U.S. auto insurers paid out over $260 billion in claims in 2024. Car insurance claims can be tricky, and trying to figure out how to file a claim can sometimes be more overwhelming than the accident or theft itself. Depending on the incident, the process can be more involved. You might be required to file a police report and submit photos to your car insurance company.
That’s why we’ve put together a simple list of what to do before, during, and after the incident so you can get back on the road. Also, if you're still in need of coverage, a local independent insurance agent can help you get equipped with the right policy. They'll ensure you get matched to the ideal amount of coverage. While your agent can file auto insurance claims for you directly, it's helpful to be familiar with the process yourself.
Key Takeaways - How to File a Car Insurance Claim in 2026
Filing a car insurance claim involves a few steps, such as contacting your insurer or independent insurance agent and scheduling an adjuster visit.
You might want to skip filing a car insurance claim if the amount of reimbursement you'd receive for repairs would only slightly exceed your deductible.
It's helpful to be familiar with your insurer's specific claims process and the timelines for each step.
Car insurance claims can be settled in as little as one week or take as long as several months, depending on complexity.
Working with an independent insurance agent is highly recommended, as they can file claims for you directly and keep you updated through every step of the process.
What Is a Car Insurance Claim?
A car insurance claim is a written or spoken request from an insured (i.e., the policyholder) to the insurance company for monetary compensation for covered damage, theft, or destruction to a piece of property, etc. In the case of car insurance, a claim may be filed if a vehicle is damaged in a traffic accident, stolen, or damaged by a natural event like hail.
You may also wonder how soon you can file a claim after getting insurance. This will depend on your specific policy and when your coverage kicks in, so be sure to review it with your independent insurance agent. They can help you familiarize yourself with the types of coverage included in your policy and how they work.
Further, it's helpful to understand first-party vs. third-party insurance claims. A first-party claim is paid by your insurer, while a third-party claim is paid by the at-fault driver's insurance, if you're not the party at fault. Your independent insurance agent can help you determine when you should file a car insurance claim
First-Party vs. Third-Party Claims: Which Do You File?
The answer to this depends on the details of the incident. To better understand the car insurance claim process, it's helpful to know when to file a first-party or third-party claim. Consider the following examples:
First-party claim: You're trying to park your vehicle on a side street when you accidentally hit a parked car's bumper. In this case, you're clearly responsible for the accident and are the only one involved. Therefore, you would file a first-party claim with your own car insurance company.
Third-party claim: You're leaving a parking spot at a busy grocery store and accidentally back into a vehicle that was driving behind you. In this case, you're still the at-fault party, but someone else is involved. The other driver would file a third-party claim against your auto policy with your car insurance company.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim: Step by Step
Perhaps you've been wondering what to do after a car accident for insurance, or asking, "How does a car insurance claim work?" Whether you were recently in an accident, had your car stolen, or just want to be prepared in case one of these disasters happens, read on to learn the proper procedure for filing an auto insurance claim.
Here are eight steps to help you handle the first few minutes and days following an incident. This list of auto insurance claim steps can easily be printed and stored in a glove box for future reference. Remember that your independent insurance agent is always available to assist you with car accident claims as well.
Step 1: Check for injuries
After a car accident, the first thing to do is check whether anyone involved is injured. If any passengers have been injured, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 right away; do not wait to assess the injury's severity.
Depending on the coverage included in your car insurance policy, you may have coverage for medical payments, which can pay for the costs of medical treatment for yourself and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. If the other driver was at fault for the accident, their bodily injury liability coverage should reimburse you for necessary medical treatments for yourself or your passengers.
Step 2: Call for help
Make sure you’re somewhere safe, and don't make the call while standing on the road. In any accident more serious than a minor fender bender, dial 911. You might be required to file a police report. Be sure to record the police report number as your insurer will likely request it.
Step 3: Document the scene
Inspect your vehicle and the other vehicles involved. Check for internal and external damage to the best of your ability before anyone drives away.
It's also important to photograph all license plates involved in the accident, record all parties' VINs, note the road and weather conditions, document any witnesses' contact information, and note the direction you were traveling. Your insurance company may request all this information.
Step 4: Exchange information
Get as much detail as you can about the other driver and any witnesses, including their insurance information. Make sure to take pictures and videos of the crash scene and damage, but don't let anyone photograph your driver's license. Further, be sure not to admit fault.
Step 5: Move your vehicle safely
Attempt to get your car out of the way of moving traffic. If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road or onto a shoulder.
However, if the vehicle is not obstructing traffic, leave it where it is. Either way, turn on your hazard lights and remain at the scene until police authorize your departure.
If your vehicle can't be moved and towing is necessary, make the call now. You may be entitled to reimbursement for this service if your car insurance policy includes towing and roadside assistance coverage.
Step 6: Contact your agent or insurer
Let your independent insurance agent know you’ve been in an accident, and they’ll help guide you through the next steps. Your agent can even contact your car insurance company for you and start the claims process.
You have three main options to file car insurance claims: phone, website/online portal, and mobile app. It depends on your personal preference and your insurance company's contact options. A claims adjuster will typically contact you within one to three business days after you file your claim.
Step 7: Use a mobile app or online portal to submit the claim and upload photos
If you choose to file your claim digitally, it comes with certain advantages. Mobile apps and online portals allow you to quickly upload photo and video evidence. You can also track your claim online or via a mobile app, reserve a rental vehicle if necessary, and schedule appraisals for your vehicle's damage at an insurer-approved body shop.
Step 8: Work with the claims adjuster
The insurance adjuster's role is to review the details of your claim, inspect the damage, determine fault, and estimate repair costs. Their main job is to stick to the facts of the incident to make an unbiased ruling and determine how much reimbursement you're entitled to from your policy. Conversations with your claims adjuster are recorded, so keep this in mind.
How Long Does a Car Insurance Claim Take?
Each part of the car insurance claims process takes a certain amount of time. Your independent insurance agent can track your claim for you and keep you updated with ETAs for every step of the process. You can also refer to the table below for a better estimate of the average car insurance claim timeline at each step.
| Action / Item | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Filing the claim | 1–7 days |
| Review / investigation | 7–30 days |
| Vehicle inspection | 3–14 days |
| Injury claims | 30–90+ days |
| Settlement | 1 week to several months |
| Payout | 1–2 weeks post agreement |
Keep in mind that the timeline for each of these steps varies by state deadline requirements and your specific car insurance company's claims process.
How Fault Affects Your Car Insurance Claim
The person officially found to be at fault for a car accident or other incident can affect your ability to receive compensation after filing a claim. The at-fault driver's insurance company is responsible for paying out compensation after a car accident. It's possible you may disagree with an insurance company's ruling of assigning fault for the accident, and in such an instance, your independent insurance agent can assist you with the next steps of the process.
Insurance companies investigate fault after each car insurance claim is filed to ensure that the right carrier pays for the damage. Most states are considered "at-fault" states, and one party is typically considered to be "at-fault" for an accident.
The at-fault party is responsible for covering the injuries of the other driver and their passengers in these states. However, certain states, known as "no-fault" states, require medical bills to be covered by each driver's own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, rather than the at-fault driver's coverage.
Some states even consider shared fault or comparative negligence, meaning that each driver could be assigned a percentage of the fault for an accident, and in turn, their insurance companies would be responsible for their portion of the fault. Research your state's car insurance negligence laws to gain a better understanding of how fault can impact any claims you file.
Bodily Injury Claims: What's Covered and What to Expect
Your health and the health of everyone involved in a car accident should always be the top priority. While you might be tempted to ignore what seems like a minor injury right afterward, don't, since these can sometimes lead to serious long-term health complications down the road. It's better to get something checked out now, just in case.
So, what is a car insurance claim for bodily injury? It's the type of claim you'd file if any injuries resulted from an auto accident you were involved in, ranging from minor to severe, and even death.
The at-fault driver's auto insurance should provide compensation for the medical treatment of injuries resulting from the accident. Compensation can also sometimes include funeral expenses in the event of a death, or missed work and rehabilitation costs in the case of serious injuries.
Your insurer may require you to submit medical documentation after treatment before you can be reimbursed. Be sure to ask for the specific paperwork they'll need and keep copies of all receipts. Your coverage might also include coverage for lost wages if you need to miss work while you recover, or compensation for other pain and suffering. Check your policy or ask your independent insurance agent to be sure.
Property Damage Claims: Process and Payout Expectations
A property damage claim is the type of car insurance claim you'd file if there were physical damage to your vehicle or another piece of property you own, such as if someone ran into your fence with their vehicle. Insurance companies also investigate these claims for fault, and sometimes, a policyholder may decide to seek a decision outside of the insurance claim (e.g., from an attorney) regarding property damage if they're unhappy with their carrier's ruling.
You might also be wondering, "Should I get an estimate before filing a claim?" Typically, yes, you'll always want an estimate before filing a property damage car insurance claim. However, your independent insurance agent can further advise you on whether you should secure an estimate in each unique claim circumstance.
You can choose your own repair shop if your vehicle was damaged. Your insurance company may provide you with a list of recommended approved shops to choose from.
What Happens If Your Car Is Declared a Total Loss?
If your car is totaled, you'll receive compensation for its actual cash value (ACV) or agreed value, depending on the terms of your coverage. Insurance companies typically issue your insurance payout check within two to six weeks post-settlement.
If your vehicle was financed, you'll be responsible for covering the difference between the amount you might still owe on your loan or lease and the vehicle's value. This is when having gap insurance can be helpful. This coverage will pay for that difference in what's still owed.
When to File a Car Insurance Claim (and When to Skip It)
Many people have asked, "Should I file a car insurance claim?" The answer depends on several factors. Before it ever comes time to file a claim, you should ideally review your car insurance policy in depth and become familiar with precisely what it covers and what it doesn't.
This can help ensure you'll have a successful claim in the future, should you need to file. Learn your deductible amount or the amount you'll have to pay out of pocket each time you file a claim before you receive compensation from your carrier.
If you had to file a car insurance claim for a total of $1,000 in damage to your vehicle after an accident, but you had a deductible of $250, you'd pay the $250 yourself and receive a maximum compensation of $750 from your insurance company.
The car insurance claims process can vary by insurer and local laws, but typically, you'll have somewhere between 30 days and up to a few years, depending on the state you live in. You can also find out more about how long you have to file a car insurance claim.
However, filing a claim may not always be the wisest course of action, depending on the circumstances of each incident. Unofficially, there’s an “ideal claim zone” where the benefits will outweigh the costs of filing a claim. The goal is to find this zone. The easiest way to do that is to calculate potential expenses and decide if it’s worth filing a claim.
Example
Say you’re in an accident and the cost of repairing the damage is $505. If your deductible is $500, filing a claim would definitely not be worth the risk of your premium going up for a difference of $5.
| When to File a Car Insurance Claim |
|---|
| You’re in an accident where you can be held responsible |
| The damage done to your car is significantly more than your deductible |
| An uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you and doesn’t have their own car insurance policy, and you have uninsured motorist coverage and collision insurance |
| You or anyone else involved has serious injuries after an accident |
| When to Skip Filing a Car Insurance Claim |
|---|
| The amount of damage is minor and wouldn't exceed your deductible |
| Your insurance rate increase would far exceed the out-of-pocket repair costs |
| You’re in a minor fender bender with another party and both agree to settle privately |
| You own an older vehicle and aren't worried about cosmetic damage |
If you decide to file a claim, you'll want to do it as soon as possible after the accident. Waiting can cause your car insurance company to deny your claim. Start the process right away to have the best possible chance at getting the reimbursement you're entitled to.
Most insurers require you to report your claim within 24-72 hours after the accident. It's critical to also understand car insurance claim deadlines by state. You can review our state statute of limitations guide for car insurance claims to help you prepare.
How Filing a Claim Affects Your Car Insurance Premium
Many people also understandably ask, "How much does insurance go up after a claim?" Premium rates increase by an average of 12%-45% after filing an at-fault accident claim. However, some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that can help minimize this increase, or forego it altogether after your first occurrence.
Insurers typically add these surcharges to your premium for the next three to five years after the accident. It can be beneficial to shop for a new rate after a claim. An independent insurance agent can help you.
Tips for Filing an Auto Insurance Claim Successfully
There are specific timelines for filing car insurance claims, and the time you have to file your claim varies by carrier. After an accident, proper and extensive documentation of the details is critical for both your personal records and your best chance of filing a successful claim.
Still asking, "How do auto insurance claims work?" Here are tips for filling out car insurance claims accurately and efficiently:
- Call your independent insurance agent and have them file your car insurance claim directly through your auto insurance company. This will ensure that you report all necessary information and have the best possible chance of being reimbursed for your claim. Your agent can also keep you updated on every step of the claims process moving forward.
- Be prepared for a visit from an insurance adjuster. After you file a car insurance claim, your carrier will schedule a visit by a claims adjuster to further evaluate your vehicle's damage. Keep in mind that if you have a car loan or lease your vehicle, your lender might need to be involved in the adjuster's evaluation.
- Have money set aside to pay your deductible out of pocket. Always have enough money set aside in your savings to be able to pay your car insurance deductible when you have to file a claim.
- Report your claim promptly. It's critical to report your claim to the insurer within 72 hours of the accident to have the best chance of receiving reimbursement.
- Do not admit fault. Let the insurance company evaluate the claim and make an official decision.
- Use a mobile app. Mobile apps allow you to report and track claims quickly and easily. Many insurance companies offer mobile apps today.
- Keep a claims file. It's helpful to have all your claim information organized in a place you can access quickly and easily.
- Request a written explanation of a low settlement offer. You have the option to dispute a claim settlement if you're unhappy with the results.
If you have any further questions about filing a car insurance claim, your independent insurance agent can help answer them for you and file your claim directly.
How to Dispute a Car Insurance Claim or Low Settlement
If your car insurance claim was denied, you may be wondering what to do. This can also be the case if you receive a low settlement that seems unfair. In such an instance, follow these steps:
- Request a written breakdown of the settlement or decision from your insurance company to evaluate any gaps, exclusions, or omissions that need to be addressed.
- Submit any additional documents that could help your claim, such as updated repair receipts, medical bills, or more photos and video evidence.
- Start the appraisal process. Some policies require a formal process to dispute your claim settlement, which may involve using independent appraisers and undergoing additional reviews.
- Consult an attorney if you need additional help disputing your claim with your insurer.
An independent insurance agent can also advise you on what to do if you need to dispute a claim with your car insurance company.
What Happens After You File a Car Insurance Claim?
Most of your time after a claim will be spent waiting to hear from your insurer while they take care of things on their end. After you report your accident, your insurer will follow these steps:
- Step 1: Your insurance company will take down the information of anyone involved in the accident.
- Step 2: A representative from your insurance company will call you to get your side of the story, usually within a few days.
- Step 3: Your insurance company will send out a claims adjuster or send you to a shop to assess the damage. This should happen within a couple of weeks after filing your claim.
- Step 4: Your insurance company will generate a report. If necessary, your insurer will make arrangements for you to get a rental car.
- Step 5: There will be an adjustment period for repairs. Your car insurance company will schedule your vehicle for repairs at one of its approved local repair shops. You have the right to choose your preferred repair shop from a list of options.
- Step 6: Your insurance company will provide compensation for any medical bills, depending on who was at fault and which type of coverage is included in your policy. If the other driver was at fault, their insurer should compensate you for medical bills. After the decision is reached, you should receive your payout within one to two weeks.
- Step 7: Your car insurance company will provide you with further details on what will happen with your payout and provide a timeline for when you can expect compensation.
In the long run, filing a claim could cause your car insurance premium to increase. Depending on the damage, your insurance could decide to total your car or pay for the damage. If your car is deemed a total loss, it won't be scheduled for repairs, and you'll receive the maximum amount of compensation included in your policy, which may be actual cash value coverage.
While filing a claim is never fun, your independent insurance agent can help guide you through the process and get you back on the road as soon as possible.
FAQs About Car Insurance Claims
You can get even more answers to common car insurance claim questions in our car insurance claims FAQs guide.
What if an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits me?
Uninsured motorist coverage varies from state to state. If you don't have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and you get hit by someone whose policy limits won’t cover all of your expenses, you’ll want to assess the situation to determine if it’s worth filing a claim for the remaining balance.
If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and get hit by someone who doesn’t have adequate coverage or has no insurance at all, you’ll definitely want to file a claim with your insurance company.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist can pay for losses if you're struck by a driver who doesn't carry any or adequate insurance to fully compensate you, or if you're the victim of a hit-and-run. You might also decide to seek legal help in this case. Your independent insurance agent can help you file a claim with your car insurance company.
Will my car insurance premium go up after a claim?
Typically, yes, by an average of 12%-45%, depending on your level of fault and your insurer. Various factors determine whether your premium will be raised after a claim. Some insurance companies offer good driver discounts and other forgiveness packages. Your potential premium increase will depend on the severity of your accident, your insurance policy, and your driving record.
Some insurance companies offer accident forgiveness coverage, which can mean your premiums won't increase at all or as much after your first accident. Otherwise, you can typically expect this surcharge to affect your premium for about three to five years.
How long does a car insurance claim take to settle?
Simple claims typically resolve within days to two weeks. Complex claims can take one to 12 months to resolve. Insurers usually have 30 days to investigate your claim under most state laws.
Should I file a car insurance claim for minor damage?
If the repair cost to your vehicle is only slightly above your deductible, skipping filing a claim can help you avoid a premium increase. Only file a car insurance claim if third-party injuries are involved or if the damage would significantly exceed your policy's deductible.
What is a car insurance adjuster and what do they do?
Adjusters review facts, inspect damage, determine fault shares, estimate repair costs, and authorize repairs and claim payouts. Adjusters typically contact the claimant within one to three business days after a claim is filed.
How long do I have to file a car insurance claim?
Insurance companies typically require you to report your claim within 24-72 hours of an accident. State statutes of limitations range from one to three years for any related lawsuits.
What should I not say when filing a car insurance claim?
Never admit fault, speculate about injuries, or provide a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before consulting your independent insurance agent. Remember that adjuster conversations are recorded.
Can I file a car insurance claim if the accident was my fault?
Yes, report and file the claim. Collision coverage will pay for damage to your own vehicle, while liability coverage will pay for the other party's damage and injuries. Not filing a claim doesn't prevent the other party from filing a claim against you.
Sources
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2023/05/12/720631.htm
https://www.iii.org/article/how-do-i-file-claim
https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/how-to-file-a-car-insurance-claim
https://wallethub.com/edu/ci/car-insurance-claims/12882
https://www.nerdwallet.com/insurance/auto/learn/car-insurance-claim