# Cooperation clause

> A cooperation clause is the part of your auto policy that requires you to help your own insurer investigate, settle or defend a claim. What it covers.

Canonical page: https://accidentclaimfacts.com/glossary/cooperation-clause/  
Last reviewed: October 29, 2026 by the Accident Claim Facts editorial team  
General information, not legal advice. Talk to a licensed attorney in your state.

## Quick answer

A cooperation clause is the part of an insurance policy that requires you to help your own insurer investigate, settle or defend a claim. It usually means reporting the crash promptly, answering questions, giving statements and documents, and sending on any legal papers you receive.

## In a car accident claim

The clause matters in two situations: when you claim on your own policy, such as personal injury protection, collision or uninsured motorist coverage, and when someone sues you and your insurer defends you. Many policies put it under a heading like "Duties after an accident or loss". They may also let the insurer require medical exams or an examination under oath.

The California Department of Insurance tells drivers to cooperate with insurance adjusters and investigators, and notes that the policy requires cooperation with the company's subrogation efforts. State law can back the clause up: in Florida, submitting to an examination under oath is a condition of receiving PIP benefits. If you refuse to cooperate, your insurer may argue that you broke the policy terms, which can put your coverage at risk.

The clause applies to your own insurer only. It does not oblige you to give the other driver's insurer a recorded statement. Our guides to the [recorded statement](https://accidentclaimfacts.com/claim-process/recorded-statement/) and the [insurance adjuster](https://accidentclaimfacts.com/claim-process/insurance-adjuster/) cover both sides.

## Example

> **Example:** A driver is sued after a crash, and the driver's insurer hires a lawyer to defend the case. The policy's cooperation clause requires the driver to forward the court papers, meet with the defense lawyer and attend a deposition. Ignoring those requests could give the insurer grounds to dispute coverage.

## Related terms

- [Examination under oath](https://accidentclaimfacts.com/glossary/examination-under-oath/)
- [Recorded statement](https://accidentclaimfacts.com/glossary/recorded-statement/)
- [First-party claim](https://accidentclaimfacts.com/glossary/first-party-claim/)
- [Reservation of rights](https://accidentclaimfacts.com/glossary/reservation-of-rights/)

## FAQ

### Do I have to give my own insurer a recorded statement?

If your policy requires cooperation, usually yes. Many people ask which coverage the statement is for, schedule it for a time when they have their notes, and ask for a copy afterward.

### What happens if I don't cooperate with my insurance company?

The insurer may delay the claim or argue that it does not have to pay. Whether it can deny coverage depends on the policy wording and state law.

## Sources

- [California Department of Insurance, So you've had an accident: what's next?](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/hadaccident.cfm) — cooperating with adjusters, statements and examinations under oath
- [District of Columbia DISB, Consumer Federation of America's guide to navigating the auto claims maze](https://disb.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/disb/publication/attachments/Auto-Insurance-Claims-Checklist-12-14-11.pdf) — statements to your own insurer and the other insurer
- [Florida Legislature, Florida Statutes § 627.736(6)(g)](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2026/627.736), checked October 29, 2026