Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Can I file an auto insurance claim a couple of years after the accident happened?

I want to trade in my car, but it was damaged in an accident a couple of years ago where the other driver offered to pay out of pocket but never did. Can I file an uninsured motorist claim to fix my car before I trade it in?

avatar
Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Unfortunately, you probably won’t be able to file a claim under uninsured motorist property damage coverage without having the information for the other party and confirmation that they were uninsured on the date of the accident.
Furthermore, filing a claim that long after an accident is a big red flag to an insurance company and they are going to investigate the claim vigorously.
If you had
collision coverage
on the date of the accident, you may be able to use that coverage, but it may not pay for all of the repairs if the damage has become worse over time.
You could attempt to file a claim through the other person’s insurance company, but they are going to investigate as well, and they may deny the claim unless you have a police report and estimates from the time of the accident.”
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings