Insurance Adjusters: First Discussions
When talking about personal injuries to the other party's insurance company, remember this rule: Be polite but say little.
Shortly after you've notified responsible parties that you've been injured in an accident and intend to file a claim for compensation, you're likely to hear from one or more insurance companies. (To learn more about how to notify responsible parties, read the article Personal Injury Claims: Notifying Responsible Parties.) These first conversations after your accident may be difficult, as you may be agitated or in pain, but common sense and a few guiding principles will keep you from saying anything that will adversely affect your insurance claim.
Identify the Person With Whom You Speak
Before you discuss anything, get the person's name, address, and telephone number, the name of the insurance company, and the person or business the company represents. Record this information in a file.
Remain Calm and Polite
Although you may well be angry about the accident and your injuries, taking out your anger on the insurance adjuster will not help you win compensation. Insurance adjusters are used to dealing with angry claimants, but they are human and do not respond kindly to abuse. It is a good idea to avoid losing your temper with or heaping abuse on the agent during your negotiation process. You might even be nice -- an insurance adjuster's good will toward you may pay off in promptly handling your claim or in believing you about something it is difficult for you to prove.
Give Only Limited Personal Information
You need only tell the insurance adjuster your full name, address, and telephone number. At this point you need not explain or discuss any more than that about your work, your schedule, or your income, nor do you have to give detailed family or other personal information.
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