How To File an Auto Insurance Claim (2024)
Filing a car insurance claim may seem straightforward, but there are a number of small steps along the way that help the entire process go smoothly. While state laws differ around police reports and the determination of fault, your insurer can tell you how to file an auto insurance claim quickly and easily.
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Rachel Bodine
Feature Writer
Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings. Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All...
Feature Writer
UPDATED: Oct 13, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 13, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- File your insurance claim quickly, even at the scene of the accident if possible
- Websites and smartphone apps make the claim process easy, offering options to upload photos and other documentation
- If you are found to be at fault, the incident could impact your future insurance rates
When you buy car insurance, you’re hoping to never have to use it. The whole purpose of insurance, however, is to be there when you need it. If you are in an accident, you need to know how to file an auto insurance claim. We are here to help you understand what to expect when filing a car insurance claim, from initial filing to repair and compensation.
Keep reading to learn how to file a car insurance claim and how it can affect your insurance rates.
Auto Insurance Claims Explained
A car insurance claim is a formal request to your insurance company to assist you with a covered loss. Typically, a claim follows an accident with vehicle damages or physical injuries. When you file a car insurance claim, the expectation is your insurance company will compensate you for your losses.
Some examples of reasons why you may need to file a car insurance claim include:
- Filing an Auto Insurance Claim
- How long after a car accident can you file a claim?
- Can I file an insurance claim without a police report?
- Whose insurance do I call after an accident?
- How do insurance companies value totaled cars?
- How to Make an Auto Insurance Claim When Not at Fault (2024)
- Does auto insurance cover paint damage?
- Is it worth claiming a scratch on your auto insurance?
- Can I cancel an auto insurance claim after filing it?
- Can you ask an insurance company to total your car?
- Can you claim auto insurance if it’s your fault?
- What is a fair settlement for an auto accident?
- How do insurance companies determine car value?
- How do insurance adjusters determine the value of a vehicle?
- If someone hits my car, do I call my insurance or theirs?
- Does auto insurance pay if my car is stolen?
- Should I call the auto insurance company if my car hits a deer?
- Will my auto insurance claim check be made out to me?
- How Insurance Claims Work
- Can health insurance deny a claim caused by an auto accident? (Claims + Laws)
- Does auto insurance pay over the limit of bodily injury to settle lawsuits?
- Are auto insurance accident proceeds taxed?
- Can your auto insurance company drop you after a claim?
- Totaled Car Value Calculator
- How to check my auto insurance claims history?
- How to Settle a Car Accident Without Auto Insurance (2024)
- Auto Insurance for Regular Maintenance (2024)
- Can someone file a claim on your auto insurance without you knowing?
- Does hitting a deer affect auto insurance rates?
- How long can an auto insurance claim stay open?
- Can I keep my car if the insurance company totals it?
- Does auto insurance cover car dents?
- What do auto insurance companies do with totaled cars?
- Auto Insurance Comprehensive Claim Defined (2024)
- Car accident
- Damage to your vehicle due to a weather event
- Vehicle break-in
- Injuries as a result of your driving
The claims filing process is identical, no matter the type of auto accident or vehicle damage.
Read more: How long after a car accident can you file a claim?
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How to File an Auto Insurance Claim
The car insurance claims process will vary from one insurer to the next, but the general steps followed are the same. Before you begin, make sure you have your policy information handy and then follow these steps:
- Contact your insurance company immediately. The first thing you want to do, right at the scene of the accident when possible, is to contact your car insurance company. Whether you are atfault for the accident or not, you want to get it on their radar. Starting the claim as soon as possible helps speed up the process.
- Make use of technology. Insurers use technology in the form of online interfaces and smartphone applications. These apps can allow you to report a claim, take and upload pictures right from the accident scene, and more. You can also get policy-level information such as coverage levels and deductible amounts.
- Make a list of the necessary documentation. Your insurance company will provide you with the documentation you need. A “proof of claim” form is a must. You may also need to provide additional information, such as a police report if one was made.
Each car insurance company will have different technology available for filing your claim. Use whatever is easiest and most efficient for you to make that first contact.
It Matters Who Is at Fault
Insurance companies are responsible for determining fault in an accident, even in states with no-fault laws. The purpose of determining fault is to make an assessment as to the cause of an accident. For example, if one driver ran a red light and hit another driver, it is likely they are at fault for that accident. Find out if you can file an auto insurance claim when you’re at fault in an accident.
Why does fault matter? Here are three reasons:
- The at-fault driver’s insurance company pays for covered losses
- If both are at fault in an accident in some way or comparative fault, damages are split
- The driver at fault will see an increase in insurance rates over time
Even in a no-fault state, fault makes a difference in impacting driving records, rates, and more. No-fault states pay out bodily injury liability through personal injury protection (PIP) policies. Damage to the vehicle(s) falls outside of the scope of this coverage, and the fault will apply.
In a no-fault state, both drivers must file a claim, and responsibility determination dictates which insurance company pays for damages. Find out how to make an auto insurance claim when you’re not at fault.
When You Should File a Claim
You need to assess the damage at hand before filing a claim with your auto insurance provider. If you have a fender bender resulting in $500 worth of damage, an auto insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible, and the incident doesn’t damage any other vehicles or property, you may not want to file a claim. Filing it will go on your insurance record and might increase your premiums.
In addition, since it was below the deductible, you are paying out of pocket for the entire accident anyways. Unless you are certain damages are more than your deductible and state laws don’t require the filing of a police report, you can decide whether filing a claim is the right move.
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How Long You Have to File an Insurance Claim
There is a statute of limitations regarding how long after a car accident you can wait to file a claim. If you look at the language from your insurance company, they will likely recommend you file the claim as quickly as possible. Each state, however, has varying timelines for filing a claim or a lawsuit after an accident. The range is typically one to 10 years. Find out if you can cancel an auto insurance claim after filing it.
Filing a Claim May Affect Your Insurance Rates
Filing a car insurance claim will often impact your future insurance rates. The frequency of accidents, as well as fault, will determine your rate increase over time. Find out if an insurance company can drop you after a claim.
You Can File a Claim if There Was No Police Report
You are able to file an auto insurance claim even if you didn’t file a police report. The police report helps to keep the claims process simple, but it is not necessary for some states or under some circumstances. The police report, though not always required, acts as a key piece of evidence to determine fault.
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How to File an Auto Insurance Claim: The Bottom Line
The auto insurance claim filing process is not complicated. Auto insurance companies work hard to provide technology and access, making it easier than ever to file a claim.
The key thing to remember is to assess the damage, and if you intend to file a claim, do so promptly and with as much open and honest information as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an auto insurance claim?
An auto insurance claim is a formal request made by an insured policyholder to their insurance company to receive compensation for damages or losses sustained in an accident or other covered event involving their vehicle.
When should I file an auto insurance claim?
You should file an auto insurance claim as soon as possible after an accident or incident occurs that requires compensation for damages or losses. It is best to notify your insurance company promptly, even if you are unsure about the severity of the damage.
What information do I need to file an auto insurance claim?
When filing an auto insurance claim, you will typically need the following information:
- Your policy number and contact details
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Description of the accident or event
- Names, contact information, and insurance details of all parties involved
- Police report number (if applicable)
- Description of damages or injuries sustained
- Any relevant photographs or evidence
Will filing an auto insurance claim affect my premiums?
Filing an auto insurance claim can potentially impact your premiums. The specifics can vary depending on your insurance company, policy terms, and the circumstances of the claim. If you are at fault for an accident, it may lead to an increase in your premiums upon renewal. However, if you were not at fault, your premiums might not be affected.
Is there a time limit for filing an auto insurance claim?
Most insurance policies require you to report an accident or incident within a reasonable time frame. It is best to notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the event to avoid any potential issues with the claim process. Check your policy or contact your insurance provider to determine the specific time limit for filing a claim.
What should I do if the other party involved does not have insurance?
If the other party involved in the accident does not have insurance, you may still be able to make a claim through your own insurance policy, depending on the coverage you have. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it can help cover your damages and injuries in such situations. Contact your insurance company to understand your options.
How long does it take to process an auto insurance claim?
The time it takes to process an auto insurance claim can vary depending on various factors, such as the complexity of the claim, the availability of information and documentation, and the responsiveness of all parties involved. Simple claims may be resolved within a few weeks, while more complex cases could take several months. It’s best to stay in touch with your insurance company for updates on the progress of your claim.
How does the insurance company determine the value of my claim?
The insurance company will typically assess the value of your claim by considering factors such as the extent of damages, repair costs, the market value of your vehicle, any applicable deductibles, and the terms outlined in your insurance policy. They may also take into account any contributory negligence or other relevant circumstances. In some cases, they may send an adjuster to inspect the damages and provide an estimate.
Will my insurance company provide a rental car during the repair process?
If your policy includes rental car coverage or if the at-fault party’s insurance company accepts liability, you may be eligible for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. However, rental coverage can vary depending on your policy terms and the circumstances of the claim. Contact your insurance company to determine if rental car coverage is available to you and what specific conditions and limitations may apply.
Can I choose my preferred repair shop?
Depending on your insurance policy, you may have the freedom to choose your preferred repair shop. However, some insurance companies have agreements with specific repair facilities or may require you to obtain estimates from their approved network of repair shops. Check your policy or contact your insurance provider to understand the options available to you for repairs.
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Rachel Bodine
Feature Writer
Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings. Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All...
Feature Writer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.