How to file an automobile insurance claim

In a nutshell

It’s important to file an insurance claim as soon as you can in order to ensure that the costs associated with the accident are covered. While filing a claim can be a little intimidating if you’ve never done it before, there are a few simple steps you’ll need to take in order to complete the process.

• Many insurers allow you to file a claim entirely online, and you can also typically file a claim over the phone by speaking to an insurance representative.
• Always file a police report.
• Make sure trade insurance information with all parties involved in the accident.

If you get into a car accident, filing an insurance claim may not be the first thing that springs to mind. You may be more worried about your own safety or the safety of others present, worried about the potential cost of repairs, or shaken up by the accident itself. We’ll cover how to file a claim, what information you’ll need to include, and what you can expect after you submit a claim to your insurer.

1. Stay calm

Even in the best of circumstances, car accidents can be incredibly stressful. Try to stay calm when navigating the claim process. For insurance purposes, you should avoid apologizing for an accident or accusing another party.

2. Gather information

If you’re in a car accident, it’s important to gather relevant information as soon as possible after the accident in order to provide this information to insurers. This includes information about any other parties, including their names and insurance information, as well as information about the accident itself, including the time and location. You’ll also want to take pictures of any damage to vehicles, and take down the names and contact information of witnesses if any are present.

3. Call the police

If anyone is seriously injured during an accident, you should call 911. But even if both parties are unscathed, it’s still a good idea to call the police in order to have them document the accident. Some insurance companies may require a police report in order to process your claim.

4. Contact your insurance company

The next step is to get in touch with your insurance company in order to file a claim. You’ll need to provide some basic information to your insurer, including when and where the accident occurred, who was driving, and the names and insurance information of any other parties in the accident, as well as their vehicle’s make, model, year and license plate number.

Depending on your policy, you may want to get in touch with your own personal insurance agency, or contact your insurance company online or over the phone. Some insurers even allow you to submit claims online or through a mobile app. You can also take this opportunity to ask your insurer any questions you may have about your claim or policy.

5. Work with your adjuster

After you file a claim, your insurance company will assign you an adjuster. The adjuster is responsible for investigating the accident, inspecting your car, and coordinating with repair shops. In most cases, you’ll be able to work with your adjuster over the phone. Remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you.

6. Be prepared for next steps

After you file a claim, you should be prepared for possible next steps. Depending on the type of accident you were in and the details of your policy, you may receive funds from your insurance company to repair your car if your claim is approved. You’ll need to coordinate with a repair shop to fix your vehicle if it has been damaged.

After the claim has been processed, take the opportunity to review your policy. You should determine whether your premium has increased, and make sure that you have adequate coverage to protect you in the event of future accidents.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What will I need to file an insurance claim?

In order to file an insurance claim, you’ll need some basic information about the accident, including where and when the accident happened, who was driving, and any other parties involved along with their insurance information.

Is it worth it to file an insurance claim?

Whether or not it’s worth it to file an insurance claim depends on the type of accident you’re in and whether or not there are other parties involved. If you’re in an accident with another person or vehicle, you should usually file an insurance claim, especially if you were injured or the other driver is at fault.

If you’re in a minor accident, such as dinging your bumper when backing up in a tight space, it’s usually not worth it to file a claim.

Is it bad to file an insurance claim?

Filing an insurance claim can help to ensure that costs associated with the accident are covered.

That said, it can also increase your monthly premiums. When deciding whether or not to file a claim, you should consider the cost of any repairs, as well as whether or not anyone else was involved in the accident.

Does insurance pay if you're at fault?

If you’re at fault in an accident, your liability insurance will cover medical bills or repair costs for other parties. For drivers with collision coverage, your policy will also cover repairs to your own vehicle after you meet your policy’s deductible.

Can you file an insurance claim without a police report?

In some cases, you may be able to file an insurance claim without a police report. That said, it’s usually a good idea to obtain a police report, especially after a serious accident. The police can help to provide evidence that your insurance company will use to determine fault when you make a claim.

Is there a time limit to file an insurance claim?

The sooner you file an insurance claim the better. While not all insurers specify a strict time limit, many won’t accept an insurance claim after 30 days have passed. It’s usually a good idea to file a claim within 24 hours if possible. The faster you file a claim, the more accurately insurance companies will be able to verify the details of the accident, and the more likely they will be to accept your claim.