You usually have to give your own insurance company a statement about what happened in the accident, under the terms of your policy. However, you are not under any obligation to give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster is not required to play fair while taking your statement.

What should you not tell your insurance company after an accident?

Avoid using phrases like “it was my fault,” “I’m sorry,” or “I apologize.” Don’t apologize to your insurer, the other driver, or law enforcement. Even if you are simply being polite and not intentionally admitting fault, these types of words and phrases will be used against you.

What happens if you hit someone and didn’t know?

As a misdemeanor, hit and run carries a possible sentence of up to six months in the county jail as well as a fine up to $1,000.00 dollars, or both. Penalties can also include 3 years of probation, restitution for the damage to property as well as 2 points on a California driving record.

What should you not say when making an insurance claim?

Dealing with an Insurance Adjuster: What Not to Say

1. Before you talk to an insurance adjuster, understand their role.
2. Avoid giving lots of details about the accident or your material damages.
3. Avoid giving a lot of details about the injury.
4. Do not sign anything or give a recorded statement.

What should I do if someone else’s insurance company calls?

When you talk to the adjuster for the insurance company of the other driver, you are risking damaging your insurance claims. Remember, these insurance adjusters do this every day. They know that you have been in an accident and are not feeling all that well. They are trained to look for evidence they can use against you.

What to do if your insurance company takes a position against you?

Your insurance policy may contain language that requires you to give a recorded statement if the adjuster requests it. If they do ask, you can ask the adjuster to tell you the exact language in the contract that requires it. Remember that your own insurance company can potentially take a position against you.

Do you call your own insurance company after a car accident?

While you do need to call your own car insurance company to report the accident, you are under no obligation to talk to the other driver’s insurance carrier. The best way to deal with the other insurance carrier in most serious car accidents is to consult with a personal injury attorney. He or she will deal with them. Why should you do that?

What happens if you tell a different story to the insurance company?

If they spot any inconsistencies in these statements, the claim might get denied. It’s not unusual for a person to tell the accident story slightly differently if he gives it four or five times over three months. Adjusters will often ask you tricky questions that can make you answer in a way that hurts your claim.