What Should I Tell My Insurance Company When I Report a Pennsylvania Car Accident?

What to Say When Reporting a Car Accident to Your Pennsylvania Insurer

Reporting a car accident to your insurance company is a step you should take promptly — most policies require timely notice as a condition of coverage. But there’s a difference between reporting the accident and giving a comprehensive recorded statement. Knowing what information to provide, and what to hold back until you’ve consulted with an attorney, can protect your claim and your recovery.

Basic Information You Should Provide

When you first contact your insurer to report the accident, provide the following basic facts:

• The date, time, and location of the accident
• The names, contact information, and insurance details of the other driver(s) involved
• The make, model, and license plate of the other vehicle(s)
• The name of the police department that responded and the report number, if available
• The fact that you were injured and are seeking or receiving medical attention
• Whether your vehicle was damaged and where it is located

What You Should Avoid Saying

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, avoid making statements that could limit your claim or misrepresent your situation:

• Statements about fault: “I think I may have been going a little fast” or “I might have misjudged the light” — even casual self-blame can be used against you
• Minimizing injuries: “I feel fine” or “it’s just a little stiffness” — many serious injuries take days to fully manifest
• Speculation: Don’t guess about what happened if you’re unsure; say you need more time to recall the details clearly

Recorded Statements

Your insurer may ask you to give a formal recorded statement. Before doing so, consult with a Pennsylvania car accident attorney. Your attorney can advise you on what to say, help ensure your statement accurately represents your situation, and protect you from providing information that could be used to reduce your coverage or shift fault to you.

The attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. guide Erie accident victims through every step of the insurance reporting process. Contact us for a free consultation.