Auto Insurance Claims

Move to safety and call 911 if anyone is injured, then exchange insurance information with the other driver. Once safe, take dated photos of all vehicle damage, road conditions, and the accident scene from multiple angles. Collect the other driver's name, license plate, insurer name, and policy number. Report the accident to your insurance company promptly — most policies require notification within 24 to 72 hours. Do not admit fault at the scene; limit statements to factual descriptions of what happened.

Source: NAIC Auto Insurance Consumer Guide

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible — many policies require prompt notification, and your policy's duties-after-loss section specifies your exact obligation. Most states set a separate statute of limitations of one to three years to file a lawsuit, but your insurer's contractual deadline for notifying them of a loss is much shorter and appears in your policy's duties-after-loss section. Check your policy documents for your exact timeframe, and contact your state's department of insurance if you need clarification on state requirements.

Source: Insurance Information Institute — How to File an Auto Claim

At-fault accident claims can raise premiums significantly — the increase varies widely based on your insurer, state, driving history, and the severity of the claim. The increase depends on your claims history, your insurer's surcharge schedule, and your state's regulations. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that waive the first at-fault surcharge. For minor damage below or near your deductible, paying out of pocket may be less expensive than absorbing a multi-year premium surcharge — ask your agent for a written rate impact estimate before filing.

Source: Insurance Information Institute — How Premiums Are Determined

Gather dated photos of all damage, the police report number (if one was filed), the other driver's insurance details, repair estimates from a certified mechanic, and your policy number. For theft or vandalism claims, a police report is required by virtually every insurer. For weather-damage claims, a National Weather Service record of the event strengthens your file. Keep copies of all written communications with your insurer throughout the process.

Source: NAIC Auto Insurance Consumer Guide

You have the legal right to choose any licensed repair shop in every US state — your insurer cannot require you to use their network. Insurer-preferred direct-repair shops often offer streamlined billing and workmanship guarantees backed by the insurer, which can be convenient. If you use a shop outside the network, obtain itemized written estimates and confirm with your adjuster how supplemental damage discovered during repairs will be handled. The key requirement is that repairs restore your vehicle to its pre-loss condition.

Source: NAIC Consumer Insight — Auto Claims

Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage pays for your damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits to cover your losses. UM/UIM coverage is mandatory in many states and optional in others. File a police report immediately — it is a required document for almost all UM/UIM claims. Notify your insurer right away and provide the same documentation you would for any at-fault accident: photos, medical records, repair estimates, and the police report.

Source: Insurance Information Institute — UM/UIM Coverage

Rental reimbursement coverage in your policy pays a daily amount — a daily amount specified on your declarations page up to a total limit — for a substitute vehicle while yours is being repaired after a covered loss. If the other driver was at fault and their insurer accepts liability, their property damage coverage should pay your rental costs directly. Check your declarations page for your daily and aggregate rental limits before renting, and keep all rental receipts for reimbursement.

Source: Insurance Information Institute — Auto Insurance Basics

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle when it is damaged by an impact with another vehicle or a stationary object such as a guardrail or tree. Comprehensive coverage pays for losses caused by events other than collision — including theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, and animal strikes. Both coverages are subject to your deductible. Lenders typically require both collision and comprehensive if you carry a loan or lease on the vehicle.

Source: NAIC Auto Insurance Consumer Guide

Adjusters calculate actual cash value (ACV) using your vehicle's year, make, model, trim level, mileage, and condition, cross-referenced against comparable local sales listings from databases such as CCC ONE or Mitchell. ACV equals replacement cost minus depreciation — not what you paid for the vehicle or what it would cost to replace it new. You can challenge a low ACV offer by providing documentation of your vehicle's condition, recent comparable sales in your area, and any recent maintenance or upgrades.

Source: NAIC Consumer Insight — Auto Claims

Request the denial in writing with the specific policy clause or exclusion cited, then file a written appeal with supporting documentation within the timeframe stated in the denial letter. Attach additional evidence such as photos, repair estimates, or a medical report that directly addresses the reason for denial. If the internal appeal is unsuccessful, you can request an independent appraisal under your policy's appraisal clause, or file a complaint with your state's department of insurance.

Source: NAIC Consumer Insight — Auto Claims

Most states require a police report when an accident involves injury, death, or property damage above a state-set threshold — typically $500 to $2,500 depending on the state. Even when not legally required, a police report creates an official record that protects you against disputed-fault claims later. For accidents that meet or exceed your state's threshold, filing a report is both a legal obligation and a practical necessity for your insurance claim.

Source: Insurance Information Institute — How to File an Auto Claim

Simple auto claims with clear liability and no injuries are typically settled within 30 days of filing. Disputed-liability claims or those involving bodily injury can take 3 to 6 months or longer, particularly when medical treatment is ongoing or litigation is involved. Many states require insurers to acknowledge a claim within 10 business days and make a coverage decision within 30 to 40 days of receiving proof of loss. Document every communication with your adjuster, including date and content, to support any timeline disputes.

Source: Insurance Information Institute — How to File an Auto Claim