Can I Refuse a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Company After a Car Accident?

Can You Refuse a Recorded Statement to an Insurance Company in Texas?

Yes, you can refuse to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company, and in most cases, you should. If your own insurance company requests one, you may be required to cooperate, but that doesn’t mean you have to give a recorded statement—you can often provide a written statement instead, preferably after consulting an attorney.

So why does this matter? Because insurance adjusters are trained to use recorded statements against you. Even if you’re honest, a simple mistake—like misremembering a detail or speculating about what happened—can reduce your payout or lead to a claim denial.

What You’ll Learn in This Article:

✅ Why insurance companies ask for recorded statements
✅ The risks of giving one—and how it could hurt your claim
✅ How to politely refuse without jeopardizing your case
✅ When you might need to provide information and how to do it safely
✅ How a Dallas car accident attorney at Genthe Law Firm can protect your rights

Your financial recovery depends on making the right decisions after an accident. Let’s break it down.

Why Do Insurance Companies Ask for Recorded Statements?

Insurance adjusters may frame their request as a simple way to “hear your side of the story,” but their real goal is to limit their company’s financial liability.

Here’s how they use recorded statements to reduce or deny your claim:

• Finding Inconsistencies – Even minor contradictions in your account can be used to question your credibility.
• Minimizing Your Injuries – If you say you’re “feeling okay” or forget to mention an injury that worsens later, they may argue you’re exaggerating.
• Getting You to Admit Fault – Adjusters may ask leading questions to make it seem like you were partially responsible, which could reduce your settlement under Texas’ modified comparative fault rules.

Bottom line? The recorded statement isn’t for your benefit—it’s a tool for the insurance company.

Are You Legally Required to Give a Recorded Statement in Texas?

No, you are not legally required to provide a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Texas law does not mandate it, and refusing won’t negatively impact your claim.

However, if your own insurance company asks for one, your policy may have a cooperation clause requiring you to provide some information. But even in that case, you do not have to give a recorded statement—you can usually provide a written statement instead or ask an attorney to handle communications on your behalf.

The Risks of Providing a Recorded Statement

If you’re considering giving a statement, know the risks first:

🔴 Your words can be twisted – Even innocent phrasing can be used against you. Saying “I didn’t see the other car” could be spun as an admission that you weren’t paying attention.

🔴 You might downplay your injuries – It’s common for injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage to worsen days after the accident. If you say “I feel fine” in a recorded statement, the insurer may use that to reject later medical claims.

🔴 You lock yourself into a version of events – Memory isn’t perfect, and if new evidence comes to light, your recorded statement could limit your ability to adapt your claim.

🔴 It benefits the insurer, not you – There’s little to gain from giving a statement, but a lot to lose. Texas law does not require you to help the at-fault driver’s insurer build their case against you.

How to Politely Refuse a Recorded Statement

If an insurance adjuster calls and pressures you for a recorded statement, stay firm but polite. Here are some scripts you can use:

📌 If the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company Calls:
“I understand you’re investigating the claim, but I won’t be providing a recorded statement. Please refer to the police report and any other documentation available.”

📌 If Your Own Insurance Company Asks for One:
“I’d be happy to provide a written statement after reviewing it with my attorney.”

📌 If the Adjuster Tries to Pressure You:
“I prefer to handle all communications in writing. If you have any questions, you can submit them, and I’ll respond appropriately.”

Key Takeaway: You don’t have to argue—just stand your ground and keep responses short and professional.

When Might You Need to Provide Information?

While you should generally refuse a recorded statement, there are cases where you may need to provide some information:

✔ If your own insurer requires cooperation – You still don’t have to do a recorded statement, but a written statement or legal representation can help fulfill policy requirements.

✔ If your claim is delayed due to lack of information – Sometimes providing a carefully worded written response can speed up the process.

✔ If you want to correct misinformation – If the police report contains errors, you may need to submit a written correction.

In all of these cases, consulting an attorney first is your safest option.

How a Dallas Car Accident Attorney at Genthe Law Firm Can Help

Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their bottom line. You deserve someone on your side, too.

At Genthe Law Firm, attorney Aaron L. Genthe and his team fight for injury victims in Texas—not insurance companies. When you work with Genthe Law Firm, you get:

✅ Protection from insurance tactics – They’ll handle all insurer communications so you don’t have to.
✅ Stronger case strategy – They’ll gather evidence, negotiate your claim, and maximize your payout.
✅ No upfront costs – You don’t pay unless they win your case.

🚗 Been in an accident? Don’t let the insurance company control the narrative. Call Genthe Law Firm at (214) 957-0898 for a FREE consultation today.

FAQ: Refusing a Recorded Statement After a Texas Car Accident

What if the at-fault driver’s insurance company says my claim will be denied if I don’t provide a recorded statement?

This is a common pressure tactic. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer. They may still process your claim using other evidence, such as the police report, witness statements, and medical records. If they deny your claim outright for refusing, contact an attorney immediately to discuss your options.

Can my own insurance company deny my claim if I refuse a recorded statement?

Your policy may have a cooperation clause, which means you’re expected to assist in their investigation. However, that doesn’t mean you have to immediately provide a recorded statement. You can request to give a written statement instead or ask to have your attorney present.

The insurance adjuster told me that providing a statement will “speed up” my claim. Should I do it?

While a recorded statement may seem like a quick way to resolve your claim, it can also be used against you. Adjusters may take your words out of context or ask tricky questions designed to minimize your payout. Instead of rushing, speak with a lawyer first to avoid making statements that could harm your case.

The insurance adjuster told me that refusing a recorded statement makes me look guilty. Is this true?

Not at all. Declining a recorded statement is a smart legal decision, not an admission of guilt. Insurance adjusters are not judges—they work for the company, not for you. If liability is in question, let the police report, witness statements, and evidence do the talking.

Do I have to give a recorded statement if I was partially at fault for the accident?

No. In Texas, the modified comparative fault rule means that if you are 51% or more at fault, you lose your right to compensation. Insurance adjusters may try to use your statement to increase your percentage of fault and reduce what they owe you. If fault is unclear, it’s even more important to avoid making statements without legal guidance.

Can I just write down my version of events instead of doing a recorded statement?

Yes, you can offer a written statement instead. This allows you to carefully review what you say before submitting it, reducing the risk of misinterpretation. If you choose this route, having an attorney review it first is highly recommended.

What if the adjuster says my claim will be denied if I don’t give a statement?

This is a scare tactic. They cannot legally deny your claim just because you refused a recorded statement.

What if I already gave a recorded statement? Can I fix it?

If you made a statement that could hurt your claim, contact an attorney immediately. They may be able to provide clarifications or counter evidence to correct any damage.

Can refusing a recorded statement delay my claim?

Not usually. Insurers still have to process your claim based on other available evidence, such as the police report and medical records.

What should I do if the adjuster keeps calling me?

You can say:
“I prefer to handle this in writing. Please email me instead.”
If they continue to harass you, your attorney can intervene.

Will hiring an attorney delay my claim?

No, having a Dallas car accident attorney like Genthe Law Firm can actually help move things forward while protecting your rights. They handle all insurance communications, ensuring you don’t make avoidable mistakes that could harm your claim.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Claim—Don’t Go It Alone

Insurance companies are not on your side. Giving a recorded statement is almost never in your best interest, and in Texas, you are not legally required to provide one.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t take risks with your claim. Let the Dallas Car Accident Lawyers at Genthe Law Firm handle the insurance companies while you focus on recovery.

📞 Call (214) 957-0898 today for a free case review. Your financial future may depend on it.