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What are the steps of the claims process?

What exactly happens when you file a claim? I have never had to file one before and I would like to know what to expect when the time comes.

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Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Being involved in a car accident can be nerve-wracking, thankfully filing a claim is a simple and fairly streamlined process.
Here are the basic steps of the process:
  • Call your
    car insurance
    agent right away and file a report.
  • Answer all questions posed by the claims agent honestly.
  • Avoid statements that aren’t factual like “I think”.
  • You will receive an explanation of your benefits and learn if and how you are covered for the accident.
  • The damage to your car will be evaluated.
  • Claims payment will be issued and your vehicle repaired.
Filing a claim itself can usually be done over the phone or in-person with your agent. Many insurance companies like
Progressive
even have a way to file claims directly through their app!
If you like the ease of doing insurance via an app, you should give
Jerry
a try! Jerry is an insurance comparison app that shops for low prices with over 50 different insurance companies. You will get quotes in seconds, and once you buy a policy, the pdf ID card is available right away.”
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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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