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How do you file a claim with your insurance for car damage?

How do you file an insurance claim for car damage? A branch fell on my car and left a huge dent in the hood.

avatar
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear about your car! To file a claim with your insurance company for car damage you’ll need to call or submit a claim through their website or mobile app.
Remember, filing claims can cause an increase in your premium. Follow these steps before filing a
comprehensive claim
to ensure it’s worthwhile:
  • Take your car to a repair shop and get an estimate.
  • Compare the expected cost of repairs to your deductible.
  • If the difference is minimal, it may be worth paying out of pocket.
  • If the difference is big, you should consider whether it’s worth a potential spike in your premium.
If you do end up
filing a claim
, all you need to do is:
  • Give your insurance details about the incident.
  • Answer any questions they might ask honestly.
From there, they’ll likely have you get a quote on the repair cost. Once they understand the cost of repairs, your company will send you to a
mechanic or repair shop
in their network to get it fixed.
If you’re concerned about how the accident will impact your rates, try using
Jerry
to find your best option. A licensed broker, the Jerry app can help you find and compare quotes from the top insurance providers for free. If you find a plan you like, Jerry will even help you buy a new policy and cancel your old one!
View full answer 
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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.

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