Can I Talk to Insurance Alone?

You can, and you may have to — your own policy likely requires you to cooperate with your own insurer. But you generally don't have to give a recorded statement to the other party's insurer, and you usually shouldn't before you understand the full scope of your injuries.

There's a big difference. Your own insurer is contractually on your side (within the limits of the policy), and your policy typically requires cooperation. The at-fault party's insurer is not your advocate — anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.

Certain kinds of statements consistently come back to hurt claims:

• Speculating about speed, distance, or what the other driver was doing
• Saying 'I'm fine' before symptoms have emerged
• Apologizing or taking partial blame out of politeness
• Estimating injuries before a doctor has evaluated them
• Guessing at facts you don't remember clearly

Stick to the basic factual essentials — date, location, who was involved, where the vehicles are. Decline to give a recorded statement to the other insurer until you've spoken with a lawyer or understand your injuries. Confirm everything in writing afterward.