{"id":353050,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-insurance-claims-dos-and-don-ts.html"},"modified":"2025-11-26T18:53:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T23:53:30","slug":"car-insurance-claims-dos-and-don-ts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-insurance-claims-dos-and-don-ts.html","title":{"rendered":"Car Insurance Claim Do’s and Don’ts: How To Protect Your Legal Options"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Car Insurance Claim Do's and Don'ts: How To Protect Your Legal Options<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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After a car accident<\/span>, you must report the incident to your insurance company<\/span>. You should be strategic about what you share to protect your legal rights and compensation. Avoid giving recorded statements<\/span>, sharing complete medical history<\/span>, or admitting fault until you consult an attorney. Limit disclosures to basic facts like the police report<\/span> and contact information<\/span>, as insurance adjusters<\/span> work to minimize payouts<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Experiencing a car crash<\/span> is bad enough. It doesn\u2019t help that you now may have to deal with insurance adjusters<\/span>, medical treatment<\/span>, and legal questions.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll likely be relieved to learn about insurance coverage for expenses and losses resulting from the accident<\/a>. Even though you might be working with your own insurance provider, it\u2019s important to understand that their goal is to pay as little as possible on all claims. They\u2019ve become quite adept at minimizing payments, so you need to know how to protect yourself. It’s important to be thoughtful and strategic in your communications.<\/p>\n

In this article, we review both what to say and what not to say when reporting a car accident<\/span> to insurance and throughout the claims process<\/span>. We\u2019ll also provide you with tips to help you avoid costly mistakes people make with insurers after an auto accident<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been in a crash involving injuries, disputed fault, or considerable property damage, consider contacting a car accident<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> before you reach out to the insurance company<\/span>. Your attorney\u2019s job is to protect your interests. An experienced advisor who\u2019s well-versed in the techniques used by insurance companies<\/span> can be invaluable when dealing with insurance adjusters<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with what to do right after a car accident<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What To Do After a Car Accident<\/span><\/h2>\n

After a car crash<\/span>, you\u2019ll want to get a police report<\/span><\/a>. This official document helps protect you by providing an unbiased account of the incident. It includes important information like road conditions, vehicle positions, and witness statements.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve already left the scene without an accident report, contact the local police department to check whether you can get an after-the-fact report<\/a>. Some localities give you several days to obtain one, but this varies by jurisdiction.<\/p>\n

Likewise, it\u2019s a good idea to get checked out by a medical provider even if you think you\u2019re okay. Many symptoms from car accident<\/span> injuries<\/a> don\u2019t show up right away. Seeking medical attention soon after the accident helps create a record that links potential injuries to the accident. This can be invaluable for personal injury<\/span> claims<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re concerned about medical bills<\/span>, your attorney may be able to connect you with providers who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they wait for payment until your claim settles. Be aware that this may give the provider a legal claim to part of your settlement.<\/p>\n

The claims process<\/span> begins when you first report the incident to insurance.<\/p>\n

Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Company<\/span><\/h2>\n

You\u2019ll need to report the incident to your own <\/span>insurance company<\/span> soon after it happens. You may deal with two different insurance companies<\/span> after an accident: your own insurer (a first-party claim) and the at-fault driver<\/span>‘s insurer (a third-party claim). Your obligations and rights differ depending on which company you’re dealing with.<\/p>\n

If at all possible, try to speak with an attorney beforehand. They can help guide you on what to say and what not to say when you first report the accident<\/a>. The exact amount of time you have to notify your insurer varies by car <\/span>insurance<\/span> policy<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Whether you report the accident online or via a phone call<\/span>, you\u2019ll want to avoid giving a recorded statement<\/span> until you\u2019ve spoken with a lawyer. While a recorded statement<\/span> may seem harmless, it can be used against you and hurt your claim. It\u2019s fine to tell the insurance company<\/span> that you need time to gather your thoughts or talk to your attorney first.<\/p>\n

You will need to provide your insurer with the basic details of the accident<\/span>. Try to follow these guidelines:<\/p>\n