Auto insurance is the kind of thing you buy and hope you never have to use. But if an accident happens or a storm damages your vehicle, you’ll need to know how to file a car insurance claim. Here’s how to go through the process:
- Call the police if you were in an accident or your car was vandalized or stolen.
- Collect evidence and documentation of the incident.
- Get in touch with your insurer.
- Speak with an insurance adjuster.
- Receive your insurance payout.
We’ll break down each step, but first…
What is an Auto Insurance Claim?
An auto insurance claim is a formal request you can submit to your insurer after you’ve been in a car accident or your vehicle has been damaged. Filing a claim lets your insurer know you were in a wreck and want to use your coverage benefits.
How Do I File a Car Insurance Claim?
1. Call the Police
If you’re in a car accident, the first thing you must do is call the police. Even if no one requires immediate medical attention, you’ll likely need a police report to submit your insurance claim. Get it handled before the details fade.
If your car was stolen or vandalized, contacting the police should be your first step. However, for incidents like natural disasters or hitting a deer, a police report may not be required.
2. Collect Evidence and Documentation of the Incident
Gather information at the scene so you can answer your insurer’s questions. Here’s what to do in specific cases:
If You Were in a Car Accident:
- Take photos of your car and other vehicles involved, capturing visible damage and license plates.
- Photograph any damaged property and the wider scene of the accident.
- Take down names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information of everyone involved.
- Write a brief summary of the accident.
- Get a copy of the police report, if the police were present.
- Obtain contact information of any witnesses, if possible.
If Your Car Was Damaged in Another Event:
- Take photos of your car and what damaged it (e.g., a fallen tree branch).
- If police were called, request a copy of the report.
- Get witness contact information, if available.
3. Get in Touch With Your Insurer
Knowing when to file a claim is important. File a claim if:
- You were in an accident involving another party.
- Your car was damaged in a non-collision event and the repair costs exceed your deductible.
Go to your insurer’s app, website, or call them to report the claim. Your insurer will likely ask for the evidence you collected in step 2.
4. Speak With an Insurance Adjuster
An insurance adjuster investigates the claim to determine the payout. They will assess the damage, interview those involved, review your documentation, and evaluate injury claims. Try to provide all the necessary information upfront to avoid delays.
5. Receive Your Insurance Payout
Once the insurance adjuster determines the claim payout, they will explain your options for receiving it. You can choose to get a payout and handle repairs yourself or let the adjuster coordinate repairs with a shop selected by your insurer. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, you’ll receive a payment for its market value minus your deductible.
