The DOs and DON'Ts of Talking with Insurance Adjusters

DO

• Write down the name, address and phone number of the insurance adjuster and insurance company.
• Provide your full name, address and telephone number.
• Take notes of the conversation.
• Ask the adjuster if they are aware of any witnesses.
• Be very general when you describe your injuries. Tell the adjuster you will provide a complete, detailed, medical description of your injuries after you and your doctors have done a full assessment.

DON'T

• Do not agree to an audio tape recording of the conversation.
• Insurance adjusters will engage you in an informal conversation in an effort to relax you and get as many details about the accident as possible. Do not discuss anything but the basic facts of the accident: (a) where the accident occurred, (b) date and time of the accident, (c) type of accident - motor vehicle, slip and fall.
• You do not need to provide details about your work, such as income, schedule or details of what you do at your job.
• Do not agree to anything.
• Do not sign anything.
• Don't answer family questions. You are under no obligation to give any information about your family.
• You are not obligated at this point to identify witnesses.
• You are not obligated to give the adjuster the name of your doctor.