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Letter Declining a Recorded Statement
By Serdar Arslan, editor · Last reviewed · How we research
After a crash, the other driver's insurance adjuster may ask to record a phone interview with you. In most situations you are not required to give a recorded statement to another person's insurer, although you still need to share enough information for them to evaluate your claim. Many people prefer to provide facts in writing so they can review their words first.
This letter politely declines the recorded statement and offers to answer reasonable written questions instead. It is not meant for your own insurer: your own policy usually requires you to cooperate, which can include a statement, so review your policy before declining a request from your own company.
Stay cooperative in tone. Claims tend to move faster when you answer promptly and send the documents the adjuster reasonably needs.
[Your full name] [Your mailing address] [Your phone number] [Your email address] [Date of this letter] [Adjuster name] [Insurance company name] [Insurance company address] Re: Request for recorded statement Claim number: [Claim number] Your insured: [Insured driver's name] Date of accident: [Date of the accident] Dear [Adjuster name]: Thank you for contacting me on [Date the statement was requested] about the claim above. I understand you have asked me to give a recorded statement. I respectfully decline to give a recorded statement at this time. I want to cooperate with your review of the claim, and I am willing to answer reasonable questions in writing. Please send any questions to me by mail or at [Your email address], and I will respond. I will also provide relevant documents, such as the police report, photos, and repair estimates, as they become available. Please direct all communication about this claim to me in writing at the address or email above. Sincerely, [Your full name]
Tips
- Use this letter for the other driver's insurer. Check your own policy's cooperation clause before declining your own insurer.
- If you answer written questions, stick to facts you know. It is fine to say you do not know or do not remember.
- Do not sign a broad medical authorization just because it is requested; you can offer relevant records instead.
- Keep a log of every call, including the date, the adjuster's name, and what was discussed.
Sending it and keeping proof
Keep a copy of everything you send. If a deadline or a response time matters, send letters by a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with a return receipt, or email with a read receipt, and note the date in your claim file. Many insurers and agencies also accept uploads through an online portal, so save the confirmation screen or email.