What do I say to my insurance after a fender bender?

Asked by: Greyson Herzog  |  Last update: February 9, 2025
Score: 5/5 (66 votes)

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.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am 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.

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.”

How do I explain a car accident to my insurance?

What Information Should I Give when Describing my Car Accident? Stick to providing only the facts as you remember them and do not speculate on anything, especially what the other driver was doing at the time of the collision. Never admit fault, even if you suspect you contributed to or caused the accident.

How do I talk to an insurance company after an accident?

Be cautious about the information you provide to the insurance adjuster. Only share details directly relevant to the crash and your claim. Avoid discussing your personal life, schedule, or anything unrelated to the incident. Oversharing can give the adjuster information they will use to minimize your claim.

Auto Insurance Claims: 3 things to do at a Fender Bender

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What to say to insurance after fender bender?

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

How to negotiate with insurance after accident?

General Tips for Settlement Negotiations
  1. Initiate your claim as soon as possible after a car accident. ...
  2. Keep accurate records about your accident and injuries. ...
  3. Calculate a fair settlement. ...
  4. Send a detailed demand letter to the insurance company. ...
  5. Do not accept the first offer. ...
  6. Get everything in writing.

Should I talk to the other insurance company after an accident?

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.

How do you describe a minor car accident?

A minor car accident typically involves minimal vehicle damage and injuries. These incidents can include fender benders, low-speed collisions, and minor impacts. They can sometimes result in superficial damage and injuries requiring little to no medical treatment.

Should I file an insurance claim for bumper damage?

It may not make sense to file a claim if the bumper damage is minor and the repair cost is lower than your auto insurance deductible. If you have a low deductible, it may be worthwhile to file a claim, even for minor repairs.

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.

How to win an insurance claim?

How To Beat Insurance Companies
  1. Take detailed photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
  2. Gather witness statements and contact information.
  3. Obtain the other party's insurance details and file a police report.
  4. Keep records of medical treatment and preserve relevant documents.

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

You should call both, regardless of who you think is at fault. If it turns out the other driver is at fault, their insurance will pay, but it's helpful to have your insurance company involved.

Should I let my insurance know if it wasn't my fault?

Yes, it is generally advisable to notify your insurance company even if the accident wasn't your fault. Most insurance policies require policyholders to promptly report any accidents or incidents, regardless of fault.

Is it better to use 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. Your insurance company represents you, and the other driver's insurance company represents them.

How to explain a car accident to insurance?

You can give them general information about the accident, including:
  1. Your name.
  2. The name of others involved in the crash.
  3. The date and time of the accident.
  4. The location of the accident.
  5. The insurance company of the other driver.
  6. The make and model of cars involved.

What is a fender bender?

A fender bender is a low-speed car accident that doesn't result in serious injuries; the vehicle damage is minimal, and your car is still in driveable shape. Examples of fender benders include: Getting hit when you're backing your car out of a spot in a parking lot.

Should I file an insurance claim if I am at fault?

If you damage someone else's vehicle during a significant collision, and you're at fault, you should always file a claim.

How does insurance work if it's not your fault?

You will file a claim with your auto insurance for damage to your vehicle, medical bills, property damage, and, potentially, lost wages due to injury. The car insurer collects money from the at-fault driver's coverage. Your claims might be limited by the other driver's coverage limits and the state where you live.

What happens if you don t respond to insurance after an accident?

Because California's insurance coverage is based on a “fault” system, the individual responsible for the accident can be sued for property damage, medical bills and other related expenses.

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.

Do insurance companies prefer to settle?

While each case is unique, insurance companies generally want to settle out of court. Going to court can be expensive and may lead to an insurance company's large award to the plaintiff. Therefore, insurance companies most often settle cases rather than go to trial.

Can you ask for more money when your car is totaled?

In some cases, you may get more insurance money for a totaled car than for repairs. In addition, it is possible to negotiate a higher settlement by providing evidence that your car was worth more than the insurance company's initial valuation.

How to respond to a low settlement offer?

How Should I Respond to a Low Settlement Offer?
  1. Try to remain calm and examine the offer. After receiving a low settlement offer, the most important thing to do is to stay calm. ...
  2. Provide a formal, written response. ...
  3. Formulate your counteroffer. ...
  4. Settle after you've recovered.