I recently got into an accident that wasn't my fault. Now an insurance adjuster is calling me, and I'm afraid of accidentally saying the wrong thing and getting charged for it. How should I handle the call? Are there any subjects I should avoid entirely?

Jessa Claeys · Updated on Sep 20, 2021

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

“Dealing with insurance adjusters can be intimidating—we totally get it! But if you prepare what you plan to say ahead of the call, it will be over before you know it.

Here are several helpful tips.

Stay calm: Tensions are usually high after an accident, especially if you feel like it wasn’t your fault. But getting frustrated with the insurance adjuster won’t help you. Remember, this person is in charge of your claim, so staying on their good side is important.

Don’t get too personal: You can give the adjuster basic information (name, address, phone number, and place of employment), but don’t feel the need to go any deeper than that. Mentioning your income, for example, could have an undesirable impact on your claim.

No need to give any details as to your

injuries

, either. If the adjuster asks directly, you can tell them that you’re still being treated. Give yourself some time to make sure that you know the extent and severity of your injuries before relaying that information to the adjuster.

Set boundaries: You’ll want to make sure that the adjuster is aware of how little you’ll be discussing over the phone. Set limitations on further contact to prevent spam calls and to ensure that you have the time and space to give an accurate account of the accident.

Don’t give recorded statements: Adjusters may ask permission to record your conversation, but you are under no legal obligation to allow it. The recording will serve as evidence, and people often get flustered or trip over their words when they know they are on the record. It’s better to wait and put your account of the accident in writing instead.

Don’t settle immediately: Most adjusters will offer you the option to settle as quickly as possible—sometimes within the first couple of phone calls. If you settle too early, you might accept an amount significantly lower than your claim is worth.

Write things down: You’ll want to make note of any information that the adjuster gives you in case you need to use it later.

Lastly, if you’ve just gotten into an accident, your insurance rates will probably go up. Don’t stress! The good news is

Jerry

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