5 Things Accident Victims Should Never Say to an Insurance Adjuster (2024)

FAQs

What not to say to an insurance investigator? ›

Even if you feel you're at fault, wait for the official investigation to prove what actually happened. Don't say things like “I'm sorry” or “it was my fault.” Your injuries: Insurance adjusters may reach out to you in the hours after an accident and well before an accident investigation has made clear who was at fault.

Remember this motto: Stick to the basic facts. Don't add opinions such as who's at fault, what triggered the crash, or what the damages might be. More importantly, don't lie or even embellish the facts, as this can compromise your insurance claim and become grounds for serious legal trouble.

Insurance companies are more likely to investigate you when you file a large claim. Any large check that they write comes out of their profits. Therefore, they are looking for any way to escape paying for the damages their policyholder caused.

Delaying payment unreasonably. Denying a policyholder's claim despite overwhelming evidence to support it. Making a partial payment and seeking a settlement for the remainder. Not investigating a claim or, in some cases, denying the claim without providing any reason.

Even minor accidents can lead to psychological distress and lingering trauma, such as: Mood swings, causing feelings of anger, frustration and guilt. High levels of stress and anxiety that don't go away. Difficulty sleeping, including insomnia and recurring nightmares.

For many individuals, the symptoms of PTSD following a serious MVA may include psychologically re-experiencing the trauma (e.g., intrusive thoughts about the accident, distressing dreams about the accident), persistent avoidance of thoughts or situations associated with the accident (e.g., reluctance or refusal to ...

PTSD symptoms may go away within weeks or months, or may last for years–especially if not properly treated.

Can you disagree with insurance adjuster? ›

If you find yourself at odds with a claims adjuster over a settlement amount, it's important to advocate for the payment you deserve. Don't simply accept an offer you believe to be inadequate. Instead, arm yourself with evidence, negotiate firmly but politely, and don't be afraid to dispute their decision if needed.

Key Takeaways

A claims adjuster investigates insurance claims to determine the extent of insuring a company's liability. Claims adjusters may handle property claims involving damage to structures, and/or liability claims involving personal injuries or third-person property damage.

Avoid admitting fault or underestimating damages as this might lead to lower compensation or even denial of your claim. Honesty is crucial when dealing with an insurance adjuster, so avoid providing false information which can lead to serious consequences like claim denial or legal repercussions.

Tell them that you were involved in an accident and give them general background information, including the date, time, location of the accident, and names and addresses of all parties involved. But it is best not to discuss the issue of fault until you have consulted with an attorney.

Dealing With Insurance Adjusters

The insurance adjuster has only the best interests of their client in mind and will perform their duties with a certain degree of bias. Some insurance adjusters may even go as far as to employ bad faith tricks to lower the potential payout the insurance company has to deliver.