Should you talk to the other driver's insurance company?

Asked by: Matilda Kovacek PhD  |  Last update: September 25, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (13 votes)

After an accident, it's advised not to speak with the other driver's insurance company. You are not legally required to speak with the other driver's insurance company or give a recorded statement. They often employ tactics to use your statements against you, potentially minimizing your payout.

Do I need to talk to the other person's insurance company?

You are not legally obligated to speak with the other insurance company's representative or provide them with any information. Politely decline to discuss the specifics of the accident or your injuries and inform them that any necessary information will be provided through your car accident lawyer.

Should I talk to the other driver after an accident?

You do not need to have any conversations with the other motorist or their insurer unless your insurance provider instructs you do to so.

Is it normal for the other insurance company to call you?

The other driver's insurance company may be calling to gather information about the accident. They want to confirm details about what happened, assess the extent of your injuries, and determine liability. Their goal is to protect their own financial interests, often by finding ways to minimize or deny your claim.

What not to say when talking to an insurance adjuster?

Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.” “I did not see the other person/driver.”

Should I Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company After an Accident? | Car Accident FAQ (2020)

25 related questions found

What happens if you don't agree with insurance adjuster?

File a Complaint: If necessary, file a complaint with the insurance company or regulatory authorities. Don't Settle for Less: Refrain from accepting a low settlement offer without proper evaluation. Be Prepared for Legal Action: If negotiations fail, be ready to file a lawsuit to protect your interests.

What should you not say to a loss adjuster?

Understand that everything you say whether in person or over the phone, can be used against you in their final assessment. Avoid providing incomplete or potentially detrimental information that could be used to lower the settlement offer, like failing to mention pre-existing damage.

Do I have to respond to other insurance company?

Are You Required to Speak to the Other Driver's Insurance Company. First and foremost the answer to that is, no. Legally, there is no requirement for you to speak with the other driver's insurance company. You do likely have to talk to your own insurance company as they will need your account of what happened.

When someone hits you do you call your insurance or theirs?

For example, if your car repair damage is $19,000 and the other driver's insurance covers up to $15,000, you still have to pay $4,000 in repair bills. In this case, your car insurance company may cover the costs resulting from this underinsured driver. This is why you should call your insurance if someone hits you.

Do I have to talk to the other insurance company after a car accident on Reddit?

You have no legal obligation to speak with the other party's insurance. If you get sued, turn it over to your insurance company.

Do I call my insurance if I'm not at fault?

Yes. Regardless of fault, it is important to call your insurance company and report any accident that involves injuries or property damage. It is a common myth that you needn't contact your insurance company if you aren't at fault.

Is it better to file a claim with your insurance or theirs?

After a car accident, you should notify your insurance company and file a claim, and not deal with the other driver's insurer. Except in rare circumstances, it is not wise to contact them.

Why does the insurance adjuster want to meet with me?

After you file a claim, the adjuster will contact you about the accident. They are looking for facts about the case to determine whether you are entitled to a settlement and for what amount.

What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?

Report the Incident

You don't want them to hear from the other party first. Be detailed: Provide them with all the information you've gathered—photos, videos, witness names, and details about the incident. Ask for advice: Your insurance company will guide you on how to proceed and whether further action is needed.

How do I talk to car insurance after an accident?

How to Deal with Insurance After a California Car Accident: 7 Essential Tips
  1. Don't Admit Fault. ...
  2. Contact an Attorney. ...
  3. Beware of Recorded Statements. ...
  4. Watch Out for Speedy Settlement Offers. ...
  5. Don't Give Too Much Detail About Your Injuries. ...
  6. Remember: Insurers Are Not on Your Side. ...
  7. Document the Accident and Your Injuries.

Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

While insurance companies may pursue uninsured drivers to recover claim costs, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Uninsured drivers involved in accidents should seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights and explore possible compensation avenues.

Should I contact the person who hit my car insurance?

If you get into a car accident, you are under no obligation to call another driver's insurance company to work out the claim. All you need to do is talk to your insurance provider when you get into an accident or if someone else hits your car, and they will handle the claim on your behalf.

Should I file a claim if I'm not at fault?

Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault

One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.

Does your insurance go up if someone hits you?

If you are involved in an accident and file a claim, even if it was not your fault, your insurance company may see you as a higher risk to insure and increase your rates. Consider speaking with a licensed insurance agent to see how much insurance could increase after an accident where you're not at fault.

What happens if you don't respond to car insurance?

Every modern auto liability insurance policy has a “duty to cooperate” clause, in which the insured driver has explicitly agreed to cooperate with their insurer's investigation and defense of a claim. Failure to cooperate may result in an insurance company deciding to deny coverage.

What does it mean when an insurance company calls you after an accident?

The significance is that the insurer is aware of the accident and is proceeding with the handling of a claim under your policy. If you carry collision coverage the insurer will work with you to determine damages for payment under your policy.

Can an insurance company sue you for an accident?

It is important to note that the insurance company's right to sue you is limited to the specific amount they paid out on your claim. They cannot demand additional compensation beyond what they cover.

How to scare car insurance adjuster?

Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney. The most effective way to scare an insurance adjuster is by hiring an experienced personal injury attorney. A skilled lawyer knows the tactics adjusters use and can counteract them with compelling evidence and persuasive arguments.

Should you talk to an insurance adjuster?

One of the most consequential things you'll do in the aftermath of a car crash is speak with an insurance adjuster. Take this conversation seriously because it will set the foundation for your claim and could affect how much compensation you can recover.

Do insurance adjusters lowball?

Insurance adjusters are often given bonuses or other incentives based on how much money they save the company by getting claimants to accept low settlements. Making lowball offers is a key way insurers try to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line.