Communicating With Insurance Companies Text Size:

When communicating with your own insurance company after an accident:

• Inform your agent of the accident as soon as possible. Describe the accident honestly, even if you were at fault. Your agent needs to know exactly what happened.
• Read your insurance policy to see whether you're covered.
• Find out whether your claim may be covered under more than one kind of insurance (auto, homeowners, disability, general "umbrella" policies, etc).
• Carefully document all your expenses (car rental, medical bills, etc.) so that you can be reimbursed.
• Take photos of any damaged property or injuries as soon as possible after the accident.
• Cooperate with your insurance company's adjuster in making damaged property and witnesses accessible.

When dealing with the other person's insurance company:

• You do not have to give the other person's insurance adjuster any information other than basic information such as your name, address and phone number.
• If you are feeling hassled or pushed by the other person's insurance company, you can refuse to communicate with them at all, or you can insist that further contact be in writing.
• Don't provide the other person's insurance company with any information regarding your injuries until your medical situation has stabilized and you're sure of the full extent of your injuries.
• Consult with an attorney before you make any statements regarding the details of the accident to the other person's insurance adjuster.
• Don't try to negotiate with the insurance company by yourself. Hiring an attorney to help you in this process will bring much better results.

Insurance Claims Message Board for more help