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.

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.

[angiea]

If your insurance goes up, change companies! Most are willing to give you an excellent rate just for switching to them. When you use this strategy, you may be changing companies every 3-4 years, but your savings will be well worth it!

[razijehajra]

Thank you so much I’m dealing with one right now I’m so worried my car is total loss and you just gave me some good information before I talk to my adjustor tomorrow so thank you!!!

[EddieLeal]

Recently involved in a accident and found this information to be gold! Thankfully there were no serious injuries. Mostly shock some scratches on my forearm/sore back. Other driver never complained of any injuries, at least not to me. Had my back checked out at the VA, no problems found besides typical aging issues. Thank you for sharing this information!

[jayfloran]

Thank you for this information, it really helps to be more prepared with handing insurance.

[joanareyes]

If I could give this video more likes I would. Very helpful and informative. Thank you . Subscribed ✅

[dbnarizona]

Your advice is right on target! I have a perfect example of an insurance company not acting in "Good Faith"! They put PROFIT before PEOPLE! They are snakes in the grass. The other driver was breaking the law driving in a shared left turn lane. She ran into me while I was stopped. She was ticketed! The other insurance company claimed I was partly at fault! 😆😆😆😆

[EddieLeal]

Factors That Affect the Claim Timeline:

- State timeframes for insurance claims (some states are stricter than others)
- Type of claim being filed (bodily injury takes longer than property damage)
- Extent of physical damage or injuries (severe accidents can take a long time to settle)
- Communication between drivers, insurance companies, and adjusters (slow communication delays the claim timeline)
- Understanding of policy and coverage (you might think your policy covers you in a situation when it really doesn’t)
- Ability to pay insurance deductible (your insurance company won’t pay out until you’ve paid your deductible)

[jimmarchman]

You've given more info than the atty I hired. Thank you.

[Waterlooplein]

I had a major claim years ago involving uninsured motorist. When the claims adjuster called I referred him to my lawyer. He got me the max, even though the adjuster tried all kinds of tricks I could not defend on my own. The lawyer got one third and he was welcome to it.

[JohnDoe-jkyy]

I was rear ended over month ago they admitted fault but the shop who is doing work call me and says he can’t get them to answer email. And they want to put used parts on my car I told them I don’t want use parts how should I handle this

[jacquelinemanzano]

Insurance adjusters are like Debt collectors, they lie, manipulate and exploit. Its a gutter business.

[landonpryor]

Yes I told the adjuster that I was not injured on a recorded line. Which is the truth.

[diablochorizero]

My car insurance adjuster told be my car was reparable but the other adjuster from the other company told me it was total loss?

[scott]

What steps should I take to recover property losses not awarded by insurance, in small claims court, or elsewhere?
My losses occurred in NOV '21, and there are other SUV mechanical damage left unrepaired.

[gemajimenez]

I had an accident on 5/25, it was a hit and run. I wasn’t able to see who hit me since it was late night and starting to rain. They hit me from the rear left side and Made me spin until I reached the final lane at the right, I was driving on second lane from left to right. My car is total loss. What can I expect from my insurance? Can I claim for body injuries? No blood or broken bones, but my whole body hurts. What are the limits of my Uninsured Motorist coverage? Should I hire a lawyer? I appreciate your response. Thanks!🙏

[masad.]

Another very informative video! In case of filing a claim with one's own insurance for a property damage (i.e., damage to the car), do you have any advice/guidance as to what to say/do or what not to say/do?

[gdn]

For my sake, haha, please watch until the end where he mentions property damage. It's not this complicated when it comes to the property damage adjusters.

[resistancenotneedbfutile]

I only have damage to my 2022 truck. I have had 3 estimates from 3 different collision shops.
Estimates I have gotten are between $4000- $5000. So far allstate says they will only pay $1500 - my $500 deductible.
Can I fight this extremely low ball settlement?

[muddy_armadillo]

Howdy! Do you recommend calling the other party's insurance company after you call yours, if I do not hire a lawyer? Thanks!

[jovenskybazou]

I live in Florida while my car was park inside the apartment parking lot that live. Another car trespass the wall and crash into my car. My car is damage, what can i do to get my car fix.