How To File a Car Insurance Claim Step by Step

What happens when you file a car insurance claim

When you file a claim, you are telling your insurance company that you have damage or loss covered by your policy and asking them to pay for it. Your insurer will assign an adjuster to inspect the damage, review your policy coverage, and decide how much they will pay. The process usually takes two to four weeks from the moment you report the damage to receiving payment, though it can be faster for straightforward claims and slower for complex ones.

The first step is always to report the claim to your insurance company as soon as possible after the incident — usually within 24 to 48 hours. Most insurers have a phone line, website, or mobile app where you can start a claim. You will need to describe what happened, when it happened, and where. If another vehicle was involved, you will need the other driver's name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number.

Your insurer will then decide whether the damage is covered under your policy, what your deductible is, and what they will pay. You are responsible for paying your deductible before the insurance payment is released. For example, if your repair bill is $5,000 and your deductible is $500, your insurance pays $4,500 and you pay $500.

Key Takeaways

• Report your claim to your insurance company within 24 to 48 hours of the incident by phone, website, or mobile app.
• Gather the other driver's information at the scene, take photos of all damage, and keep receipts for any temporary repairs or rental car costs.
• Your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine what they will pay after you meet your deductible.
• The claims process typically takes two to four weeks, but you can speed it up by responding quickly to your adjuster's requests and providing complete documentation.

What to do at the scene of the accident

If you are in a collision with another vehicle, move to a safe location if possible and turn on your hazard lights. Call 911 if anyone is injured or if there is significant damage. Even if no one is hurt, many insurance companies want a police report on file, so call the non-emergency police line to report the accident.

Get the other driver's full name, phone number, home address, driver's license number, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and insurance company name and policy number. Write it down or take a photo of their driver's license and insurance card. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers as well.

Take photos of all damage to both vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and the position of the vehicles. Take photos from multiple angles. Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident — stick to the facts of what happened. Tell the other driver you will contact them through your insurance company.

How to report your claim to your insurance company

Call your insurance company's claims line as soon as you can after the accident. Most insurers have a 24-hour claims phone number on your insurance card and on their website. You can also start a claim through their mobile app or website if you prefer. Have the following information ready: the date, time, and location of the accident; the other driver's information; a description of what happened; and the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.

Your insurance company will ask you questions about the accident and take down your statement. Be honest and accurate. Tell them about any injuries, even if they seem minor at the time. Do not speculate about what caused the accident or who was at fault — just describe what you saw and what happened.

After you report the claim, your insurance company will give you a claim number. Write this down and keep it in a safe place. You will use this number for all future communication about the claim. Your insurer will also tell you whether they need a police report and how to send it to them if you have one.

What the adjuster does and what to expect

Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster's job is to inspect the damage, review your policy, and determine what your insurance will pay. The adjuster will contact you to schedule a time to inspect your vehicle. This usually happens within a few days of your claim report.

At the inspection, the adjuster will take photos and measurements of the damage, get repair estimates, and review your policy coverage. They will check whether the damage is covered, whether you have collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (depending on the type of damage), and what your deductible is. The adjuster will then write a report with their findings and send it to the insurance company's payment department.

After the inspection, the adjuster will contact you with an estimate of what your insurance will pay. This estimate is based on the cost of repairs in your area and the terms of your policy. If you disagree with the estimate, you can ask for a second opinion or hire your own appraiser, though you may have to pay for that yourself.

Getting your vehicle repaired

Once your insurance company approves the claim, you have choices about where to repair your vehicle. You can use your insurance company's preferred repair shop, go to an independent mechanic, or use a dealership. Your insurance company cannot force you to use a specific shop, though they may offer discounts if you use one of their preferred vendors.

Get repair estimates from at least one shop before you decide. If the estimate is higher than what your insurance company approved, the shop can submit a supplement request to your insurer asking for more money. This is common and does not delay the process significantly.

When you drop off your vehicle for repair, give the shop your claim number and your insurance company's contact information. The shop will contact your insurance company directly to coordinate payment. You will be responsible for paying your deductible when you pick up the vehicle. Some shops will let you pay the deductible after the insurance payment is received, so ask about this option.

Handling rental car costs and other expenses

If your vehicle is in the shop for repairs, you may be covered for a rental car under your policy. Check your policy documents to see whether you have rental reimbursement coverage and what the daily limit is. This limit varies by policy — it might be $30 per day, $50 per day, or another amount.

If you have rental coverage, rent a car in the same class as your vehicle — not a luxury car or a truck if you drive a sedan. Keep your rental receipts and give them to your insurance company. They will reimburse you up to your daily limit for the number of days your vehicle is being repaired.

If you paid for temporary repairs, towing, or storage while waiting for the repair shop to open, keep those receipts as well. Many policies cover these costs. Submit them to your insurance company along with your claim documentation.

Common mistakes to avoid when filing a claim

Do not delay reporting your claim. The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather evidence and the more questions your insurance company may ask. Report within 24 to 48 hours if possible.

Do not throw away damaged parts or the vehicle if it is totaled. Your insurance company may want to inspect them. Do not repair the vehicle before the adjuster has inspected it, because your insurance company will not pay for repairs they did not approve.

Do not accept the first estimate if you believe it is too low. You have the right to get a second opinion or hire an independent appraiser. Do not sign anything your insurance company sends without reading it carefully. If you do not understand something, ask for clarification before you sign.

Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company without talking to your own insurance company first. You can give a statement, but be careful about what you say and consider having your insurer present or advising you beforehand.

What to do if your claim is denied

If your insurance company denies your claim, they must send you a written explanation of why. Read this explanation carefully. Common reasons for denial include that the damage is not covered under your policy, that you did not have coverage at the time of the accident, or that the claim was filed too late.

If you disagree with the denial, contact your insurance company and ask them to reconsider. Provide any additional documentation that supports your claim. If your insurer still denies the claim, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or department of insurance. This office investigates complaints and can pressure insurers to reconsider.

You can also hire an attorney to review your policy and the denial letter. Some attorneys specialize in insurance disputes and can tell you whether you have a case. Many will review your situation for free in an initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my insurance company's preferred repair shop?

No. You can use any licensed repair shop you choose. Your insurance company cannot force you to use a specific shop, though they may offer a discount if you use one of their preferred vendors. The shop you choose will contact your insurance company directly to coordinate payment.

What if the other driver does not have insurance?

If the other driver is uninsured, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. This coverage pays for damage caused by an uninsured driver. Check your policy to see whether you have this coverage and what your deductible is. You may also be able to sue the other driver in small claims court or civil court to recover your costs.

How long does it take to get paid after the claim is approved?

Once your claim is approved and the repair is complete, payment usually arrives within one to two weeks. Some insurance companies pay the repair shop directly, while others send a check to you. Ask your insurance company which method they use. If the repair shop is waiting for payment, contact your insurance company to check the status.

Will filing a claim raise my insurance rates?

Filing a claim may increase your rates, depending on your insurance company's policies and whether you were at fault. If you were not at fault, many insurers will not raise your rates. If you were at fault, your rates may go up for three to five years. Ask your insurance company about their rate increase policy before you file.

What should I do if I find additional damage after the adjuster has left?

Contact your insurance company and ask them to send the adjuster back for a second inspection. This is called a supplement. Provide photos of the new damage and explain when you discovered it. The adjuster will inspect the additional damage and submit a supplement request for more money if it is covered under your policy.