What do I say to my insurance company after an accident?

Asked by: Eleanora Schultz  |  Last update: August 22, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (8 votes)

Give them your name, address, contact information, and the vehicle involved in the accident. Provide the other driver's information– The contact information of the other driver involved in the accident will be provided by the police at the scene. All you need to do is relay this to your insurance company.

How do you explain an accident to an insurance company?

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 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.”

What to say to insurance after a wreck?

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 do I talk to my insurance company about an accident?

Report The Facts. It is important to talk to your insurance company and give them a rundown of the facts. Let them know where the accident occurred when it happened, and who was involved. If there is a police report, let them know.

What Should I Say To the Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

38 related questions found

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.

Do you call your insurance or theirs?

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.

What to say and not to say after a car accident?

After a car accident, avoid admitting fault, saying "I'm sorry," speculating about the wreck's cause, or stating you're okay. These actions can negatively impact your insurance claim.

Should you speak to the other insurance company after an accident?

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. You should report the accident to your own insurance company.

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.

What questions will insurance adjuster ask?

What to Expect from Insurance Adjusters After a Car Accident
  • Questions About the Involved Vehicles. ...
  • Questions About How the Car Accident Happened. ...
  • Questions About Shared Liability. ...
  • Questions About Vehicle Damages. ...
  • Questions About Your Injuries. ...
  • Insurance Tactics Used to Reduce Your Car Accident Insurance Payout.

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 do I get more for my totaled car?

6 Steps to get the most money from insurance for your totaled car
  1. Ask for the valuation report. ...
  2. Conduct your research on the value of your vehicle. ...
  3. Gather and provide supporting documentation. ...
  4. Consider getting a third-party appraisal. ...
  5. Negotiate with your insurance company. ...
  6. Get what is rightfully yours.

Is it illegal to pay out of pocket for a car accident?

Strictly speaking, paying out of your pocket for a car accident isn't illegal, but accepting the offer may have unwanted consequences.

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.

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.

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.

What should you not do when making an insurance claim?

While temporary repairs are a good idea, don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage is inspected. If possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster.

Why should I not say I did something after an accident?

You may be falsely admitting fault without even knowing it. You also should avoid admissions of fault because these statements can result in a traffic ticket and affect your claim.

Should I talk to the other guy'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.

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 I don't call my insurance after an accident?

There is no California law per se about notifying your insurance company after a collision, but your auto insurance policy is a contract. When you signed it, you agreed to the stipulations in the contract, which will almost certainly include the requirement to notify the insurance company promptly after an accident.

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.