Texas state laws require every individual who owns and operates a motor vehicle to carry insurance. When you get in an accident, you expect your insurance company will take care of the damage and your medical bills.
Insurance company adjusters obtain something called a recorded statement after filing a claim, and your answers affect how the insurance company proceeds. What is a recorded statement?
Who is at fault?
A recorded statement is a required step when filing a claim. It helps the insurance company decide who is at fault. While an insurance company advocates for their insured, there are some loopholes that may trip you up. Some of these get uncovered during the recorded statement:
- Was someone else driving your vehicle?
- Is everyone in your home on your policy?
- Were you working at the time?
Is the driver covered?
One of the biggest reasons insurance companies deny coverage is because the person driving the car is not a named driver. During a recorded statement, the adjuster will ask a series of questions to determine whether the driver of your vehicle had coverage. If you loaned your car to a visiting relative or if you occasionally let a neighbor use your car, your claim is subject to denial.
Is a recorded statement important?
The recorded statement is an important part of the claims process. It is a tool used for investigative purposes. Pay special attention to consistency throughout the statement. The adjuster asks a series of questions, sometimes doubling back to ask it the same. If you do not know the answer, just say that. Guessing may only lead to issues later on if you contradict yourself. The recorded statement may get used against you if it comes down to a problem with consistency and liability.
Before speaking to an adjuster about an accident, it is best to understand the process. A recorded statement is an integral part of the insurance claims process as it helps determine liability and coverage.
