Communicating with an insurer is a necessary and crucial part of the claim process.
After the accident, you’ll likely be in contact with your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer.
With all the anxiety that comes with an accident, talking to an insurer can be nerve-wracking. That’s why picking a provider in advance of an accident is critical and many turn to Freeway Insurance for cheap car insurance that is still effective.
Here are tips on how to talk with an Auto Insurance company after a car accident.
Table of Contents
Making Contact and Information Exchange
After an accident, the first step is to check for injuries and share information with the other driver or insurer.
The Insurance Information Institute recommends that you share among each other information on:
- Name
- Contact information.
- License information
- The vehicle color, model, and plate numbers
- Insurance company details and policy number
You can go the extra mile and document the accident for your insurer. Take some pictures and get a copy of the accident report.
However, we recommend contacting your own auto accident attorney to guide you on the kind of information you’re required to provide.
Your lawyer will be able to act fast and reach out to your insurance concerning the accident.
Remember, when you delay contacting your insurance company to report the incident, they may have the grounds to reject settling any claims as per the auto insurance policy. Inability to communicate early may also lead to out-of-pocket charges if you were the negligent driver.
Acting fast will save you time, stress, and money.
What Not to Say
Just as important as what to say is what not to say.
You need to keep the conversation on some accident details to a minimum. A significant mistake in post-accident reporting is guessing or speculation on who is at fault.
If the insurer asks questions about the accident and has no answer, do not speculate. Yes! You can say, “I don’t know.”
Accidents can be complicated. Even if you believe you’re at fault, it’s best to let the investigation take its course considering all factors. You shouldn’t assume responsibility prematurely.
Keep in mind that both parties may have played a part in the accident. Making assumptions could have unnecessary consequences like higher settlements to the other driver and other inconveniences.
We advise that you let the authorities do their job if you have no answer for sensitive questions that can put you at fault, postpone the conversation.
Additionally, avoid pre-recorded statements as they carry weight, and you may not have enough information when you make such statements.
An adjuster can also ask leading questions when recording such messages resulting in an undervaluation of the damage or injury.
Before answering a question, make sure your attorney is present; otherwise, reschedule the interaction till you get one.
Cooperate as Much as Possible
After contacting the insurer, you are likely to get multiple calls asking about the incident.
The insurance adjuster must have all the facts for any claims to be approved. You should tell your adjuster the necessary details of the incident as you can. These details include:
- The type of accident
- When and where the accident took place.
- Vehicles involved
Providing medical records and witness names may help your case and speed up the process.
As much as it’s a good idea to cooperate, do not go overboard. The insurance adjuster is not required to know the personal details of your work and income.
Inconveniences such as undergoing an interrogation or time infringement by insurers are also a violation of your rights.
Remain Proactive
You should keep track of all information and interaction with the insurer.
The communication between you and your insurer is crucial in successfully monitoring an auto accident claim. Save the emails sent and all evidence of promises made for future reference.
You should also contact the adjuster with extra information received after several interactions.
If the insurer is kept waiting for documents you already have, your claim will automatically take longer to assess and process. Having an attorney to help you with the process and liaise with the insurer will save you a lot of trouble.
Remember to keep track of the information exchange, evidence, and promises to create a paper trail that can help speed up your claim.
Conclusion
Communication is a crucial step after an accident.
Communicating with your insurer is a business process, and you need to be professional, know your limits, keep evidence, and, most importantly, hire experts who know what they are doing.
