UPDATED: APRIL 27, 2023 | 1 MIN READ
For most people, car insurance is a pesky added cost of owning a car. Many people will, luckily, never have to use it. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you have to file a car insurance claim. Read on to learn all about how to go through that process.
When would I need to file a car insurance claim?
Certain situations mean you may have to file an insurance claim.
If it’s unclear whose fault it was
Sometimes it may not be clear who was at fault for the car accident, or both parties may claim they were not. In this scenario, it’s best to let insurance companies argue it out amongst themselves.
If someone is injured
Regardless of who is at fault or injured, you will probably want to file an insurance claim as soon as anyone’s medical bills are involved. Medical expenses add up quickly, and you may be unable to afford them out of pocket.
If your car is totaled or repairs are pricey
If your car is totaled, it means it’s beyond repair or will cost more than it’s worth. You’ll need to replace it. In this case, you’ll likely want to file a claim so you’re not stuck paying for a replacement car you didn’t need before the accident.
If the car can be repaired, but you can’t afford the thousands of dollars it’s going to take to do it, consider filing a claim to cover the costs.
What are the steps to filing a claim?
So, you’ve decided that you need to file a claim. Now what?
Get to safety
Immediately after an accident, the first thing that needs to happen is for you to make sure that everyone is safe. Get to the side of the road, away from traffic. Remember, accidents are stressful for everyone, so try to stay calm.
Call 911
Next, call emergency services to ensure any injuries are taken care of. Most insurance companies need you to file a police report before filing a claim, so calling the police to the scene of the accident means that the requirement is fulfilled.
Document everything
When you contact your insurance company, they’ll ask for a lot of information. The more you have, the easier the process will be.
- Take photos of any damage to the car from as many angles as possible.
- Note the accident’s details, including the location, time, and weather conditions.
- Note the names and badge numbers of any officers that responded to the incident.
- Ask for a copy of the police report or a case number.
Exchange information
Get the name, contact details, and insurance details of anyone involved in the accident. Be sure to get the contact information of anyone who may be a witness to the accident and take detailed notes. If you hit an unattended vehicle, try to locate the owner. Leave them a note with your contact information and insurance details if you can’t.
Keep the receipts
Whether you incur any medical bills, have to call a tow truck, or need to make temporary repairs, keep the receipts for any expenses related to the accident.
Call your insurance company or use your smartphone
Even if you aren’t filing a claim through your insurance, you should still report the accident to them as soon as possible. This is because the other party involved may claim that you’re at fault.
The quicker you provide all the relevant information to your insurance company, the quicker they’ll have everything they need to dispute it.
Many insurance providers have apps that allow you to file a claim. This makes it easy to file a car insurance claim, as they often have checklists on their apps that tell you exactly what steps to take to file without worrying about missing something.
Alternatively, if you prefer to speak to someone on the phone, you also have that option. They’ll run through everything with you.
Questions you should ask your insurance provider include:
- Is there a time limit for resolving disputes?
- Is there a deadline for providing further information?
- Does my insurance offer rental car coverage?
- When will I be contacted regarding the claim?
What happens after I file my car insurance claim?
After you‘ve filed your claim, you’ll be assigned an adjuster to investigate. They may come out and assess the damage to the vehicle, or you may be asked to gather several repair estimates. Often, they’ll provide a list of preferred auto shops that you can choose from.
Car Insurance Claim FAQs
Read on to find the answers to some commonly asked questions.
How long do I have to file a car insurance claim?
The time you have to file a claim varies depending on your state and insurance company. Most insurance policies require you to file a claim promptly or within a reasonable time. Typically, the quicker you file your claim, the smoother the process.
Will my insurance rate go up if I file a claim?
Whether you file a claim with your insurance company or a third-party claim. Your insurance company is likely to increase if you caused the events leading up to the claim. These increases will typically stay with you for three to five years following the claim.
Who pays for my rental car after an accident?
That depends on who was at fault. If you file a third-party claim, the other driver’s insurance company should foot the bill for a rental car. You may have to front the cost and be reimbursed. If you file a claim through your insurance company, you’ll have to check if your coverage includes rental cars.
Can I file a car insurance claim without a police report?
Technically, yes. However, having a police report to back up your version of events is always a good idea. The police report will document the facts and help make things clearer during the claims process.
How long does it take to settle a car insurance claim?
It can take anywhere from several hours to several months, depending on the situation’s complexity. Usually, the insurance company will either send you a check or pay for repairs directly to the auto shop.
Can I choose where to get my car repaired?
Most of the time, your insurance provider will give you a list of their preferred repair companies. However, you’re not obliged to use any of the preferred shops. You can go to your auto repair shop, but be aware that you may have to pay the difference if the cost exceeds the estimate provided by the insurance adjuster or their preferred shops.
When shouldn’t I file a car insurance claim?
If nobody was injured, and the damage caused was only minor, settling out of pocket might be more beneficial. When you file a claim, your insurance will likely increase for the next three to five years, so handling things might work out cheaper without the insurance company involved.
Have the Right Car Insurance Coverage
Being involved in an accident is stressful for everyone, and filing a claim can be complicated. It doesn’t always have to be. If you follow the above steps and ensure good car insurance coverage, you can ensure the whole task runs as smoothly as possible.
