Being pressed by your own insurance company or the other driver’s insurer to give a recorded statement can feel intimidating. But in Michigan, you have the right to refuse—and doing so is often your smartest move. Below, we explain:
- What a recorded statement for insurance claim entails
- Why insurers push you to talk
- How to handle “insurance recorded statement questions”
- Your rights under Michigan’s no-fault law
- Real case study: $250K recovery
- Step-by-step: What to do if an insurer demands a statement
1. What Is a Recorded Statement for an Insurance Claim?
A recorded statement is a formal, audio-recorded Q&A session with an insurance adjuster. Common queries include:
- “Where were you looking at the moment of impact?”
- “Were you injured in any way?”
- “Can you describe exactly how the crash happened?”
Although it sounds fact-finding, its true purpose is to minimize your damages and protect the insurer’s bottom line.
2. Why Insurance Companies Want Your Recorded Statement
Insurance adjusters are trained to:
- Confuse or pressure you into saying things they can exploit later
- Get you to downplay symptoms that may worsen over days (e.g., whiplash)
- Create inconsistencies they’ll use to deny or reduce your claim
Even an off-hand comment like “I’m feeling fine” can become “no injuries” in their file—jeopardizing your right to benefits.
3. Key “Insurance Recorded Statement Questions” to Expect
Adjusters often ask leading questions such as:
- “Did you hit your head?” (implying you didn’t)
- “How bad were your injuries at the scene?” (pushes you to understate pain)
- “Were you looking down at your phone?” (seeking comparative negligence)
Pro Tip: Never answer without consulting your lawyer. You can always:
- Refuse to give a verbal statement
- Insist on responding in writing instead
- Have your attorney present during any discussion
4. Your Rights Under Michigan No-Fault Law
4.1 No Obligation to Talk to the Other Insurer
Under Michigan law, you do not have to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
4.2 Your Own Insurer May Request Cooperation
If your own insurance company wants a recorded statement for PIP benefits, check your policy. Even then:
- You may request to have your attorney present
- You can answer in writing rather than on-the-record
- You can still refuse and deal only through counsel
5. Real-Life Case Study: The $250,000 Mistake
One client told the other insurer, “I think I was fine,” and later discovered severe neck injuries. The adjuster then tried to deny liability. After we hired an accident reconstruction expert, we proved the true crash dynamics—and secured $250,000 in compensation.
Lesson: A single recorded statement can cost you tens of thousands.
6. What to Do If an Insurer Demands a Statement
- Pause and Consult a Lawyer. Never agree on the spot.
- Refuse Verbal Recordings. Offer a written statement if required.
- Refer All Questions to Your Attorney. Let us handle the adjuster.
- Document Everything. Keep dates, times, and names of adjusters.
- Stay Off the Phone. Let your lawyer do the talking.
Bottom Line
You can and should refuse a recorded statement—especially to the other driver’s insurer. Insurance companies thrive on recorded inconsistencies and understatements. At The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, we handle every communication so you don’t have to risk your claim.
Ready to Protect Your Rights?
Call 866-HIRE-JOE or visit www.1866hirejoe.com for a free, no-obligation consultation. We don’t charge a penny unless we win.
Let us do the talking—so you can focus on healing.