MSN.com posted an article this week entitled 5 things never to tell your insurer. The first two really have more to do with home owners insurance and health/life insurance, but 3, 4, and 5 are directly applicable to auto accidents. From the article:

5. ‘Whiplash’

Whiplash and whiplash-associated disorders represent a wide range of injuries caused by a sudden distortion of the neck.

Insurance companies often associate the term with exaggerated or fraudulent claims, so saying, “I have whiplash,” could delay the payment process.

Refer to your injuries in medical terms if you can, or wait until your doctor makes a diagnosis.

Remember, the insurance companies are in the business to make money. They can make more money in profits by paying out less money in insurance claims. Be careful in what you choose to say to the insurances companies and how you choose to say it. If you say the wrong things, you will hurt the value of your claim. If you are unsure how to answer a question from the adjuster, tell him that you will let him know the next time you speak to him and politely end the call. Then find some resources on our site or on the internet that answers the question for the adjuster and the next time you speak with him, you will be prepared to say the right things.