Dealing with an insurance company after a car accident can be stressful, especially when the adjuster is trying to minimize the value of your claim. As an accident victim, it’s important to be careful with the information you provide and seek guidance from a personal injury lawyer who can manage the claims process on your behalf. In this article, we provide guidelines for answering questions from an insurance company to protect the value of your claim.
What to do if an Insurance Company Calls Me?
You are not required to speak with the other driver’s insurance company if they call. You can refer them to your lawyer.
If you do decide to speak with the insurance company, be cautious. The insurance company’s goal is to minimize the value of your claim. The adjuster is not trying to protect you or give you a settlement that is fair. He or she is likely trying to get information to use against you.
Guidelines for Answering Questions from an Insurance Company
- Avoid commenting on your injuries: Inform the adjuster that you are receiving medical treatment, or that your attorney will provide updates as needed.
- Only answer the questions asked: Do not volunteer information.
- Do not agree to have your statement recorded: A recorded statement may be used against you and may be an incomplete account of the accident and your injuries.
- Stick to the facts: Avoid giving an opinion about anything.
- Write down the adjuster’s name and information for future reference.
- Do not guess answers: If you do not know the answer to a question, simply say so.
- Take notes during the conversation: Keep track of the questions and answers you provide.
- Be honest: Do not lie or exaggerate.
Tactics Insurers May Use to Devalue Your Claim
Insurance adjusters may use various tactics to try to devalue your claim, such as:
Asking for a Recorded Statement
The adjuster may claim that a recorded statement will speed up the process, but this statement may be used against you.
For example, evidence could be collected later that contradicts what you say in a recorded statement, hurting your credibility. A recorded statement may also be an incomplete account of the accident and your injuries. Unfortunately, the value of your claim may be limited by this inaccurate account.
Asking You to Sign a Medical Release Authorization
The insurance adjuster may convince you to sign a medical release form to gain access to your medical records. However, the document you sign may provide for the release of medical records that are not relevant to the accident. The insurance company may use this to deny your claim based on a preexisting condition.
Trying to Convince You That a Lawyer is Not Necessary
The insurance adjuster may try to get you to talk to him or her without consulting with a lawyer. He or she may also urge you not to hire a lawyer.
However, there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer, in fact, personal injury victims who decide to hire a lawyer often receive more compensation than those who do not.
Roden Law – Your Car Accident Attorneys
If you have been contacted by an insurance company after a car accident, you do not have to deal with them alone. Seek guidance from a personal injury lawyer who can handle all communication with insurance companies and work to negotiate a fair settlement for your damages. Contact the licensed lawyers at Roden Law to schedule a free case review. We work on a contingency fee basis, so we charge nothing unless we recover compensation for your claim.
FAQs
Below are some best practices to consider:
- Contact a lawyer. ...
- Keep in mind that despite the friendliness of the person taking your statement, that person is not your friend. ...
- Ask specifically that your statement not be recorded. ...
- Give brief answers. ...
- Don't volunteer information. ...
- Answer only the question asked.
Don't admit fault. Don't say you aren't injured. If they ask, you should be adamant that you are not sure. Don't sign any release to release your medical records without checking with your lawyer.
Why do car insurance companies ask so many questions? ›
Insurance fraud is a significant concern for the industry. By asking questions, companies can verify the accuracy of their claims and prevent fraudulent activities. This ultimately keeps costs down for honest policyholders.
How do I argue against an insurance claim? ›
Steps to Appeal a Health Insurance Claim Denial
- Step 1: Find Out Why Your Claim Was Denied. ...
- Step 2: Call Your Insurance Provider. ...
- Step 3: Call Your Doctor's Office. ...
- Step 4: Collect the Right Paperwork. ...
- Step 5: Submit an Internal Appeal. ...
- Step 6: Wait For An Answer. ...
- Step 7: Submit an External Review. ...
- Review Your Plan Coverage.
You may provide the most basic details such as your name and contact info, the location and date of the crash, and what car you were driving. Other than that, politely decline to give more details. You have the right to refuse to answer the adjuster's questions or to consult with a car accident lawyer first.
What are the 3 most common mistakes on a claim that will cause denials? ›
Here, we discuss the first five most common medical coding and billing mistakes that cause claim denials so you can avoid them in your business:
- Claim is not specific enough. ...
- Claim is missing information. ...
- Claim not filed on time (aka: Timely Filing)
If you disagree with the insurance adjuster, it's crucial to gather supporting documents and consider consulting a car accident lawyer to help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the fair settlement you deserve.
What are red flags in insurance claims? ›
Suspiciously coincidental absence of insured or family at the time of the incident. Losses occur just after coverage takes effect, just before it ceases or just after it has been increased. Losses are incompatible with insured's residence, occupation and/or income. Losses include a large amount of cash.
What happens if you disagree with insurance adjuster? ›
Your insurance policy likely has an arbitration provision, meaning that when you and your adjustor cannot agree, a third party will be assigned to hear you out and recommend a settlement.
How do I succeed a claims adjuster? ›
As an insurance adjuster, you deal with clients, claimants, witnesses, and other professionals on a daily basis. To succeed in this role, you must have excellent communication skills. You should be able to communicate clearly and concisely, listen actively, and build strong relationships with your clients.
Additional Information
- “Will you admit fault for the accident?” ...
- “How much insurance coverage does your driver carry?” ...
- “Will you pay for my car to be repaired to manufacturer's specifications, without used or after market parts?” ...
- “Will you pay for my medical bills and lost wages as they are incurred?”
You can do this by notifying your insurance company and contacting the agent on your case. Most insurance carriers have an internal appeal process for policyholders to fight back against decisions they believe were wrong or unfair.
Why do insurance companies ask for pictures of your car? ›
Photo inspections serve multiple purposes. They help to reduce insurance fraud by capturing the condition of your vehicle before coverage begins or after an accident. This process also ensures that your premiums match your vehicle's condition and value.
Why do insurance companies want to track your driving? ›
When insurers see that your driving habits present a low accident risk, they're more likely to give you better rates. And seeing your insurance rate go down could inspire you to become an even safer driver.
What should I say in an insurance claim? ›
However, it is paramount you only state the facts and do not speculate. Avoid any discussion of fault or injuries. If they ask you directly what happened, you can tell them you would prefer to give a written statement.
How do you write a response to a claim? ›
Answering the Claims for Relief
On a separate page or pages, write a short and plain statement of the answer to the allegations in the complaint. Number the paragraphs. The answer should correspond to each paragraph in the complaint, with paragraph 1 of the answer corresponding to paragraph 1 of the complaint, etc.
How do you explain an insurance claim? ›
An insurance claim is a formal request to your insurance provider for reimbursem*nt against losses covered under your insurance policy. Insurance is a financial agreement between you and your insurer. You have to pay a fixed premium.
What not to say to a home insurance adjuster? ›
Avoid any language that could be construed as apologetic or blameful. Admitting any level of fault can eliminate or reduce the compensation that may be available.
