File a claim with your insurance company within the timeframe they require
To get insurance to pay for car repair, you must file a claim with your insurance company. Most insurers require you to report damage within 30 to 90 days, though some allow longer. Contact your insurer by phone, through their mobile app, or online portal — the method does not matter, but phone is fastest because an agent can answer questions immediately and confirm your claim number on the spot.
When you call, have your policy number ready and be prepared to describe what happened: the date, time, location, and what caused the damage (collision, weather, theft, vandalism, or something else). If another vehicle was involved, have the other driver's name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number. If a police report exists, mention that too. The insurer will assign a claim number and tell you the next steps.
Your claim will only be paid if the damage is covered under your specific policy. Collision coverage pays for damage from accidents with other vehicles or objects. Comprehensive coverage pays for theft, weather, vandalism, and animal strikes. Liability coverage does not pay for your own repairs — it pays for damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or property. If you carry only liability, your insurer will not pay for your repairs.
Key Takeaways
- File your claim within your insurer's required timeframe (usually 30 to 90 days) by phone, app, or online portal, and have your policy number and details of what happened ready.
- Your claim will only be paid if the damage type is covered by your policy — collision covers accidents, comprehensive covers theft and weather, and liability does not cover your own repairs.
- Your insurer will likely require an inspection by their adjuster or an approved appraiser before authorizing repairs.
- You can use any repair shop you choose, but using your insurer's network shop may speed up the process and reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
- You will owe your deductible before insurance pays anything, and that amount comes out of the total repair cost.
Understand what your deductible means for the repair bill
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. If your deductible is $500 and the repair costs $2,000, you pay $500 and insurance pays $1,500. If the repair costs $300, you pay the full $300 because it is less than your deductible — insurance pays nothing.
Deductibles are typically $250, $500, $1,000, or $2,500. A higher deductible lowers your monthly premium; a lower deductible raises it. When you file a claim, your insurer will subtract your deductible from the approved repair amount. If you have multiple claims in the same year, you pay your deductible for each one.
Get your vehicle inspected by an adjuster or appraiser
After you file a claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster or appraiser to inspect the damage. This person estimates the repair cost and determines whether the damage is covered. The inspection usually happens within a few days of filing. You do not have to pay for this inspection — your insurer covers it.
During the inspection, the adjuster will photograph the damage, measure it, and note the vehicle's condition. They may ask you questions about how the damage occurred. Be honest and stick to the facts. If you are not present, the adjuster can inspect the vehicle at a repair shop or your home. After the inspection, the adjuster sends a report to your insurer with an estimated repair cost.
If you disagree with the adjuster's estimate, you can request a second opinion. Some policies allow you to hire an independent appraiser at your own cost, then compare their estimate to the insurer's. If the estimates differ significantly, your insurer may split the difference or send another adjuster.
Choose a repair shop and authorize the work
You have the right to use any repair shop you want — your insurer cannot force you to use a specific one. However, many insurers have a network of preferred shops that have agreed to work with the company. Using a network shop often means the shop bills your insurer directly, so you only pay your deductible. Using an out-of-network shop may mean you pay the full bill upfront and then seek reimbursement from your insurer.
Once you choose a shop, give them your claim number and the adjuster's estimate. The shop will contact your insurer to confirm the estimate and get authorization to proceed. Some shops can negotiate with your insurer if they believe the estimate is too low. Do not authorize repairs until your insurer has approved them — if you do, you may end up paying for work the insurer will not cover.
Before work begins, ask the shop for a written estimate that breaks down labor and parts. This protects you if additional damage is discovered during repairs. If the shop finds hidden damage, they will contact your insurer for approval before proceeding. You are responsible for paying any costs that exceed the approved estimate, unless your insurer approves the additional work.
Pay your deductible and handle the paperwork
When repairs are complete, you will owe your deductible to the repair shop. If you used a network shop, the insurer pays the rest directly to the shop. If you used an out-of-network shop, you may need to pay the full bill and then submit an invoice and proof of payment to your insurer for reimbursement. Keep all receipts and documentation — your insurer may request them.
Some insurers issue a check to you and the repair shop jointly, which means both of you must sign it before the shop can cash it. This protects the insurer by ensuring the money goes toward repairs. If the repair shop's estimate was higher than the adjuster's, you may need to negotiate or pay the difference yourself.
What to do if your insurer denies your claim
If your insurer denies your claim, they must provide a reason in writing. Common reasons include: the damage is not covered under your policy, you did not report the claim within the required timeframe, or the damage was caused by something excluded from your coverage (such as normal wear and tear or mechanical failure).
If you believe the denial is wrong, contact your insurer and ask them to reconsider. Provide any additional documentation that supports your case — photos, a police report, witness statements, or a mechanic's assessment. If your insurer still denies the claim, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or pursue a dispute resolution process outlined in your policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the repair shop my insurance company recommends?
No. You can use any repair shop you choose. Your insurer cannot require you to use a specific shop, though using a network shop may reduce your out-of-pocket cost because the shop bills your insurer directly.
What happens if the repair costs more than the adjuster estimated?
The repair shop will contact your insurer for approval before doing additional work. If your insurer approves the extra cost, they will cover it (minus your deductible). If they do not approve it, you pay the difference yourself.
Can I get paid in cash instead of having the repairs done?
Some insurers will issue a cash settlement if you request it, but this is not may provide. The insurer may require you to get repair estimates first. If you accept a cash settlement, you are responsible for arranging and paying for repairs yourself.
How long does it take to get paid after I file a claim?
The timeline varies. Filing to inspection usually takes a few days. Inspection to authorization takes another few days. Repairs can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the damage and shop availability. Payment typically follows within a week of repairs being completed.
Will filing a claim raise my insurance premium?
Filing a claim for damage you caused (collision or comprehensive) may raise your premium at renewal, depending on your insurer and your driving history. The increase varies by company and state. If another driver caused the damage and their insurer pays, your premium typically will not increase.