Vehicle Theft: Writing Insurance Statements

If your car has been stolen, you'll need to file a claim with your insurance company. As part of this process, you'll likely be asked to provide a recorded statement about the theft. Here's an introduction to the steps you should take when writing a statement for vehicle theft for insurance purposes.

Firstly, it's important to understand that providing a recorded statement is not always in your best interest. While it may expedite the claim investigation and settlement process, it could also potentially harm your claim if you're not careful. If you do choose to provide a statement, be mindful that it will be transcribed and used as factual evidence, which can be used against you. Therefore, it's crucial to seek legal advice before agreeing to give a statement.

When writing your statement, stick to the facts and provide a chronological account of what happened. Include details such as the time, date, location of the theft, and any relevant information you can remember. Avoid speculating about who may be at fault or making statements about your injuries, as these can be used to undervalue or deny your claim. Remember, the insurance adjuster is not your friend, and their goal is to minimise claim payouts.

Before providing your statement, consult with a lawyer who can advise you on how to answer questions and protect your interests. Keep your answers brief and only provide the specific information that is asked, without volunteering additional details. Always be honest, but remain cautious and vigilant throughout the process.

Contact a lawyer who can advise on the type of questions asked and how to answer them

When making a statement to your insurance company about a stolen vehicle, it is highly recommended that you contact a lawyer. A lawyer will be able to advise you on the types of questions that may be asked and how best to answer them.

It is important to remember that the insurance adjuster is not your friend, despite how friendly they may seem. Their job is to resolve your claim for the lowest amount possible. They will be looking for any information that can be used to discredit or devalue your claim. Therefore, it is crucial that you have a lawyer by your side who can guide you on what to say and what not to say.

A lawyer can help you prepare an outline of your statement beforehand, so you know exactly what to say and what not to say. They can also advise you on whether to ask for the statement to be recorded or not. If the statement is recorded, your exact words can be used against you later on if there are any discrepancies with other statements you have given, such as your police statement.

A lawyer will also be able to review any documents that the insurance company asks you to sign, such as medical records release forms or insurance transcripts. They can advise you on whether it is in your best interest to sign these documents or not.

In addition, a lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations during the insurance claim process. For example, they can explain what information the insurance company is legally allowed to request from you and what they are not allowed to ask for. They can also guide you on the timeline within which the insurance company must make a decision on your claim.

Furthermore, a lawyer can assist you in negotiating with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation that you are entitled to. They can also advise you on whether it is necessary to file a lawsuit and represent you in court if needed.

Overall, consulting with a lawyer who has experience in dealing with insurance adjusters and claims agents can be invaluable when making a statement to your insurance company about a stolen vehicle. They can protect your rights, guide you on how to answer questions, and help you navigate the complex insurance claim process.

Be wary of the insurance adjuster; they are not your friend

When dealing with insurance companies, it's important to remember that the insurance adjuster is not your friend. While they may seem warm and pleasant, to them, you are just another name and number in a file that needs to be processed as quickly and cheaply as possible. They are well-trained negotiators who will try to resolve your claim for the lowest amount possible. They will attempt to get you to compromise your case by saying or doing something that allows them to deny or reduce the value of your claim. This means you and your family could suffer financially and physically.

• They will try to convince you to use their "preferred" body shop or doctor. In reality, there is no such thing as a "preferred" body shop. Insurance companies are required by law to negotiate with any body shop after a car accident. "Preferred" doctors have likely made a deal with your insurer to keep treatment costs low and may not be invested in your long-term health and recovery.
• They will try to convince you not to hire an attorney. Insurance adjusters know that attorneys make their jobs harder, but hiring an attorney is the best way to ensure you are treated fairly.
• They will try to talk you into signing a general release. Some insurance adjusters will offer you a small sum of money if you sign a general release, which releases all claims for your accident, including repairs, rental vehicles, and medical bills. If you sign a general release, you waive your right to further compensation.
• They will tell you that giving a recorded statement is mandatory. This is not true. You don't have to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster. They ask for recorded statements hoping you'll compromise your case.
• They will try to persuade you to accept a settlement before your medical treatment is finished. Some injuries take months or years to heal, and if you accept a settlement before you're fully healed, you may miss out on compensation.

If you decide to speak to an insurance adjuster on your own, remember to never volunteer any information. Only answer the questions you are asked, sticking to short yes or no answers whenever possible. Here are some things you should never say to an insurance adjuster:

• Don't admit fault, even partially. This will compromise your settlement.
• Don't comment on who was responsible. Even saying "I'm sorry" could be seen as an admission of guilt.
• Don't talk about your injuries or your medical prognosis. This information only concerns you, your doctor, and your lawyer.
• Don't let them make you feel rushed. Some insurance adjusters pretend to be in a hurry to make you nervous or flustered.
• Don't give your opinion. It's not your job to speculate about what caused the accident or who was at fault.
• Don't lie. This will destroy your integrity and your case. Tell the truth and keep your answers short and sweet.
• Don't give out your social security number. Insurance companies don't need this, no matter what they say.
• Don't talk about pre-existing injuries. Injuries that occurred before your accident are not relevant to your claim, and bringing them up gives the insurance company an opportunity to say your injuries were not caused by the accident.
• Don't give references. They aren't needed for your claim, and the insurance adjuster may harass your family and friends.
• Don't consent to being recorded. Never give a recorded statement without speaking to your attorney first.
• Don't say you feel "fine." An insurance adjuster can use this to demonstrate that you aren't suffering or in pain.
• Don't be too friendly. Insurance adjusters will make small talk to make you feel relaxed, but remember, they are not your friend.

Avoid discussing your injuries or medical prognosis

When writing a statement for vehicle theft to be submitted to an insurance company, it is important to keep some things in mind to avoid jeopardizing your claim.

It is crucial to refrain from discussing your injuries or medical prognosis in detail with the insurance company. While it is necessary to disclose that you were hurt in the incident, avoid providing specific information or going into depth about your injuries. This is because the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life may not be fully apparent immediately after the accident. Internal injuries, for instance, may not show symptoms right away. If you quickly dismiss your pain or claim to be uninjured, the insurance company may use this as a reason to minimize the severity of your injuries and offer a lower settlement.

Furthermore, the insurance adjuster's primary goal is to resolve your claim for the lowest amount possible. They may try to elicit information about prior injuries or medical history to discredit and devalue your claim. Therefore, it is advisable to only disclose the necessary medical records and details of your injuries through your lawyer once you have completed treatment and know the full scope of your injuries and prognosis.

Additionally, be cautious about signing any document from the insurance company, including medical records release forms, without first consulting your attorney. The insurance company may attempt to gain access to your entire medical history, which could be used to downplay your current injuries or find pre-existing conditions to shift blame and reduce their payout. Your lawyer will ensure that only the relevant and necessary medical information is shared with the insurance company.

Remember, the insurance company is not your friend in this situation, and it is their interest to minimize claim payouts. Thus, it is crucial to maintain a guarded approach and let your lawyer handle any discussions about your injuries and medical prognosis.

Stick to the facts and provide a chronological account of events

When writing a statement for vehicle theft to provide to your insurance company, it is important to stick to the facts and provide a chronological account of events. Begin by noting the time, date, location, and direction of travel. If there were any notable landmarks or other vehicles on the road, be sure to mention them.

Describe the theft incident itself, reporting what you felt, saw, and heard. As you may not have seen certain aspects of the theft, describing your other senses can compensate for any visual gaps in your statement. For example, you may have heard the sound of breaking glass or felt a bump as the thief collided with your car.

If you noticed the theft in progress, you could include details such as:

> I was walking back to my car after visiting the store when I noticed a figure loitering near it. As I approached, I saw that my driver's side window had been smashed, and the figure was reaching inside, rummaging through my belongings. I shouted, and they took off running with my bag, which contained my wallet and phone.

If your vehicle was stolen and later recovered, you could provide a description such as:

> I parked my car in the garage on Monday evening and did not notice anything unusual. On Tuesday morning, I went to the garage and saw that my car was missing. I immediately reported the theft to the police, and they later informed me that my vehicle had been recovered. When I saw the car, I noticed extensive damage to the exterior and interior, including a broken window and a stripped dashboard.

Remember to stick to the facts and avoid speculating about who was at fault or the extent of any damages. A factual, chronological account will help support your insurance claim and prevent any potential issues or discrepancies.

Avoid discussing fault

When writing a statement for vehicle theft for insurance, it is important to avoid discussing fault. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process effectively:

• Refrain from speculating about who may be at fault for the theft. Even if you believe you share some responsibility, avoid making assumptions or implying cause and effect. Stick to the facts and provide a chronological account of your experience.
• Avoid discussing your injuries or medical prognosis. The impact of an incident can take time to manifest, and adrenaline may mask the extent of any injuries. Do not discuss how you feel, and simply state that you are seeking medical attention if necessary.
• Be concise and brief in your responses. Provide only the specific information that is asked for and avoid volunteering additional details.
• Do not admit fault or partial fault under any circumstances.
• Be cautious and maintain a professional distance. Remember that the person taking your statement works for the insurance company, whose interest lies in minimising claim payouts.
• Consult with a lawyer before providing your statement to ensure you are not inadvertently admitting fault or providing unnecessary information.
• If possible, request that your statement is not recorded. Recorded statements can be used to compare with other statements you have given, and any discrepancies, regardless of intent, can cause issues for your case.
• If you are unsure about a question, refuse to answer or state that you don't know. Do not offer ambiguous responses.

Frequently asked questions