5 Things to Know Before You Call Your Insurance Company

You’ve made it through the initial shock of the accident scene. You’ve exchanged information, spoken to the police, and made it to a safe location. Now, it’s time to make one of the most important phone calls in the entire process: reporting the accident to your own insurance company.

This first call is more than just a formality; it sets the official tone for your entire claim. While you are calling your own insurer, and they have a duty to treat you fairly, it’s important to remember that they are also a business. The information you provide in this initial conversation will be documented and will form the basis of your claim file.

Being prepared for this call is essential. Knowing what to have ready, what to say, and what not to say can make the process smoother and protect you from unintentionally harming your claim from the very start. Before you dial that number, take a moment to review these five key things.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• Be Prepared: Have your policy number, the police report number, and all the information you gathered at the scene ready before you call.
• Know Your Coverages: Understand the basics of your own policy, especially your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Collision coverage, as these are the benefits you will be using first.
• Stick to the Facts: Your goal is to report the basic, objective facts of the accident. Do not offer opinions, guesses, or emotional statements.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Even if you think you might have been partially to blame, do not admit any fault to your insurance company. Simply state the facts of what happened.
• Do Not Downplay Your Injuries: Never say “I’m okay” or “I’m not hurt.” The safest and most accurate statement is, “I am seeking a medical evaluation.”

1. Be Prepared with Your Information

To make the call efficient and effective, have all your documentation in front of you. Create a mini-file with:

• Your Insurance Policy Number.
• The Police Report or Incident Number.
• The name, address, phone number, and insurance information for the other driver.
• The names and contact information for any witnesses.
• Your notes about the date, time, and specific location of the crash.

Having this information ready shows you are organized and allows you to provide the necessary details without hesitation.

2. Understand Your Own Coverages

You are calling your own insurer to activate the benefits you have paid for. The two most important coverages in the initial phase are:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Inform the agent that you (and any passengers) were injured and need to open a PIP claim to cover your initial medical bills.
• Collision Coverage: If you plan to have your own insurance handle your vehicle repairs, you will need to open a collision claim. Know your deductible amount.

3. Stick to the Basic, Verifiable Facts

Your job on this first call is to report the incident, not to tell a dramatic story or provide a detailed analysis. When the agent asks what happened, provide a simple, factual, and brief summary.

• Good example: “I was stopped at a red light at the intersection of 19th and Union when I was struck from behind by another vehicle.”
• Bad example: “I was just sitting there, and this guy came out of nowhere, he must have been going 50! He was probably texting or something, and he just slammed into me. I’m so sorry it happened…”

The second example is full of speculation (“must have been going 50,” “probably texting”) and a dangerous apology (“I’m so sorry”). Stick to what you know for sure.

4. Do NOT Admit Fault

This is a golden rule. Even if you feel you might have contributed to the accident, do not admit it. You may not know all the factors that were at play. For example, the other driver may have been speeding or distracted, which you might not have realized at the time. Simply state the facts of what happened and let the investigation determine legal fault. Admitting fault can jeopardize your claim.

5. Do NOT Downplay Your Injuries

The claims representative will ask you how you are feeling. This is a critical moment. Due to the effects of adrenaline, you may not feel the full extent of your injuries for days.

• Never say: “I’m fine,” “I’m okay,” or “I’m not really hurt.”
• The best answer is always: “I am feeling some pain and I am going to see a doctor to get a full evaluation.”

This is an honest answer that protects your right to claim for any injuries that may become apparent later.

This first call sets the foundation for your entire claim. Handling it with care and preparation is the first step to a successful outcome. If you have been injured in an accident in the Tacoma area and are unsure how to proceed with the insurance process, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. An experienced local attorney can handle all communications with the insurance companies on your behalf from the very beginning.

References

• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) – What to do if you have an accident and need to file a claim:

  Official guidance for Washington consumers on the steps to take when filing a claim, including what information to have ready.

  https://www.insurance.wa.gov/what-do-if-you-have-accident-and-need-file-claim

• Insurance Information Institute (III) – How to file an auto insurance claim:

  A national resource that provides a clear, step-by-step guide to the claims process, including the initial reporting call.

  https://www.iii.org/article/how-file-auto-insurance-claim