File a claim by contacting your insurance company within 24 to 48 hours of the accident

Call your insurer's claims line or use their mobile app or website to report the incident. Most insurers have a 24-hour claims hotline — the number is on your insurance card and in your policy documents. You will need your policy number, the date and time of the accident, and a basic description of what happened. The sooner you report, the sooner the claims process starts, and delays can complicate coverage decisions.

If you were in an accident with another vehicle, also get the other driver's name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, and vehicle information (make, model, year, license plate). Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signs if relevant. If police responded, get the report number. If there were witnesses, write down their names and phone numbers.

Do not admit fault or sign anything except police reports and documents from your own insurer. Statements you make can affect your claim, so stick to the facts of what happened.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your claim to your insurance company within 24 to 48 hours by calling the claims line, using the app, or going online — the number is on your insurance card.
  • Gather the other driver's insurance and contact information, take photos of damage and the scene, and get a police report number if officers responded.
  • Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster who will inspect the damage, review your statement, and determine what your policy covers.
  • Most claims take two to four weeks from report to payment, though complex accidents or disputes can take longer.
  • Keep records of all communication with your insurer, repair estimates, and receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to the claim.

What happens after you report the claim

Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster's job is to investigate the accident, review your statement, inspect the vehicle damage, and determine what your policy covers. They may contact you to ask follow-up questions or schedule an inspection. Respond promptly and be honest — the adjuster is not your advocate, but they are bound by your policy terms.

The adjuster will also contact the other driver (if applicable) and may request a police report or medical records if injuries are involved. This process typically takes one to two weeks. Once the adjuster completes their investigation, they will send you a coverage decision in writing, explaining what the claim covers and what it does not.

Understanding your deductible and coverage limits

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance pays. If you have a $500 deductible and the damage costs $3,000, you pay $500 and your insurer pays $2,500. The deductible applies to collision and comprehensive coverage, but not to liability coverage (which pays for damage you cause to someone else's property or injuries).

Your coverage limits are the maximum amounts your insurer will pay. If your policy has a $100,000 liability limit and you cause $150,000 in damage, your insurer pays $100,000 and you are responsible for the remaining $50,000. Review your policy documents to know your limits before you file — this affects how much you will receive.

Getting your vehicle repaired

Once your claim is approved, you have options for repairs. You can use your insurer's preferred repair shop (often called a "network" shop), which may offer faster service and direct billing to the insurance company. You can also choose your own repair shop — your insurer must cover repairs at any licensed facility, though they may require a second estimate if your chosen shop's quote is significantly higher than others.

Get at least two repair estimates before authorizing work. Your insurer may require this before approving payment. If the repair shop finds additional damage once work begins, notify your adjuster immediately — they may need to approve extra costs. Keep all receipts and documentation from the repair shop for your records.

Handling a total loss claim

If repair costs exceed 70 to 80 percent of your vehicle's value (the threshold varies by state and insurer), your insurer may declare the vehicle a total loss. The insurer will offer you the vehicle's actual cash value — what it was worth immediately before the accident, not what you paid for it or what you still owe on a loan.

You can accept the offer, negotiate if you believe the valuation is too low, or decline and keep the vehicle (though your insurer will deduct its salvage value from your payout). If you still owe money on a car loan, the insurance payout goes to your lender first, and any remaining amount goes to you. If the payout is less than what you owe, you are responsible for the difference — this is called being "upside down" on the loan.

Disputing a claim decision

If your insurer denies your claim or offers a payout you believe is too low, you have options. First, ask the claims adjuster to explain the decision in detail — sometimes miscommunication can be cleared up quickly. Request a copy of the full claims file, including the adjuster's report and any photos or estimates they gathered.

If you disagree with the decision, file a formal appeal with your insurer. Most insurers have an appeal process outlined in your policy documents. You can also file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner if you believe your insurer violated state law or treated you unfairly. The commissioner's office can investigate and may require your insurer to reconsider.

Timeline and what to expect

Most straightforward claims move through the process in two to four weeks. Simple fender-benders with clear liability and no injuries often resolve faster. Complex accidents involving multiple vehicles, injuries, or disputes over fault can take six weeks or longer. Your adjuster should give you a timeline when they contact you.

During this time, keep your insurer updated on any changes to your contact information, and respond to requests for documents or statements within the timeframe they provide. Delays on your end can slow the process. If you need a rental car while yours is being repaired, most policies cover this — ask your adjuster about the daily limit and approved rental companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my insurance company's preferred repair shop?

No. You can choose any licensed repair facility. Your insurer must cover repairs at your chosen shop, though they may require a second estimate if the quote is significantly higher than others. Network shops often offer faster service and direct billing, but you are not required to use them.

What if the other driver's insurance company contacts me?

You can speak with them, but keep it brief and factual. Do not admit fault or discuss settlement. Refer detailed questions to your own insurance adjuster. Your insurer's job is to protect your interests, so let them handle communication with the other party's insurer.

Can I file a claim if I don't have a police report?

Yes. A police report helps, but it is not required. File your claim with the information you have — your statement, photos, and the other driver's details. Your adjuster can still investigate and make a coverage decision without a formal police report, though it may take longer.

What if my car is still under a loan and it's declared a total loss?

The insurance payout goes to your lender first to pay off the loan balance. If the payout exceeds what you owe, you receive the difference. If the payout is less than the loan balance, you still owe the lender the remaining amount — you are responsible for this gap.

How long do I have to file a claim after an accident?

Most policies require you to report within 24 to 48 hours, though some allow longer. Check your policy documents for the exact deadline. Reporting quickly protects your claim and gives your adjuster time to gather evidence while details are fresh.