Adjuster wants a statement?

Question

Can you write your own statement, sign it and give it to an adjuster? I have seen many people get the short end of the stick having an adjuster from the other party interview you. they interview and ask you questions in such a way that is very unfair. They ask those questions to deny the claim or they ask you these questions trying to take some of the fault off of their insured. So i sent in my statement to the adjuster and she told me it was no good and unacceptable. I know why she states this is because their was nothing in the statement she could use to deny or take some liability from their insured. Im under no obligation to give the other party insurance a statement. They said they cant evaluate my claim without it. What can I do? Thank you in advance for the advice.

Answer 1

First off, MOST adjusters don't take statements to "trick" people into saying something that can be used against them. We don't have time for that c**p. We just want the truth from both parties and then we will make a decision regarding what we can cover/pay for. Sure, if you tell the truth some of that can be used against you. If you did something wrong in an accident it will be used against.....pure, plain, simple. The law calls for this and your company does the same. The truth is what matters, not trying to be unfair. If you contributed to the accident in anyway you should be held accountable for that. Keep in mind that most states allow both parties in an accident to be held partially responsible. Very few accidents are 100% one drivers fault. The at-fault driver does not automatically have to pay 100%. Many accidents have split liability. For instance 80%-20% is very common. If you are the 20%, you are only allowed to collect 80% from the at-fault company.

Secondly, you are correct you have no legal obligation to give the other company a statement of ANY kind. The problem with that is then the other company will make their decision based on only one version of the accident and it will be their persons version, not yours, which isn't likely to help you. So the adjuster is correct when they told you they can't evaluate your claim without your version. Please keep in mind that you have to prove your claim to the other company and the best way to do that is to cooperate.

I have many people turn me down for recorded statements. I just politely tell them that not giving me their version won't help them and that they two other options. 1) use their collision coverage and let the two companies fight it out later or 2) I will send them an accident report form to fill out. That way I get the info I need, just in a different & slower format.

If the other adjuster won't accept your written version ask then if they have an accident report form you can fill out if they will accept it. Also ask specifically what questions they want asked if they aren't on the form and your answers to another sheet of paper. If that doesn't work then you have to use your collision coverage if you have it.        

Good Luck

Answer 2

Are you talking about an auto accident?  You are required to give statements to the police and your insurer.  You don't have to deal with the other party's insurer.  Just refer them to your insurer.

Answer 3

Unfortunately you have to give a statement but I would also call your insurance company and give a recorded statement as well. That way if you do not get what you want from the other insurance company your insurance company can take them to arbitration.

Answer 4

Sure you can, but you ALSO have to answer their questions.

Yes, you're under no obligation to give the other party a statement, just like they're under no obligation to pay you any money.  

If you don't give them the statement, they won't pay you anything.  If you take it to court, the court will require their questions answered, if you're going to have any hope of winning.

Answer 5

your own insurance company is susposed to do this and be on your side... the other adjustor is not susposed to get involved... that is a representative of the others party. insurance.. as far as a statement.... the  police report contains all the info that is required... and your company and a independent adjustor is involved... if you deal with the other company  you shot yourself in the foot... right now who ever you pay for your insurance .. deal with them only ok...