What to Say to Insurance Adjuster After a Car Accident

Were you in a car accident and you’re just about to call the insurance company but you wanted to check what to say (and not to say or do) to an insurance adjuster? Check out this short video to find out.

You just got in an accident an you’re about to call an insurance company. The question you should be asking yourself is how to deal with the insurance adjuster.

Here is a list of what to say or not to say or do to an insurance adjuster during the claim process:

0:00 Introduction
0:55 Never admit fault for an accident
1:50 Never give a recorded statement
3:20 Don’t accept first settlement offer
4:10 Don’t get mad at the insurance adjuster
4:50 Don’t trust an insurance adjuster
5:50 Call insurance co and get them location of your vehicle
6:42 Always ask for claim number and adjuster’s name and contact info
7:15 Two situations where the above may not apply

First, do not admit fault. No brainer right? But you could say something that incriminates you like you were driving 35 in a 25 zone. If you admit you were speeding they’re going to find you at least partially at fault for the accident.

Second, you should not agree to give a recorded statement. Why? Because they’re trying to get you on the record so that they can use anything you say to try and deny, delay or diminish your claim later.

One big exception to the recorded statement rule – you may have to give a recorded statement to your own insurance company. Why? You have an obligation to work with them written in your contract and if you don’t they might deny your claim or even cancel your coverage.

Number 3 thing you should not say to the adjuster is that you agree to settle your case for a small amount. This is an insurance adjuster trick. They’ll tell you to give them your medical bills and that they’ll take care of them for you and give you an extra $500 or $1000.

That money sounds good up front right. But its much less than you are likely entitled to.

The 4th thing you should not say (or in this case, do) to your insurance adjuster is get mad or scream at the adjuster. Getting mad is not going to help. Just document in writing via fax or email what they’re doing. That is the way to build a case that they’re not working with you, not screaming at them.

The 5th thing you shouldn’t do with an insurance adjuster is trust them. They work for the insurance company and the insurance company’s goal is to pay you as little as possible. So I don’t care how nice these folks are being to you, they do not have your best interests at heart.

The 6th thing you should tell your adjuster - Get them the location of the vehicle – sooner you get the vehicle inspected the better. Especially if in tow yard because those storage fees of $40 a day or whatever are going to come out of your property damage settlement.

Number 7 - don’t give the adjuster a ton of information about your injuries. If you have injuries you should either 1. Talk to an attorney before calling the insurance company or 2. When the adjuster asks you about your injuries say you’re considering talking to an attorney and don’t want to get into injuries at that point.

Here are two questions you need to ask your adjuster:

First – it will be a lot easier on you later if you make sure you get your newly assigned claim number for your accident. And second, you should ask if an adjuster is automatically assigned to the claim and if so what is their name and contact info.

Ok having said all of that I need to caution you about 2 things:

First, a lot of what I’ve said in this video pertains to people who have suffered injuries in a car accident. If you just suffered property damage, have no injuries, you probably won’t need an attorney’s help and you can communicate with the adjuster to get the car appraised and repaired or totaled out.

Second, I mentioned it above briefly but again, generally speaking you have an obligation to work with your own insurance company. But beware, if you pursue damages against your own insurance company for UM or UIM, they become adverse. And you’re going to treat them that way.

If you are about to contact an insurance company and would like to speak with a personal injury lawyer before you call, reach out to me at info@legalvlogger.com.

Disclaimer: This video is for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice and the accuracy thereof is not warranted or guaranteed. This information is prone to errors and omissions. Use this information at your own risk. Watching this video does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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