What to Tell YOUR Insurance Company After an Accident (And What to Keep to Yourself)

After a car accident, you need to call two insurance companies: yours and theirs. Most advice focuses on the other driver's insurance (and rightly so — they're your adversary). But what you say to your own insurance company matters too.

Your insurer is contractually obligated to cover you — but they're also a business trying to minimize what they pay. Here's how to navigate that call.

Yes, You Must Call Your Insurance Company

Most auto insurance policies require you to report accidents "promptly" — usually within 24 hours or as soon as reasonably possible. Failing to report can give your insurer grounds to deny coverage for the accident.

Call your insurance company the same day as the accident if you can, or first thing the next morning. See our insurance company phone directory for the right claims number.

What to Tell Them

Stick to basic facts. Be honest but brief.

Share these details:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• That you were involved in a collision
• The other driver's name, phone number, and insurance information
• The police report number
• That you are seeking (or have received) medical treatment
• A basic factual description: "I was heading north on Main Street when the other vehicle struck my car at the intersection of 5th Avenue"

That's it. Answer their questions factually, but don't volunteer information they haven't asked for.

What to Keep to Yourself

Don't Speculate About Fault

Even with your own insurance company, avoid:

• "I think it might have been my fault"
• "I probably should have been going slower"
• "Maybe I could have avoided it"

Fault is a legal and factual determination. Your insurer will investigate — don't make their job easier at your own expense. If fault is disputed, your statements could be used in subrogation (when your insurer tries to recover money from the other driver's insurer).

Say instead: "I'd like the investigation to determine fault. I can provide the police report number for reference."

Don't Describe Your Injuries in Detail

Your insurer may ask: "Were you injured?" Keep it general.

• Don't say "I'm fine" — you might not be
• Don't list specific injuries and treatments
• Don't speculate about long-term effects

Say instead: "I was injured in the accident and I'm currently receiving medical treatment. I'll provide medical documentation once my treatment is further along."

Why this matters: your own insurer shares information with the other driver's insurer during subrogation. Detailed injury descriptions can end up in the wrong hands.

Don't Agree to a Recorded Statement (Yet)

Your own insurance company may have a contractual right to a recorded statement — unlike the other driver's insurer, which does not. However, you can usually delay this until you've consulted with a lawyer.

Say: "I'd like to consult with a lawyer before providing a recorded statement. I'm happy to cooperate fully — I just want to make sure I do this correctly."

Most insurers will accommodate this reasonable request. If they push back, your lawyer can handle the communication directly.

Don't Accept a Quick Settlement

If your insurer makes an early offer to settle your first-party claim (for your vehicle damage, medical bills under PIP/MedPay, or other coverages), evaluate it carefully. First offers are often below what you're owed.

This is especially important for:

• Total loss valuations — their assessment of your car's value may be lower than market value
• PIP/MedPay limits — make sure all eligible expenses are included before accepting
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist claims — if the other driver has insufficient coverage, your own UIM claim can be substantial

When Your Own Insurance Works FOR You

Your auto insurance has several coverages that help you directly — independent of the other driver's liability:

| Coverage | What It Does | Who Pays | |---|---|---| | Collision | Pays to repair or replace your vehicle, regardless of fault | You (minus deductible) | | MedPay | Pays medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault | Your insurer, no deductible | | PIP (Personal Injury Protection) | Pays medical bills + lost wages, regardless of fault (required in no-fault states) | Your insurer | | Uninsured Motorist (UM) | Covers you if the other driver has no insurance | Your insurer | | Underinsured Motorist (UIM) | Covers the gap if the other driver's insurance isn't enough | Your insurer | | Rental Reimbursement | Pays for a rental car while yours is being repaired | Your insurer |

Understanding what you're paying for helps you get the full value of your policy. Many accident victims don't realize they have MedPay, PIP, or UIM coverage until a lawyer points it out.

Your Insurance vs. The Other Driver's Insurance

| | Your Insurance | Their Insurance | |---|---|---| | Obligation to you | Contractual — they must cover you per your policy | None — they represent the other driver | | When to call | Same day or next morning | Only after consulting a lawyer | | How much to share | Basic facts — date, location, report number | As little as possible | | Recorded statement | May be contractually required (delay if possible) | Never required — always decline | | Trust level | Cautious — they want to minimize payout too | Zero — they are your adversary |

The Conversation with a Lawyer

Before you say too much to anyone, get a free case evaluation. Understanding the full value of your claim — including coverages you might not know you have — helps you say the right things to the right people at the right time.

Our AI reviews your case in 2 minutes and matches you with an experienced injury lawyer who can guide your insurance conversations. No fees unless you win.