How to Take a Recorded Statement

If you work as a Claims Representative in the insurance industry, you'll be required to take a recorded statement. Your ability to get the facts will make or break your case. Learn how to do it properly, so you always know who's innocent and at-fault in an automobile accident.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen
• Paper
• Recorder
• Written or On-line Form
• Listening Ears

1. Review the initial details of the accident and jot down the questions you want to ask each driver that will lead you to understand what happened in the car crash.
2. Contact each driver in order of importance and ASK them for permission to take a recorded statement.
3. With your recorder on, begin taking your statement, re-affirm your permission to take it (with the driver) and write down information as you receive it.
4. After you've finished asking all of your questions, re-affirm that you had permission to take the recorded statement. Then, after the phone call is over, be sure to enter all of the details in the computer system you work with or on paper in a file.

Tips & Warnings

• Actively listen and ask clarifying questions as you get details.
• Don't forget to contact side parties like witnesses and passengers.
• Always start each statement by asking identifying information like the interviewee's name, address, driver's license number and/or social security number.
• Never assume you know what happened in the accident prior to get the facts.
• Never attempt to take statements with people who's first language isn't English without using an interpreter.