Car Accident Claim

Many times, the first person who will call you is a claims adjuster. This person works for your insurance company. It may be a “staff adjuster” employed by your insurance company, or it may be an “independent” adjuster. (An independent adjuster works for a private company, but has been hired by the insurance company.) They are going to ask you a series of questions, generally in this order:

1. Where is your car located
2. Is your car damaged?
3. What happened in the accident?
4. Was anyone hurt?

They want to know where your car is located to make sure that it is not accruing storage charges from a tow shop. If it is, they will ask you to call the tow shop and authorize the vehicle to be released. Most insurance companies will then move your car to one of their preferred body shops. If your car is at a tow yard, you should release it to your insurance company. Let them move it. This is not a battle to fight.

They then want to know if your car was damaged, and generally where the damage is located. You do not need to speak in auto terms — just tell them “driver’s side,” “passenger’s side,” “front,” “back,” etc... If the car is seriously damaged, let them know. If the damage is minor, let them know that as well.

When they ask you what happened in the accident, they may ask you for a recorded statement. You are NOT required to allow them to record your statement. Your policy requires that you cooperate with your insurance company but there is nothing in most policies that requires you to give a recorded statement. Answer their questions but do not give them a recorded statement at this time. Tell them what you know, and if you are still shaken, tell them that you want a day or two to settle down, and then talk to them.

You should let them know if anyone was hurt. You may have medical payments (med pay) coverage that will pay any bills you incur for injuries you sustain. They also need to know if anyone else was hurt. Tell them what you know, and if you are not sure if you are hurt, tell them that as well.