By: Mark Lovett
After a car accident, most people assume their insurance company will take care of everything fairly. That’s what you pay for, right? Unfortunately, what insurance adjusters don’t want you to know after a car accident is that their main goal is to protect the company’s profits, not necessarily your best interests.
That doesn’t make them the enemy, but it does mean you need to approach every conversation and document with care. Knowing a few insurance secrets after an accident can make all the difference in how much you actually recover.
1. Their First Offer Is Rarely the Best One
When an adjuster comes back with a settlement offer, it can feel tempting to take it and move on. But one of the biggest things insurance adjusters don’t want you to know after a car accident is that first offers are often intentionally low. They’re hoping you’ll accept quickly before realizing how much your claim is worth. Always take time to review the numbers, gather repair estimates, and total up your medical expenses before agreeing to anything.
2. You Don’t Have to Give a Recorded Statement Immediately
After an accident, you might get a call asking for a recorded statement. While this seems routine, remember that you are not required to provide one right away. Anything you say can be used later to reduce your claim or challenge your story. It’s smart to wait until you understand your injuries and talk to a lawyer or trusted advisor before making any recorded comments.
3. You Have the Right to Choose Your Own Repair Shop and Doctor
Another thing insurance adjusters don’t want you to know is that you are not limited to their “preferred” repair shops or doctors. You can select your own mechanic, body shop, or healthcare provider. This gives you more control and ensures that the people assessing your damage or injuries are working for you, not for the insurer.
4. Non-Economic Damages Count Too
Insurance companies like to focus on bills they can easily measure, such as car repairs or hospital costs. But your pain, emotional stress, and time off work are also part of your loss. Car insurance adjusters rarely volunteer this information, but these non-economic damages should be part of your settlement calculation.
5. Hiring an Attorney Can Work in Your Favor
One of the most misunderstood truths about insurance claims is that having a lawyer can actually lead to a higher payout. While adjusters might say a lawyer will complicate the process, data shows that people represented by attorneys often receive better settlements, even after fees. An experienced attorney understands what insurance adjusters don’t want you to know after a car accident and how to use that knowledge to negotiate effectively.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with insurance adjusters after a car crash can feel overwhelming. They know the process inside and out, and they rely on your lack of experience to save their company money. The key is to stay informed, ask questions, and never rush into signing anything.
By understanding what insurance adjusters don’t want you to know after a car accident, you can protect yourself, ensure fair treatment, and recover the compensation you truly deserve.
About the Author: Mark is a tenured writer for NewsWatch, focusing on technology and emerging trends. He helps readers understand how tomorrow’s innovations will affect everyday life. Fun fact: he has a playful corgi named Pixel and loves tinkering with DIY electronics on the weekends.
