Guam · 6 min read · Published Jun 2025
Dealing with Insurance After a Guam Car Accident
Dealing with insurance companies after a Guam car accident is one of the most important — and most mishandled — parts of the claims process. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. This guide tells you exactly what to do, what to say, and what to avoid when dealing with insurance after a Guam car accident.
Guam's Auto Insurance Requirements
Guam law requires all vehicle operators to carry minimum liability insurance: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. These minimums are often insufficient for serious injuries. Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is available and strongly recommended — Guam has a significant number of uninsured drivers. Your insurer must offer UM/UIM coverage, though you can decline it in writing.
What to Say (and Not Say) to Insurance Adjusters
When the other driver's insurer calls: be polite but brief. Provide your name, contact information, and the date and location of the accident. Do NOT give a recorded statement, admit fault, speculate about your injuries, or say 'I'm fine.' Everything you say is recorded and will be used to minimize your claim. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer. Politely decline and say your attorney will be in touch. Even your own insurer's adjuster is not necessarily on your side — they have a financial interest in minimizing your claim.
How the Claims Process Works on Guam
After a Guam car accident: (1) File a GPD crash report. (2) Notify your own insurer promptly as required by your policy. (3) Seek medical care and document all treatment. (4) The at-fault driver's insurer will investigate and make a liability determination. (5) Once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), your attorney sends a demand letter with your full damages. (6) Negotiations proceed — most cases settle without going to trial. (7) If no fair settlement is reached, a lawsuit is filed in Guam Superior Court. Guam's statute of limitations is 2 years (7 GCA § 11306(a)).
When to Get an Attorney
You should consult an attorney immediately if: you suffered significant injuries (anything beyond minor cuts and bruises), the other driver disputes liability, the insurance company is delaying or denying your claim, you are being pressured to give a recorded statement, the settlement offer seems low, or a government vehicle was involved. Personal injury attorneys at HellaHurt work on contingency — no fees unless we win. A free consultation costs you nothing and can protect your claim from common insurance company tactics.
Key Takeaways
- Guam requires minimum $25,000/$50,000 liability insurance — often insufficient for serious injuries
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer without an attorney
- UM/UIM coverage is critical on Guam — many drivers carry minimum or no insurance
- Do not accept a settlement until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- Your own insurer is not necessarily on your side — they have financial interests too
- Guam's statute of limitations is 2 years (7 GCA § 11306(a))
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. You should decline politely and tell them your attorney will be in touch. You may have a contractual obligation to cooperate with your own insurer, but even then, you have the right to have an attorney present.
How long does a Guam car accident insurance claim take?
Simple property damage claims may resolve in weeks. Injury claims typically take months to years depending on the severity of injuries, liability disputes, and whether a lawsuit is necessary. Do not rush to settle before you understand the full extent of your injuries — once you sign a release, you cannot go back for more compensation.
What if the other driver's insurance denies my claim?
A denial is not the end. Your attorney can challenge the denial with additional evidence, file a lawsuit in Guam Superior Court, or pursue your own UM/UIM coverage if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured. Insurance companies deny claims hoping victims will give up — an attorney can fight back effectively.