How to File an Auto Insurance Claim

Whether you’ve been in a collision or discovered damage to your parked car, this guide walks you through the claims process step by step.

At the Scene: What to Do First

Immediate Actions (0-30 minutes)

1. Check for injuries - Call 911 if anyone is hurt
2. Move to safety - If possible, move vehicles out of traffic
3. Call police - Get an official accident report (required in most states for significant damage)
4. Don’t admit fault - Stick to facts when discussing the accident

Document Everything

Take photos of:

• All vehicles involved (all angles, close-ups of damage)
• The accident scene (intersection, road conditions, traffic signs)
• License plates of all vehicles
• Driver’s licenses and insurance cards
• Visible injuries
• Skid marks, debris, or road damage

Collect information:

• Other driver’s name, phone, address
• Insurance company and policy number
• Witness names and contact information
• Police officer’s name and badge number
• Accident report number

Filing Your Claim

Step 1: Contact Your Insurer (Within 24-72 hours)

Call your insurance company’s claims line. Have ready:

• Your policy number
• Date, time, and location of accident
• Description of what happened
• Other driver’s information
• Police report number

Most insurers also offer mobile apps and online claim filing.

Step 2: Understand Your Coverage

Know which coverage applies:

Step 3: Work with the Adjuster

An adjuster will be assigned to your claim:

• They may inspect your vehicle in person or request photos
• Be honest and thorough when describing what happened
• Provide all documentation promptly
• Ask questions if anything is unclear

Step 4: Get Repair Estimates

• Your insurer may have preferred shops (not required to use them)
• Get 2-3 independent estimates for comparison
• Request OEM (original manufacturer) parts if desired
• Don’t authorize repairs until the claim is approved

Step 5: Settlement and Repair

For repairable vehicles:

• Insurer pays repair shop directly or reimburses you
• You pay your deductible to the shop
• Rental car may be covered during repairs

For total loss:

• Insurer pays actual cash value minus deductible
• You keep or surrender the vehicle title
• Gap insurance covers any loan balance exceeding value

Documentation Checklist

At the Scene

• Photos of all damage and the scene
• Other driver’s license and insurance info
• Witness contact information
• Police report number

Before Contacting Insurer

• Your policy number and coverage details
• Written description of what happened
• List of injuries (if any)
• Other driver’s information organized

During the Process

• Claim number and adjuster contact info
• All communication dates and notes
• Repair estimates (2-3 shops)
• Rental car receipts (if applicable)
• Medical bills and records (if injuries)

Timeline Expectations

Common Issues and Solutions

The Other Driver’s Insurance Won’t Pay

• File with your own collision coverage
• Your insurer pursues them through subrogation
• You may recover your deductible later

Repair Costs Exceed the Estimate

• Contact your adjuster before authorizing additional work
• Document the hidden damage discovered
• Request a supplement to the claim

You Disagree with the Settlement

• Request itemized breakdown of the valuation
• Provide comparable sales listings for total loss disputes
• Get independent appraisals
• File a complaint with your state insurance department if needed

Related Guides

• Auto Insurance Coverage Guide
• Find Your State’s Requirements
• Insurance FAQ