If you had a car accident or your vehicle was stolen, you’ll need to file a car insurance claim with your insurer. To make sure you have everything you need, we’ve detailed the information and other steps you need to take.
How to file a car insurance claim
When filing a car insurance claim, follow these basic steps:
Gather information
Collect basic information:
- Names, addresses, contact information and insurance policy numbers for anyone involved in the accident
- Date and time of the accident
- Photographs and video footage of any damage
- Eyewitness reports and their contact information
- Accident and police reports
Review your insurance coverage
Look up the deductible on your collision coverage, as well as your insurer’s time limit for filing a claim. It can also be helpful to review the types of coverage that are included in your policy.
For instance, collision insurance will pay out after a crash with another vehicle or object. Comprehensive coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it was stolen or damaged from a weather-related event, an animal, vandalism or fire.
Contact your provider
Some insurers allow you to file a claim via their mobile app or online, but you may need to call your provider’s claim number.
During this stage, you’ll reiterate to your insurance provider what happened. Make sure to provide as much context and detail as possible.
Work with the insurance adjuster
Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate your claim. They will assess damage to your vehicle to determine your payout and may also interview witnesses.
What happens if my vehicle is damaged?
If your coverage pays for your vehicle repairs, an adjuster will examine your vehicle and estimate repair costs.
Your insurance company may provide a list of approved repair shops, but you have the legal right to take your car to any shop you choose. If your vehicle is declared a total loss, your insurer will pay for a new vehicle up to the actual cash value of your old car instead of paying for vehicle repairs.
You’ll generally receive a reimbursement check from your insurance company for the amount of your claim, minus your deductible. However, some insurance providers may choose to pay the mechanic directly, so it’s a good idea to ask your insurer which method they will use.
If you were involved in an accident where you were not at fault, you should still let your insurance company know. You may also choose to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. You can call their insurance company or fill out a claim online. You’ll either receive a check from the other driver’s insurance company or they will pay your repair shop directly.
Filing a claim for a stolen vehicle
If you have comprehensive coverage, you can file a claim if your vehicle was stolen. You’ll want to file a car insurance claim the same way you typically would, including gathering as much information as possible and calling the police.
However, the reimbursement process is slightly different. Your comprehensive car insurance will finance up to the stolen car’s actual cash value, minus your deductible. This might not be enough to replace your vehicle with the same model, so you may need to shop around for a new car.
If your stolen vehicle is recovered after you receive your payout, it becomes the property of your car insurance company. If you haven’t received a payout yet, your insurer can assess the damage to the recovered vehicle and pay out for any repairs.
Either way, you’ll need to contact your provider as soon as possible if you learn your car is found.
How to file a car insurance claim in a no-fault state
In a no-fault state, the process for filing injury claims is slightly different. No matter who caused the accident, your insurer will pay for expenses such as medical bills and lost wages. This is generally covered through your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Filing a claim can raise your car insurance rates
On average, drivers see a car insurance rate increase of 45% after an at-fault car accident. These rate increases usually last three to five years, depending on your provider and how fault was assigned after the accident.
Here are the average rate increases for these major insurance companies after an at-fault auto accident. Use this information to see how an at-fault accident may affect your insurance premiums.
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
At-fault Accident on Record
|
Insurance Company
|
|---|---|---|
| $421 | At Fault With Injury | Gainsco |
| $280 | Gainsco | |
| $356 | At Fault With Injury | Mercury |
| $222 | Mercury | |
| $234 | At Fault With Injury | National General |
| $216 | National General | |
| $272 | At Fault With Injury | Progressive |
| $193 | Progressive |
But keep in mind, these are average rate increases, and they don’t have to remain this way. For help with finding affordable car insurance after a car accident, turn to an insurance broker like Jerry.
Learn more: How to shop for car insurance
FAQ
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How do insurance companies pay out auto claims?
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Is there a time limit to file an auto insurance claim?
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Can I choose my own repair shop for a car insurance claim?
Kayda Norman is an insurance writer and editor with more than 12 years of content experience. She previously worked at NerdWallet as an insurance writer and content management specialist. She has covered a wide range of insurance topics such as high-risk drivers, auto insurance rate factors, and credit-based insurance scores. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA Today.
Phil Metzger is a personal finance editor and writer with more than 30 years of experience editing and writing content across a variety of industries. In writing and editing for Jerry, Phil’s mission is to help car owners better understand their vehicles and the costs associated with car ownership. Before joining Jerry, Phil worked as a writer and editor for newspapers, magazines, television radio and online news. His work has appeared in many major publications and websites over the years, including a series he edited that was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize.
