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How long do I have to file an insurance claim?
Is there a time limit to make a car insurance claim? I got into a small collision, but I’ve been swamped lately with work and have yet to contact my insurance company. Is it too late?
Hana Sabah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“I hope you’re okay and your car incurred minimal damage!
In terms of how long you have to file an insurance claim, it depends on where the accident occurred and the state’s statute of limitations, which is a fancy way of saying time limit.
Additionally, each type of damage (
bodily harm
or property damage
) has different time limits for filing a claim.You’ll find that most insurance providers will tell you to file a claim as soon as possible or immediately after an accident—but that is a recommendation and not a requirement. And that’s a good thing because some damages may not be apparent until days, months, or even years have passed.
But driver beware: the longer the claim is delayed, the more your provider will look into the claim to confirm that damage has indeed occurred. If they have legitimate reasons to doubt your claim, they may reject it altogether.
For both bodily harm or property damage, the time limit to file these claims is two to four years depending on the state. However, file a claim as soon as possible to reap the best benefits from your provider.
If you feel your insurance is lacking or you’re paying too much for too little, try the
Jerry
app. Jerry can provide you with competitive quotes in under a minute. Swapping is just as effortless. Jerry takes care of all the paperwork and phone calls and can even assist you in canceling your old policy!”View full answer
- Gregory R.
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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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