Filing a Car Insurance Claim
Knowing the correct way to file a car insurance claim could mean the difference between your claim being approved or denied. Some insurance companies have time limits on when you must file a claim. After an accident, make sure that everyone involved is okay and then file a police report. Finally, contact the insurance company and await further instructions.
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Adam H. Rosenblum
Principal Attorney
Adam Rosenblum is a founding attorney with over 20 years of experience. His firm, Rosenblum Law, has offices throughout New York and New Jersey. Mr. Rosenblum’s primary focus is on personal injury, criminal defense, and traffic violations. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in New York and New Jersey and is a graduate of Albany Law School. Adam’s extensive experience...
Principal Attorney
UPDATED: Dec 23, 2023
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Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance 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 car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 23, 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 car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our car insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different car insurance 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
- Gather all necessary information in order to file your insurance claim as soon as possible
- Timelines for submitting claims vary by carrier, state, and collision type
- You can file a claim even if no police report was made
If you must file a car insurance claim because of an accident, break-in, theft, or another type of loss, the sooner you can start the claims process, the better. Keep reading to learn how you can help ensure that your claim is handled promptly. Keep in mind, the sooner you receive your funds, the sooner you can repair your vehicle and return to your regular routine.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim
Car accidents are frightening for everyone involved. If you are involved in an incident, try your best to remain calm, and call 911 immediately for any emergency situations. Afterward, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company as quickly as possible.
After ensuring that everyone is safe, follow these steps to file an auto insurance claim:
- First, examine the damage to your vehicle and, if feasible, take pictures.
- Obtain the insurance information for the other driver.
- File a police report (if mandated by your state).
Contact your insurance company and report the claim. When making an auto insurance claim, you’ll need to have the following items on hand:
- The policy number
- The time/date of the accident
- The specifics of the accident
- The police report number
After filing a police report and filing a claim with your auto insurance company, wait for instructions from the claims adjuster to check the vehicle and supply any documents requested by the insurance company or the claims adjuster.
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Common Questions About Car Insurance Claims
Common car insurance claims issues include whether to file a police report, what to do after an accident, how blame influences the claims procedure, and whether your rate will rise as a result of the accident.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the auto insurance claims process.
How long do you have to file an insurance claim?
Depending on your automobile insurance policy, the company may request that you make your auto insurance claims within a few days of the accident.
A car accident’s insurance claim deadline is determined by:
- The auto insurance company that covers you
- The type of claim (bodily injury or personal property)
- State laws
You can always file a claim up until the state’s statute of limitations for the specific type of claim, and each state determines its own deadline.
Most insurance providers simply tell you to make a claim “promptly” and don’t give you a specific timeframe for doing so. These time restraints may be included in the policy documents you receive from your auto insurer when you purchase a policy. Find out when your insurance company wants you to file a claim after a car accident by reviewing your policy.
Call your insurance company right away if you’re in a car accident. Waiting too long could affect your compensation since it becomes more difficult for your insurance carrier to assess damages or injuries caused by the accident and to determine who is to blame.
Does it matter who is at fault?
Fault is assigned in the vast majority of states. In those “fault” states, the person who caused the car collision must pay for the damages. The other driver’s medical bills are covered by your bodily injury (BI) liability insurance and automobile repair costs are covered by your property damage liability. Each state’s claims payout terms will be different.
No-fault states require all drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. PIP only applies to injuries and not to property damage. Fault is always determined and will decide who gets dinged on their car insurance rates for the accident.
You and the other driver involved will save time and effort by not filing a claim via one another’s insurance. You can discover which states are fault and no-fault states by viewing the Insurance Information Institute (III) graph.
Does filing a claim affect your insurance premium?
Auto insurance companies utilize your driving history to determine how much they should charge you for your policy. For example, insurers will charge higher premiums to drivers with a history of accidents, speeding tickets, penalties, and fines.
If you have a car accident where you are found to be at fault, your car insurance rates will likely increase. How much your auto insurance will increase will depend on the details of the accident and whether you have other tickets and violations listed on your driving record.
There are actions you can take to reduce the points related to a ticket or accident in some cases. For instance, the court may offer to let you take an approved defensive driving class. However, you cannot get the accident removed from your record, especially with the insurance company. If they paid a claim, they are not going to wipe that accident from your record. Insurance companies will use claims history and not just accidents that were reported to police or the DMV.
Can you file a claim if there was no police report?
A police report is beneficial and can speed things up, but it is not always essential. State laws may vary as to whether or not you must file a police report. Check with your local authorities if in doubt.
Case Studies: Navigating the Car Insurance Claim Process
Case Study 1: John’s Accident
John was involved in a car accident where he rear-ended another vehicle. He remained calm and immediately called 911 to report the incident. After ensuring everyone’s safety, John contacted his insurance company to file a claim. He provided his policy number, the date and time of the accident, and a description of what happened.
The insurance company instructed him to take photos of the damage and submit them along with the police report. John followed the instructions and awaited further instructions from the claims adjuster.
Case Study 2: Sarah’s Stolen Car
Sarah’s car was stolen from her driveway. She contacted the police and filed a report. Afterward, she reached out to her insurance company to report the theft and initiate a claim. Sarah provided her policy details, the date and time of the incident, and the police report.
The insurance company instructed her to provide any additional documents related to the stolen vehicle, such as the vehicle’s registration and proof of ownership. Sarah complied with the requirements and awaited further instructions from the insurance company.
Case Study 3: Mark’s Vandalism Claim
Mark discovered that his parked car had been vandalized overnight. He immediately reported the incident to the police and filed a police report. Mark then contacted his insurance company to file a claim for the damages. He provided his policy information, the date and time of the vandalism, and the police report.
The insurance company instructed him to obtain repair estimates from authorized auto repair shops. Mark collected the estimates and submitted them to the insurance company, following their instructions.
Case Study 4: Lisa’s Hit-and-Run
Lisa’s parked car was hit by another vehicle, which fled the scene. She contacted the police and filed a hit-and-run report. Lisa then notified her insurance company about the incident and initiated a claim. She provided her policy details, the date and time of the accident, and the police report.
The insurance company instructed her to take photos of the damage and submit them, along with the hit-and-run report. Lisa followed the instructions and awaited further instructions from the claims adjuster.
Please note that these case studies are fictional and serve as illustrative examples based on real-world scenarios. The actual claims process may vary depending on the insurance company and policy terms.
Understanding the Car Insurance Claims Process
It is not difficult to file a car insurance claim. You may be able to expedite the claims process and get the money you need to fix your vehicle if you know what to expect. Ask your insurer whether they have a deadline by which you must report a claim and inquire about any other claim reporting requirements they may have.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to file a Car Insurance Claim?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident or your car has been damaged, filing an insurance claim is an important step towards getting your car repaired or replaced. Here are the five steps to file a car insurance claim:
- Gather information: Collect all relevant information related to the accident or damage. This includes the names, contact information, and insurance details of any other drivers involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. Take pictures of the damage to your car and any other vehicles involved.
- Contact your insurance company: Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident or damage occurs. Be ready to provide them with all the information you gathered, including the date and time of the accident, location, and a description of what happened.
- Fill out the claim form: Your insurance company will provide you with a claim form to fill out. Be sure to provide all the required information, and be as detailed as possible in describing the incident.
- Get your car repaired: Your insurance company will arrange for your car to be inspected by an appraiser to determine the extent of the damage. They will also help you find a repair shop and authorize repairs. Make sure to keep all receipts and invoices related to the repair.
- Wait for payment: Depending on your policy, your insurance company will either pay the repair shop directly or reimburse you for the cost of repairs. They will also provide you with a rental car if necessary.
Remember, filing a car insurance claim can be a complicated process, but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
What information do I need to provide when filing a car insurance claim?
When filing a car insurance claim, you will need to provide your policy number, the date and time of the incident, a description of what happened, the contact information of any other parties involved, and the contact information of any witnesses. You may also need to provide photos or videos of the damage, a copy of the police report (if applicable), and any medical bills or receipts related to the incident.
Will filing a car insurance claim raise my rates?
Filing a car insurance claim can sometimes result in an increase in your rates, but it depends on the circumstances of the incident and your insurance policy. If you were at fault for the accident, your rates are more likely to go up. If you were not at fault and the incident was not preventable, your rates may not be affected. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company to understand how your specific policy may be impacted by filing a claim.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the other driver involved in the incident does not have insurance, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company, assuming you have coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists. You can also consider taking legal action against the other driver to recover damages, but this can be a lengthy and expensive process.
What if my insurance company denies my claim?
If your insurance company denies your claim, you may want to consider appealing the decision or consulting with an attorney to understand your legal options. You may also want to review your insurance policy to understand the specific reasons for the denial and whether there are any exclusions or limitations that may have impacted the decision.
How can I save money on my car insurance?
There are several ways to save money on car insurance, including:
- Comparison shopping: Get quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates.
- Bundling policies: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle your car insurance with other types of coverage, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
- Increasing your deductible: A higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums, but be sure you can afford to pay the deductible if you need to file a claim.
- Driving safely: Maintaining a good driving record with no accidents or traffic violations can often result in lower rates over time.
- Taking advantage of discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like good grades (for student drivers), completing driver safety courses, or having certain safety features on your vehicle.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Adam H. Rosenblum
Principal Attorney
Adam Rosenblum is a founding attorney with over 20 years of experience. His firm, Rosenblum Law, has offices throughout New York and New Jersey. Mr. Rosenblum’s primary focus is on personal injury, criminal defense, and traffic violations. He is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in New York and New Jersey and is a graduate of Albany Law School. Adam’s extensive experience...
Principal Attorney
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about car insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything car insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by car insurance experts.