The Biggest Mistake After a Claim: What Goes Wrong in the First 10 Minutes

When an accident or unexpected damage occurs, people tend to do the same thing:
they try to act fast.

But in insurance, the most costly mistakes usually do not come from major violations. They come from small decisions made in the first 10 minutes. A rushed step, a single sentence, a missing detail. Later, these can turn into serious problems.

This article is not about selling insurance.
It is about understanding what not to do in the critical first moments after a claim.

1. Trying to Settle Things With the Other Party Immediately

One of the most common reactions after a loss is:
“Let’s sort this out between ourselves.”

It is usually said with good intentions. But this is often where problems begin. Verbal agreements, promises, or even WhatsApp messages exchanged at the scene can later be interpreted as incorrect or incomplete statements.

A claim scene is not a negotiation table.
It is a moment for documentation and calm decisions.

2. Going to a Repair Shop Before Informing Your Insurer

Another common reflex is:
“I’ll just show it to a repairer first.”

This may seem harmless, but it can seriously complicate the claim process. When the initial condition of the damage is not properly recorded, questions arise. In some cases, this may even lead to parts of the claim being excluded.

The first step should never be repair.
The first step should be notification.

3. Saying “I’m Fine” Too Quickly

Adrenaline is high after an accident.
People feel okay.
And then they say it:
“I’m fine. I’m not hurt.”

In traffic accidents especially, this statement can be critical. Pain, neck or back injuries may appear hours or days later. Early verbal statements can conflict with later medical reports and weaken a claim.

Sometimes, saying less protects you more.

4. Not Taking Photos or Videos

A phone in your pocket and no photos taken is a lost opportunity. Vehicle positions, damage points, surroundings, weather conditions, time of day. These details fade from memory, but images do not.

The first 10 minutes are the most valuable time for documentation.

5. Assuming the Other Party Is Automatically at Fault

In insurance, “obvious” is rarely obvious. Liability is determined through reports, statements, evidence and procedures. What feels clear at the scene may be evaluated very differently once the file is opened.

Assumptions create risk.
Records create protection.

6. Giving Incomplete or Incorrect Statements

Sometimes details are skipped unintentionally. Sometimes people try to simplify the story to reduce stress.

In insurance, incomplete information becomes incorrect information. And incorrect information can lead to the worst outcome: claim disputes or rejection.

If you are unsure, it is always better to say so than to guess.

7. Delaying the Claim Notification

“I’ll deal with it later” is a common thought. It sounds reasonable, but it carries risk. Claim processes are sensitive to timing. Delayed notification can affect how the case is assessed.

The claim does not start with repairs.
It starts with the first report.

What Is the Right Reaction?

The correct response after a loss is simple:
Pause. Breathe. Get guidance.

Insurance works best with calm decisions, not rushed ones.

At CAN Sigorta, we believe that being present during the moment of need matters more than selling policies beforehand. That is why we focus on helping clients avoid mistakes when they matter most.

Because sometimes the biggest damage does not happen in the accident itself,
but in the first 10 minutes after it.

And most of these mistakes can be avoided with the right support.