If you have been in a car accident and your car was damaged or totaled, you probably want to get it fixed or replaced as fast as possible. If the accident was the other driver’s fault, then their insurance carrier is responsible for covering the costs you incur. Let’s take a look at what you should know when dealing with another driver’s insurance company.
Businessman Making Phone Call After Traffic Accident and looking concerned
What You Should Know When
The first thing you should know is that there is no law that says you must talk to the other driver’s insurance company. And it can be argued in some cases that you should not talk to the other company because you run the risk of putting your own claim in jeopardy if you say the wrong thing. Let’s take a look at some Dos and Don’ts.
Dos and Don’ts of Talking with Another Insurance Company
Since the goal of the other driver’s insurance company is to pay as little as possible for claims against it, you must be careful about the type of information you give. The insurance company does not have your best interests in mind and, in fact, will try to find evidence that proves their driver was not at fault or that your own injuries or damages are less than you say or even nonexistent.
Be Careful of What You Say
Don’t ever tell the insurance company that you have minor injuries or that you feel fine. It has been proven over and over that even minor injuries from a car accident can lead to serious issues down the road. Often, injuries don’t show up immediately after an accident, but you can find yourself at the emergency room or doctor’s office days or week after the trauma.
Don’t Record
Some companies will ask to record your call or will ask for a written statement. Without advice from your own insurance company or a lawyer, do not consent to either of these. This is an attempt to lock you down in order to later use your statements to reduce the value of your claim.
Don’t Offer Information
Do not expand your answers in any way or volunteer information. Do not guess at what happened. Simply answer the question asked truthfully, succinctly, and if you don’t know the answer, simply say that you don’t know.
Bring In Your Own Insurance Company
You may want to bring your own insurance company in on the call. This can help protect you from providing the wrong information. Better yet, give all your information to your own insurance company and let your adjuster speak with the other company.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are times when it is simpler and faster to talk to the other insurance company. If you have a minor accident and it is clear that the other driver was totally at fault, you should be able to call the company and get things settled quickly.
The success and ease of settling your insurance case is greatly determined by how well the insurance company handles claims. To find the companies that have top-rated claims processes, use the InsuranceWins form. With a little information, we’ll send you quotes from the top auto insurance companies so you can find a carrier that fits your needs.
