How to File a Car Insurance Claim

After your vehicle is damaged, you may need to file a car insurance claim to have it repaired. However, each insurer has its own claims process, and you’ll need to follow the procedure correctly to have your car repaired quickly.

If you caused the accident, your liability insurance pays for injuries and damages to others, but you need collision or comprehensive car insurance to pay for damages to your car.

Keep reading to learn how to file a car insurance claim and when you may want to pay for damages yourself.

What is a car insurance claim?

A car insurance claim is a request you make to an insurer for payment for vehicle repairs or injuries from an accident. However, there are several factors to consider when filing a claim.

First, you need to determine where to file the claim. For example, if you caused the accident or your car damage isn’t related to an accident, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company. However, the claim goes to their insurance company if another driver caused the injuries or damage.

Next, not all injuries and damages are covered. You need to have the necessary coverage to pay for damages. For example, collision car insurance coverage pays for your vehicle damage if you cause an accident, and comprehensive coverage pays for your vehicle damage unrelated to an accident, such as theft, vandalism, and acts of nature.

Your insurance company will deny your claim if you don’t have the correct coverage. While minimum coverage meets state insurance requirements, it doesn’t include collision or comprehensive coverage. For that reason, experts recommend full coverage to pay for damages to your vehicle.

Finally, think carefully about filing a claim since your car insurance rates may increase, especially if you’re at fault in the accident. It may be cheaper to pay for repairs yourself instead of filing a claim and raising your rates for years.

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How do you file a car insurance claim?

While each insurance company has its own claims process, the basic steps remain the same regardless of the insurer. Keep reading as we break down the typical steps to filing a car insurance claim.

Record Information

When filing a claim, you’ll need the other driver’s information, including name, driver’s license number, insurance information, and pictures of the damage. Also, write down what happened, and keep any receipts, such as from the tow company.

Documenting damage for a car insurance claim is essential. There are several ways to record vehicle damage. First, take pictures of all your vehicle damage as well as damage to other cars or objects. Then, file a police report. The report should also document damages and list vehicles and objects involved in the accident.

Get a Police Report

Whether your car was damaged in an accident or from other events, a police report helps the insurance company gather information. Typically, the police report includes both driver’s personal and insurance information and a general idea of what happened.

Even if your car damage isn’t from an accident, it’s still a good idea to get a police report. For example, the offender may have to pay for damages if your car is stolen or vandalized.

Call Your Insurance Company

Although you don’t have to file a claim immediately, it’s a good idea to. Your insurer will need all the information you’ve collected to begin the claim. Note the process to follow so that your claim is processed quickly.

Some insurance companies require you to call them, while others allow you to use the chat feature through the website. Either way, it’s essential to learn the process your insurer follows.

You can also find out what coverages are available to you. For example, if you have rental car reimbursement on your policy, your insurer will help pay for a rental car while yours is in the shop.

Learn more about your insurance agent’s role in the claims process.

File the Claim

Once you speak with your insurer and understand the claims process, you can file your claim. Each insurance company has a preferred method for claims filing, such as emailing the information or speaking with a local agent.

In addition, some insurance companies let you start your claim through an app, including uploading pictures of the damage, to speed up the claims process.

Get an Estimate and Meet with an Adjuster

Although some insurance companies will process your claim immediately, most want an adjuster to physically view the damage and determine the repair cost. It’s also a good idea to get an independent estimate to compare to the claims adjuster’s report.

Additionally, the adjuster will speak with you about what happened. Be specific and relay as much information as possible since this will help the company determine who was at fault in the accident.

Accept the Payout

After comparing the estimates, you should know how much your insurance company is willing to pay for repairs. Then, you can accept the insurance company’s payment and begin the repair process.

You can dispute the claim if you disagree with your insurer’s finding. You can also hire an attorney to assist you in the dispute.

Have Your Vehicle Repaired or Replaced

Schedule repairs or shop for a replacement vehicle if your insurance company totals yours. If you need repairs, you choose which repair shop you use. If you don’t have a shop in mind, your insurance company may suggest one.

If your car is a complete loss, the insurance company should pay the fair market value of your vehicle. However, the insurer will pay for a comparable vehicle if you have new car replacement coverage.

Read more: What should I do if my vehicle is deemed a total loss?

Does fault affect car insurance claims?

Yes, the driver at fault in the accident is responsible for repairs in most states. So, if you cause an accident, your insurance company pays for damages. If someone else caused the accident, their liability coverage pays for your injuries and damages.

However, it’s not always easy to figure out who caused the accident. For example, determining fault in a multi-car accident may be challenging. Fortunately, your claims adjuster can typically determine who’s at fault. In addition, the police report generally notes how the accident occurred and who caused the damage.

What does being at fault in a car accident mean?

At-fault means you cause the accident. So, not only are you responsible for injuries and damages to others, but you’re also responsible for damages to your own vehicle.

In that case, your liability coverage pays for injuries and damages to others. Most states require a small amount of liability coverage, but it’s typically not enough to pay for serious injuries and damages. Experts recommend increasing your liability limit significantly to cover costs.

In addition, your car insurance pays for damages to your vehicle if you have the appropriate coverage. For example, you’ll need collision coverage if your car is damaged in an accident. However, if your vehicle is damaged from something other than an accident, such as theft, vandalism, hail, or other acts of nature, you need comprehensive coverage.

If you only have minimum car insurance, collision and comprehensive coverages aren’t included. You’ll have to pay for your vehicle damage yourself.

Also, prepare for your car insurance rates to increase if you’re at fault. While some insurance companies won’t raise rates for your first at-fault accident, most increase rates for each accident. Can you switch insurance companies with an open claim? Yes, but it may impact your future rates.

What does no fault mean?

If you didn’t cause the accident, the other driver’s insurance pays for your injuries and property damage. However, your costs may not be fully covered if they have only the minimum required coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage added to your insurance policy helps pay for expenses after the other driver’s limits are exhausted.

In addition, a few states are considered no fault. This means that regardless of who’s at fault in the accident, your insurance pays for your injuries. These states also require personal injury protection or medical payment coverage to handle injury costs.

Depending on the state, you may be able to sue the at-fault driver and their insurance company to pay for severe damages. However, each state determines the guidelines for lawsuits in those cases.

Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance still pays for property damage.

How long do claims stay on your car insurance?

Typically, an at-fault accident claim affects your car insurance rates for three to five years. This is because insurance companies charge higher rates for drivers who have caused an accident, especially if a claim is made. In addition, drivers with multiple accidents on their driving records may be considered high-risk, and their insurance rates increase significantly.

However, it’s also important to know when not to file a car insurance claim. If you can pay for repairs yourself, it may be cheaper than filing an insurance claim. Get an estimate and consider paying out of pocket since one claim can raise your car insurance rates for up to five years.

How long do you have to file an insurance claim?

Most car insurance companies don’t have a specific timeframe for filing a claim. However, the sooner the claim is filed, the quicker your vehicle is repaired. While each insurer is different, most state that claims must be filed within a reasonable time. Keep in mind that some states also have time constraints for filing a claim.

Can you file a claim right after getting insurance? Yes, as long as the damage occurred after your insurance began. According to the Insurance Information Institute, if you lie and file a claim for damage that occurred before your insurance went into effect, you could be charged with insurance fraud.

Each state has different requirements for filing lawsuits regarding an accident as well. For example, you have six months to file a lawsuit for bodily injuries and three years to file for property damage in California.

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What happens after a car accident?

What should you do after a car accident? Check if anyone is injured, and call 911 if necessary. Next, move your vehicle to a safe place, like the side of the road, and call the police.

Then, get the other driver’s personal, vehicle, and insurance information. Take notes of driver’s license numbers, vehicle license plate numbers, and insurance providers for those involved in the accident.

In addition, take pictures after the car accident. Document all damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles or objects involved in the crash.

Finally, contact your insurance company. Be prepared with pictures and a police report if one was filed. Your insurer has a specific claims process to follow. Following the process correctly is essential to get your vehicle repaired and your claim completed quickly.

Filing Car Insurance Claims: The Bottom Line

Each car insurance company has its own claims process. However, the steps involved in how to file a car insurance claim are typically the same across the board. Therefore, it’s essential to document the damages and begin the claims process quickly to speed up the repair process.

In addition, you need to correct coverages to pay for damages to your vehicle if you caused the accident. Collison and comprehensive coverages pay for damages to your car from an accident, theft, vandalism, and acts of nature. Your claim may be denied without proper coverage, leaving you with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

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