Things You Shouldn’t Say to Claims Adjusters

The main job of an insurance claims adjuster is to evaluate your claim and determine if it has merit. This is also the person who plays a key role in determining what’s covered, who’s liable for any resulting damage, the degree of liability for the company, and other factors that can have a significant impact on what happens with your claim. You should definitely be honest with a claims adjuster, but there are some things you shouldn’t say as you discuss your claim. Here’s some advice from the professionals at Altra Insurance, providers of auto, commercial, and homeowners insurance San Diego residents trust for reliable, high-quality service.

Anything about Potential Fault

You shouldn’t discuss anything about your possible fault, nor should you admit any degree of fault. A claims adjuster is, by the nature of his or her job, looking for anything that may reduce the company’s liability. Anything that can be considered an admission of negligence on your part may affect your claim. This means avoiding any of the following statements:

• “I’m sorry …”
• “I didn’t see the other person or vehicle …”
• “It might have been my fault …”

Anything Speculative about What Occurred

Avoid making assumptions about what “might have” or “likely” happened, especially if you’re not fully sure. Statements involving speculation on your part may end up not being what an investigation of the matter suggests or shows actually occurred. If this happens, inconsistent statements could present some difficulties with your claim.

Anything Specific about Your Current Health

“How are you?” is a common question an adjuster may ask as a matter of courtesy, which is understandable. However, if you answer in a way that provides details about your current health-related status, this information may be used against you, especially if any injuries you may have sustained end up being more serious later on. This is important, since part of the compensation you receive typically covers:

• Pain and suffering
• Initial medical expenses
• Possible future costs for treatment and recovery

Anything about Preexisting Health Issues

Don’t discuss anything about your existing injuries, if possible, or anything about ongoing or preexisting conditions. One of the things an adjuster does is try to get a general feel for what kind of medical expenses may be related to your claim. Being too forthcoming could affect what’s considered part of your claim and what’s not. For instance, if you mention ongoing issues with lower back pain and your claim is about an accident that involved injuries in the same area, it could be assumed your current discomfort is related to your previous issues.

Anything about Recording Your Statement

Victims of accidents aren’t legally obligated to allow claims adjusters to record their statements. Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, anything you say in a recorded statement typically cannot be taken back. Plus, it’s possible for the nature of your injuries or the circumstances involved to be unclear at first. If asked about recording your statement, politely decline and continue your conversation with the adjuster.

Whether you’ve been in an accident or not, it’s important to make sure you have high-quality insurance to protect yourself in the future. If you need affordable, reliable insurance, look no further than the trustworthy pros at Altra Insurance Services. We can take care of a variety of your insurance needs, including auto, motorcycle, homeowners, business and car insurance Chula Vista. Give us a call today at (619) 404-6311 to find out more about our high-quality insurance products and impeccable service.