Dealing with Insurance Adjusters: 5 Phrases You Should Never Say

The person you speak with first from the other driver’s insurance company—the claims adjuster—is not your friend. Their job is to settle the claim for the lowest amount possible. Every word you say is recorded and can be used to minimize or deny your claim that is a result of a New Haven auto accident.

Here are five specific phrases or topics you must avoid when talking to any insurance adjuster (especially the one representing the at-fault driver):

1. “I’m sorry” or “I think it was partially my fault.”

Never, ever admit fault or even hint at it. An adjuster will immediately use this as an admission of negligence to assign you a high percentage of blame, slashing your potential settlement under the comparative negligence rule.

• What to Say Instead: “I am not discussing fault. Please speak to my attorney (or wait for the police report).”

2. “I feel fine,” or “I just have a little soreness.”

Do not give a statement about the extent of your injuries so soon after the crash. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries often take days to fully manifest. By saying you “feel fine,” you give the adjuster a reason to argue that your later medical treatment wasn’t related to the crash.

• What to Say Instead: “I am still assessing my condition and am following up with medical professionals.”

3. “I’ll take $[Specific Low Amount] to settle this.”

Never discuss a settlement amount before you have completed medical treatment, understand the full cost of future care, and have consulted with a lawyer. Adjusters thrive on quick, cheap settlements made before you understand the true value of your claim.

• What to Say Instead: “I am not prepared to discuss a final settlement at this time. I will be in touch when I know the full extent of my losses.”

4. “Yes, you can record my statement.”

An adjuster may ask you for a “recorded statement” to “get the facts straight.” The only purpose of this is to lock you into a version of events that they can later cross-reference and use to find inconsistencies or contradictions.

• What to Say Instead: “I am not comfortable giving a recorded statement without legal counsel.”

5. “I haven’t hired a lawyer.”

While true, advertising this fact signals to the adjuster that they can likely low-ball you with little resistance. Once they know you have a lawyer, they know they must deal with a professional who knows the rules and the true value of the claim.

• What to Say Instead (If you are considering one): “I am currently consulting with an attorney.” (Then, go hire one!)