How Do I Talk to My Insurance Company After a Wreck?

Big auto insurance companies spend millions on advertising. Their commercials are so good, they hook people and reel them in. The TV commercials make us laugh, they make us feel warm and fuzzy inside, and they make us believe that our insurers are “good neighbors.” But, all too often when it’s time to file a claim, suddenly we feel more like adversaries than friends with our insurance carriers.

If you’re lucky, your auto insurance company will do the right thing, but the fine print can make auto insurance claims a bit complicated. So, what can you do to make the process go smoother? Lying for one, is just a bad idea. Not only that, but it’s illegal.

However, it’s important for policyholders to know there are consequences to what they say to an insurance company, sometimes big ones. Before you communicate to your insurance company, here are some important guidelines to consider:

• Stick to the facts of the accident and don’t add opinions or embellishments. Be honest, but don’t volunteer too much information.
• Don’t try to save money by lying because the truth will probably come out and the dishonesty can discredit you and weaken your claim.
• If you misrepresent facts, it may not lead to a denied claim but your rates can take a hit.
• Don’t try to provide details that you can’t remember. Many policyholders can’t remember specifics, especially if the crash was traumatic. If you try to be precise about details that you can’t actually recall, it could lead to trouble down the road.
• Do not assume blame or say anything to the effect of, “I’m so sorry, it’s all my fault.” The investigation can reveal mitigating factors or that the other driver was to blame, so leave fault-finding to the investigators!
• Remember, you’re a customer first, not a confidant. Contact a personal injury attorney and fight for your rights. Expect challenges, but don’t “accept” them.

Related: Is South Carolina a Fault Insurance State?

Contact the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC to meet with a Columbia personal injury lawyer about filing a claim for compensation.