Bianca Babaians
After an accident, one of the first calls you may receive is from an insurance adjuster. They will likely sound friendly and concerned. They may say they just want to “get some basic information” or “help resolve your claim quickly.”
What many accident victims do not realize is that insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. The statements you make in those early conversations can significantly affect your claim’s value—or even whether you can recover compensation at all. Understanding what not to say to an insurance adjuster is just as important as knowing what to do after an accident.
At Babaians Law Firm, we help clients navigate communications with insurance companies and protect their rights at every stage.
Insurance companies know that accident victims are often stressed, in pain, and eager to resolve things quickly. They also know that early statements before you fully understand your injuries or have spoken with an attorney can be used to minimize or deny your claim.
Adjusters may record calls and use your own words against you later. Even casual, offhand comments can be interpreted in ways that reduce your settlement. Knowing what not to say to an insurance adjuster helps you avoid these pitfalls.
This is perhaps the most common and dangerous thing accident victims say. In the moments after a crash, adrenaline masks pain and injury symptoms. You may genuinely feel fine only to wake up the next day unable to move your neck.
If you tell an adjuster you are fine, they will record it and use it later to argue that your injuries are not serious or were caused by something else. This is a critical example of what not to say to an insurance adjuster.
What to say instead: “I am being evaluated by medical professionals and will follow their guidance.”
Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, do not admit fault. Liability determinations are complex and involve evidence, witness statements, police reports, and often California’s comparative negligence rules.
Apologizing can be interpreted as admitting responsibility, even if you were not at fault.
What to say instead: Provide basic factual information only. Let the investigation determine fault.
Adjusters are trained to view unrepresented claimants as vulnerable. If you tell them you do not have an attorney, they may push for a quick, lowball settlement or pressure you into making statements that hurt your claim. This is another key example of what not to say to an insurance adjuster.
What to say instead: “I am considering my options and will have appropriate representation review any offers.”
Hesitation or uncertainty can be used to suggest you were distracted, confused, or partially at fault. You are not required to provide a detailed narrative immediately after an accident.
What to say instead: “The accident is still under investigation. I will provide information once I have reviewed all the facts.”
Never agree to a settlement during an initial call. You do not yet know the full extent of your injuries, future medical needs, lost wages, or other damages. Once you accept an offer, you typically cannot pursue additional compensation later. Memorize this as a rule of what not to say to an insurance adjuster.
What to say instead: “I will review any offer you provide in writing with my attorney before making a decision.”
Beyond specific phrases, avoid these common pitfalls:
Knowing what not to say to an insurance adjuster includes understanding these related pitfalls.
Understanding how adjusters are trained helps explain why these conversations are so risky:
When an adjuster calls, follow these guidelines:
Following these guidelines ensures you avoid the common mistakes of what not to say to an insurance adjuster.
At Babaians Law Firm, we handle communications with insurance companies so our clients do not have to. When you work with us:
Our goal is to allow you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal and insurance complexities.
If you have been injured in an accident in California, what you say to insurance companies matters. Before speaking with any adjuster, understand your rights and the potential consequences of early statements.
Babaians Law Firm assists accident victims throughout California in navigating insurance claims, preserving evidence, and pursuing fair compensation. Call (818) 334-2981 or visit our website for a free case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions and help you take the proper steps to protect your claim.
Generally, no. You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the other party’s insurer. You can politely decline and refer them to your attorney or your own insurance company. This is a key part of understanding what not to say to an insurance adjuster.
Do not panic. An experienced attorney can help contextualize early statements and prevent them from being used to unfairly reduce your claim. Stop communicating with the adjuster and seek legal guidance immediately.
Yes. Insurance adjusters routinely review claimants’ public social media profiles. Photos, check-ins, and posts about activities can be used to argue that your injuries are not as serious as claimed. Set your accounts to private and avoid posting about the accident or your recovery.
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