any advice?

Tell your insurance, they take care of everything.

You don't have to, and you should not.  Talking to them can only work against you.



It is the job of your insurance company and/or your lawyer to talk to the other party's insurance company.
If it's a bad crash, don't even talk to your own insurance company until you talk to a lawyer.


 

what if your insurance agent advises you to?

Is it an obvious case of the other party being at fault?

Was in an accident 5 months ago.  Only people I talked to were my agent and the adjustor from my insurance company, they took care of everything.

My truck got rear ended last summer.  The other guy's insurance agent took some pictures and told me to get an estimate from the mechanic of my choice.  Once he had it the payments went straight to the mechanic.

It all depends on the situation. If the other guy was at fault, you can go after his insurance company directly. I have done that successfully.

Unless you want to be paid,  there is no benefit to talk or be truthful and no consequences for lying.  System is broken and the regulatory agencies/LEO are a joke.

Agents sell policies, they have absolutely nothing to do with a the claims process.

This needs clarified first.  If it's obvious and the other is not disputing that they are at fault, then it's probably not a big deal.  They are just wanting to get a statement from you to make sure everyone's stories' jive.  However, if there is any sort of bodily injury or any other losses associated besides damage to an automobile, don't talk.

Another issue is determining who you want to in charge of the repair of YOUR car.  Parts useage can vary depending on the ins. carrier or body shop.  If you put the claim your ins. you'll at least know your vehicle is being repaired in a manner consistant with how YOUR policy is written.  When you do this your ins. company with pay it, then subrogate(charge/bill) the at fault company.  This process can take up to 6 months depending on the red-tape, but once it's settled you'll receive a check to reimburse you for your deductable, and the claim comes of your record with your ins. carrier.

depends on the company and where you are.

I did that once.  I was not at fault, my insurance fixed everything, and went after the other guy's insurance.

My rates went up.  

Now I don't even let my insurance know, I just go after the other guy's insurance myself.  A little more work, but my rates stay low...

Are they a lawyer? Your Agent usually does what is best for your agent.



 

Lawyer

They dont get paid unless you get paid.

if there is a lawyer i don't think any insurance adjustor can talk to you