It’s never a bad idea to plan what to say to them beforehand with your personal injury attorney.

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Why Is The Insurance Company Calling Me After an Accident?

An insurance representative or claims adjuster will call you to learn more about the crash—but they’ll never say that outright. Instead, you can expect them to be overly friendly about everything. Don’t let this pleasant demeanor throw you off.

The real reason your insurance company is calling you after an accident is because they want to hear you say things that can put the liability on you. The more liable you are for the accident, the less compensation they can give you. They also may try to get you to say something like “I’m fine,” which they can interpret as your injuries are not being as bad as you made them out to be.

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What to Say to Your Insurance Company after an Accident

Ideally, you will have already spoken to your car accident attorney. They’ll give you insight on how to interact with insurance companies. Here are a few things to keep in mind when first speaking to insurers.

Keep in mind that one thing you should never do is lie to the representative or adjuster. It’s illegal, and they’ll likely discover the truth.

Ensure the Conversation Is Not Recorded

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. The first thing you should do is state you do not want to have the call recorded. This safety net protects you just in case you say something harmful to your case. Insurance representatives are trained to make these calls, putting them at an advantage.

driver making a phone call after being rear ended in a car accident

Ensure the Conversation Is Not Recorded

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Be Polite to Representatives

Making calls is a representative’s job. Getting short-tempered with them will add unneeded stress and complications to your case.

Give Basic Information

There are very few things you should share with an insurance caller. You can give them your name, address, and contact information. Refusing to give this information can only slow down your claim and the amount of time it takes to receive compensation.

Insurance Agent Inspecting Car After Accident

Give Basic Information

What Should I Avoid Saying to an Insurance Company?

There are a few things you should not say to insurance companies, such as discussing your injuries or admitting guilt. This can decrease the amount of compensation you can receive. In worst case scenarios, the company may not provide you any compensation. Here are a few things to never talk to an insurer about.

woman with an injured leg from a motorcycle accident recovering at home

Discussing Your Injuries

Never talk to an insurer about your injuries. They’re trained to listen for details that do not match up with what you reported so that they can downplay or undervalue your injuries. Speak with a doctor and your attorney before going into details about injuries. Also, some injuries do not show symptoms right away. If you discuss injuries immediately following an accident, you risk the possibility of obtaining compensation for delayed injuries.

Admitting Guilt

You should also never admit guilt to an insurance company. Even if you’re positive you’re responsible for the accident, do not accept liability when talking to an insurer. There could be other circumstances that caused the accident, like the other driver texting or a manufacturer defect in your car.

woman holding her head in pain after an injury with a car accident scene in the background

Admitting Guilt

Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Attorney in Rochester

Insurance companies will do whatever they can to pay you less than what is owed for your injury. Before speaking to an insurance company in Rochester, New York, discuss your accident with a personal injury attorney at The Barnes Firm. Our team of car accident attorneys in Rochester will fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve. Speak with an attorney today by completing our online contact form or by calling our office.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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