When to Call Your Insurance Company — and What to Avoid

When something unexpected happens - a car accident, a home injury, or a sudden loss - your first instinct might be to call your insurance company right away. While it’s important to report incidents promptly, it’s equally important to understand what (and how much) to say. Insurance companies are not on your side — they’re businesses focused on minimizing payouts. Knowing when to call, what to say, and when to involve a lawyer can protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Dyal Jenkins, we’ve helped countless Georgia clients navigate complex insurance claims and avoid costly mistakes that can hurt their cases.

When You Should Contact Your Insurance Company

You should contact your insurer as soon as it’s safe to do so, particularly if you’ve been in:

• A car accident

• A workplace injury or personal injury on property

• A situation involving damage to your home or vehicle

Prompt reporting is usually required under your policy. Failure to report can lead to denied claims. However, how you communicate that report matters just as much as when.

What to Avoid When Speaking to Insurance Adjusters

1. Avoid Admitting Fault
   Even casual statements like “I didn’t see them coming” or “I might have been going too fast” can be used against you later. Stick to the basic facts: time, location, and what happened and let your lawyer handle the rest.
2. Don’t Guess or Speculate
   If you don’t know an answer, say so. Guessing can create inconsistencies that adjusters use to challenge your credibility.
3. Never Provide a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
   Adjusters often request recorded statements early in the process. These recordings are not for your benefit, they’re designed to limit your payout. Always consult a personal injury lawyer before giving one.
4. Be Cautious with Quick Settlement Offers
    Insurance companies sometimes offer small settlements before the full extent of your injuries or property damage is known. Accepting early can prevent you from pursuing additional compensation later. A lawyer can assess whether an offer is fair.
5. Don’t Sign Medical Release Forms Too Soon
   Insurers may ask you to sign broad medical authorizations. These allow access to your full medical history, not just accident-related treatment which they may use to argue that your injuries were pre-existing.

When to Call a Lawyer Instead

If your claim involves injury, potential liability disputes, or serious financial impact, call Dyal Jenkins before calling your insurer, or immediately afterward. Our attorneys can communicate directly with insurance companies, ensuring your statements and documents protect your best interests.

Dyal Jenkins regularly handles:

• Auto accident claims
• Personal injury and wrongful death cases
• Disputes over denied or underpaid claims
• Negotiations with insurance adjusters and opposing counsel

Why a Local Law Firm Makes a Difference

As Georgia-based attorneys, Dyal Jenkins understands local laws, court systems, and insurance company tactics specific to the region. Our relationships and local insight help clients resolve claims faster and with better outcomes — without the confusion of dealing with large, impersonal firms.

Insurance companies are not your allies, they’re focused on protecting their bottom line. Before signing anything or making recorded statements, talk to a lawyer who will protect your interests.

At Dyal Jenkins, we combine local experience, personalized guidance, and proven results to help clients across Georgia get the fair compensation they deserve.