Statements are an important tool used by insurance claims representatives in evaluating who is at fault for an accident or who is liable for a loss such as a house fire or a theft. A written statement will become a permanent part of a claim file and may be used in court to prove liability against another party or to prove fraud against an insured party. You don't need a specific insurance form to create a written statement of facts.
Step 1
Contact your claim representative for specific guidelines relating to your type of accident. Necessary information will vary depending on whether you're writing a statement for an auto accident or one for property damage. Statements can be handwritten or typed.
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Step 2
Provide general information at the beginning of the statement such as your name, policy number, location, date and time of the loss, parties involved, witnesses, and police and/or fire department report number. If you were involved in a car accident, include the type of weather occurring at the time of the loss.
Step 3
Provide a detailed, step-by-step recollection of the events. For a car accident, this would include which direction you and any other parties were driving, how many lanes of traffic were available, whether any trees were blocking the view of traffic, your speed and the estimated speed of the other car, damage that occurred and how the accident occurred. Also include any information about the other drivers, including any statements of liability they may have made to you immediately after the accident.
In the event you're making a statement regarding a house fire, include information such as where you or other family members were when the fire occurred, what or who you think caused the fire, and why.
Step 4
Attach photos if any are available to aid your claims representative in re-creating the accident. Photos are very helpful in determining cause and liability.
Step 5
Sign and date your statement to validate your information. Keep a copy for your records and deliver a copy to your claims representative via mail, fax or a personal visit.
Tip
It's important to complete your statement as soon as possible after the incident so that you don't forget details. Don’t assume that a detail is not important—it might prove important to a trained professional. Try to include as much detail as possible.
Things You'll Need
Paper
Computer
Printer
Warning
Failure to comply with an insurance carrier’s request for a written statement can hinder the claims process and may result in liability being placed on you or your carrier for an accident. If you feel you weren't liable for an accident, providing a statement is always in your best interest.
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