What should I tell my insurance company after an accident?

Asked by: Nathen Effertz Sr.  |  Last update: August 4, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (47 votes)

You need only tell the insurance adjuster your full name, address, and telephone number. You can also tell them what type of work you do and where you are employed. But at this point you need not explain or discuss anything else about your work, your schedule, or your income.

What should you not say to an insurance company?

9 Things Not to Say to Your Insurer After an Accident
  • It was my fault. This may be common knowledge for many, but it's worth reiterating that you should never admit fault. ...
  • I think. ...
  • I'm fine. ...
  • Names. ...
  • Recorded statements. ...
  • Unnecessary details. ...
  • I don't have an attorney. ...
  • I accept.

What to say when you call your insurance after an accident?

What You Should Tell Your Insurance Company After An Accident
  1. "The accident was my fault." Never admit fault for the accident you were in. ...
  2. "I don't have any injuries." ...
  3. "I am making an official statement." ...
  4. "I guess..." or, "I think..." ...
  5. Other People Involved. ...
  6. Accepting a Settlement. ...
  7. "I don't have an attorney."

What do you say when filing an insurance claim?

Make sure you get the following:
  1. Name, address and phone number of the other driver(s) and a photo of their driver's license, if possible.
  2. Insurance policy numbers.
  3. Year, make, model and license plate numbers of all the vehicles involved.
  4. Photos of the accident from all sides and angles.

Do insurance companies talk to each other after an accident?

After a car accident, you may receive a call from the other driver's insurance company, regardless of how clear it may be that the other driver was at fault for the crash. Even in situations where you're at fault, the other driver's insurance company could still contact you.

What Should I Tell My Insurance Company After An Accident?

21 related questions found

Should you contact the other insurance company?

It's usually a good idea to contact your insurance company after an accident or collision regardless of who is at fault. Your insurer may be able to advise you on how to file a third party claim, and they might even handle communicating with the other driver's insurance company for you.

Should you give a statement to the other insurance company?

They might tell you it is required in order for them to process your claim. That is not true. You are under no obligation to provide the other driver's insurance company with a statement. You should not give a recorded statement about a car accident without discussing it with a car accident lawyer near you.

Should you tell your insurance company about an accident?

Should you tell your insurer about an accident? Yes - if you've been in an accident, you do have to tell your insurer. You should send your insurer a letter telling them what's happened. But make it crystal clear that this is for 'information only' and you don't wish to make a claim.

How do I inform my insurance company about an accident?

Call your insurance company immediately after the accident and inform them about the damage. Intimate the police about the incident and obtain an FIR. Record the details of the car, the driver, and the witnesses in the FIR. File a claim with your insurance company and ask them to assign a surveyor to evaluate the loss.

Is it worth claiming on car insurance for a dent?

In a nutshell, small dents/scratches on your car's surface does not require a car insurance claim. In fact, it is best to refrain from raising a claim in such a scenario, as you may otherwise lose a lot of money.

Do you call your insurance co or the other party?

If you absolutely have to speak to the other party's insurance, have your own insurance agent do the talking. And if the other driver won't contact their insurance or doesn't have any, call yours and explain the situation.

How do you answer an insurance adjuster question?

The Best Way to Respond to an Insurance Adjuster's Questions

But if people do try to approach it evasively, I would tell them, “The truth always comes out.” The best way to speak to an insurance adjuster is to start with the truth. Remember that the insurance adjuster call is preliminary.

What should you not say to your car insurance adjuster?

5 Things You Shouldn't Say to an Insurance Adjuster
  • Admitting Fault. Never admit fault or use apologetic language during conversations with claims adjusters. ...
  • Speculating About What Happened. ...
  • Giving Information About Your Injuries. ...
  • Making a Recorded Statement. ...
  • Accepting the First Settlement Offer.

How much does insurance increase after an accident?

Your premium increase will also depend on other factors such as whether you've made a claim on your insurance before, the cause and severity of the accident, and your overall driving history. However, you'll usually be looking at an increase of between 20%-50%.

What should you not say in a car accident?

Don't say “I'm sorry

DON'T! A simple “I'm sorry” can be used to show that you admitted guilt and responsibility for the accident. Even if you mean “I'm sorry you're late for work” or “I'm sorry you are hurt” – try to avoid using the words “I'm sorry”.

How long do I have to tell insurance about accident?

If you're involved in an accident, you must tell your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers specify that you must inform them within 24 hours of the incident. Check the wording of your insurance policy to see if your insurer has specified how long you have to report an accident.

How long do I have to report a car accident to my insurance company?

You must notify your insurance company of an accident within 7 days. Your insurance company will look for your policy number or your name, address and car registration number as well as the registrations of any other cars involved, the name and contact details of the other driver, passengers or witnesses.

What do you do in a minor car accident with no damage?

Essential Steps in Any Car Accident
  • Stay Calm and Clear the Road.
  • Exchange Contact and Insurance Information.
  • Take Photos of the Accident.
  • Call the Police and Report the Accident.
  • Stay At the Accident Scene Until a Police Officer Arrives and a Files a Police Report.
  • Double Check for Damage.
  • Inform Your Insurance Company.

Why does my insurance go up when someone hits me?

Will my insurance go up if someone hits me? After an accident caused by another driver, you may have concerns about the impact on your auto coverage premium rates. Your auto insurance company will decide whether to raise your rates or not based on the circumstances of the accident.

Do I need to tell insurance about claim?

Do I have to tell my car insurance company about an accident? Yes, you do. You must declare all accidents to your insurer, even if you didn't make a claim.

How long after an accident can you file a claim?

Car accident claim time limit: Car accidents and road traffic accidents in general have a three-year limit from the date of the accident. If you were left incapacitated and unable to claim for some time after your accident, you would have a three-year limit from the date of recovery.

How does car insurance work when you are not at fault?

If you are involved in an accident and found not to be at fault, the insurance of the responsible party will cover your costs. When you buy a motor insurance policy from an insurance company, you will get an insurance disc and a certificate of insurance.

How long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim?

Generally, the insurance company has about 30 days to investigate your auto insurance claim, though the number of days vary by state.

What happens when you are in a car accident and it is not your fault?

You should absolutely call the police, whether the accident was a minor fender bender or a significant crash. If the accident wasn't your fault, having an official police report will help you hold the other driver accountable for damages and repair costs.

How do I talk to an insurance adjuster?

How to Talk to Insurance Claims Adjusters
  1. Keep a Polite Tone. ...
  2. Do Not Feel Pressured to Answered Questions. ...
  3. Do Not Give Too Many Details. ...
  4. Identify the Claims Adjuster. ...
  5. Decline to Give a Recorded Statement. ...
  6. Wait to Settle Until You Have Contacted a Lawyer.