The exact words to use when the insurance adjuster calls. Polite, firm, and legally sound.
Recorded statements are permanent. Anything you say can and will be used to minimize your claim.
You don't know the full extent of your injuries yet. Saying "I'm okay" in the first 48 hours can destroy your case.
Adjusters are trained to ask questions that produce answers that hurt you — even when you're telling the truth.
You have no legal obligation to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company.
Having an attorney present or speaking on your behalf levels the playing field completely.
"Thank you for calling. I was involved in an accident and I am currently working with an attorney to handle my claim. I am not able to provide a recorded statement at this time. Please direct all future communications to my attorney. I will have them contact you with their information. Thank you."
"I'm not comfortable providing a recorded statement at this time. I'd like to speak with an attorney first before discussing the details of the accident. I'll be in touch once I've had a chance to do that. Thank you."
Important: If you don't have an attorney, get one before calling back. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and can be retained within 24 hours. Find one here.
Adjuster Says:
"We just need a quick statement for our records — it won't take long."
You Say:
"I understand, but I'm not comfortable providing a recorded statement at this time. I'd like to speak with an attorney first. Please direct all future communications to my attorney."
The word "quick" is a manipulation tactic. There is no such thing as a harmless recorded statement.
Adjuster Says:
"If you don't give a statement, we can't process your claim."
You Say:
"I understand your position, but I am not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. I will cooperate fully through my attorney. Please provide your contact information so my attorney can reach you."
This is a bluff. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurer. Your own insurer may have different requirements — check your policy.
Adjuster Says:
"We're just trying to help you get your claim resolved quickly."
You Say:
"I appreciate that. The best way to help me is to work with my attorney. I'll have them contact you with their information."
Insurance adjusters are not your advocates. Their job is to minimize what their company pays.
Adjuster Says:
"You don't need an attorney for something this simple."
You Say:
"I appreciate your perspective, but I'd prefer to have legal representation before discussing the details of my claim. Thank you for understanding."
If an adjuster is telling you that you don't need an attorney, that's often a sign that you do.
Adjuster Says:
"We'll have to put your claim on hold if you don't cooperate."
You Say:
"I understand. Please note that I am cooperating — I'm simply exercising my right to have legal representation before providing a recorded statement. My attorney will be in touch."
Threatening to delay your claim is a pressure tactic. Document this conversation in writing.
Don't panic. You are not disqualified from recovering full value. An experienced personal injury attorney can:
Once you have an attorney, you never have to speak to the insurance company again. They handle all communications — protecting your claim from the very first call.