How to File an Auto Insurance Claim in 2024 (Follow These 3 Steps)

To file an auto insurance claim, collect the necessary information on the accident and contact your company to file out a claim form. Then, work with a claims adjuster until your claim is finalized.

We are here to help you understand what to expect when filing a car insurance claim, from initial filing to potentially higher rates for at-fault claims, which makes it harder to find cheap auto insurance after an accident. 

Keep reading to learn how to file a car insurance claim and how it can affect your insurance rates. After a car insurance claim, those looking to find affordable insurance can compare rates with our free quote tool.

3 Steps to File an Auto Insurance Claim

Below, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps to ensure a smooth car insurance claims process, such as gathering important information, submitting a claim form with your auto insurance company, and working with a claims adjuster to ensure everything is processed correctly.

Step #1: Collect Necessary Information

The car insurance claims process will vary from one insurer to the next, but the general steps for filing an insurance claim are the same.  Before you begin, make sure you have your auto insurance policy information handy.

Then, make a list of the necessary information. Below is a sample list of what you need to file a car insurance claim in most incidents:

• Accident Details: The time of the accident, where it happened, and your account of how it happened.
• Photographic Evidence: If you have any photos of the accident or damages, your auto insurance will want them.
• Parties Involved: Names and information of any other parties involved in the accident.
• Police Reports: If any police reports were filed, your auto insurance company will want them.

The more complete your information is, the faster your auto insurance claim will be handled by your company. You are able to file an auto insurance claim even if you didn’t file a police report (Read More: Can I file an insurance claim without a police report?). The police report helps to keep the claims process simple. 

The police report, though not always required in some states or under some circumstances, acts as a key piece of evidence to determine fault.

Step #2: Fill Out a Claim Submission

Each car insurance company will have different technology available to file your claim. Use whatever is easiest and most efficient for you to make that first contact. Starting the claim as soon as possible helps speed up the process.

Whether you are at fault for the accident or not, you want to get the accident on your auto insurance company’s radar. 

Insurers use technology in the form of online interfaces and smartphone applications. These apps can allow you to report a claim, take and upload pictures right from the accident scene, and more. You can also get policy-level information, such as coverage levels and deductible amounts, or view your status if you decide to cancel your claim (Learn More: Can I cancel an auto insurance claim after filing it?). 

Step #3: Work With an Adjuster

After filing your claim, your auto insurance company will assign you a claims adjuster or specialist. They will access your claim, ask for any additional information if needed, and then approve or deny your auto insurance claim. You can keep tabs on your auto insurance claim while it is processed.

Most top auto insurance companies with the best auto insurance apps will allow customers to view the status of their claims on the mobile app, making it easy to keep tabs on your claim.

Auto Insurance Claims Explained

A car insurance claim is a formal request to your insurance company to assist you with a covered loss. Typically, a claim follows an accident with vehicle damages or physical injuries. When you file a car insurance claim, the expectation is your insurance company will compensate you for your losses.

Some examples of reasons why you may need to file a car insurance claim include:

• Car Accident
• Damage to Your vehicle Due to a Weather Event
• Vehicle Break-in
• Injuries as a Result of Your Driving

The claims filing process is identical, no matter the type of auto accident or vehicle damage. Your insurance company will provide you with the documentation you need after filing a claim. A “proof of claim” form is a must.

Read more: How long after a car accident can you file a claim?

There is a statute of limitations regarding how long after a car accident you can wait to file a claim. If you look at the language from your insurance company, they will likely recommend you file the claim as quickly as possible. Each state, however, has varying timelines for filing a claim or a lawsuit after an accident. The range is typically one to 10 years. 

Determining Fault in an Auto Insurance Claim

Insurance companies are responsible for determining fault in an accident, even in states with no-fault laws. The purpose of determining fault is to make an assessment as to the cause of an accident.

For example, if one driver ran a red light and hit another driver, it is likely they are at fault for that accident.  

Why does fault matter? Here are three reasons:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance company pays for covered losses
• If both are at fault in an accident in some way or comparative fault, damages are split
• The driver at fault will see an increase in insurance rates over time

Even in a no-fault state, fault makes a difference in impacting driving records, rates, and more. No-fault states pay out bodily injury liability (BIL) auto insurance through personal injury protection (PIP) policies. Damage to the vehicle(s) falls outside of the scope of this coverage, and the fault will apply.  

In a no-fault state, both drivers must file a claim, and responsibility determination dictates which insurance company pays for damages.  

When You Should File a Claim

You need to assess the damage at hand before filing a claim with your auto insurance provider. If you have a fender bender resulting in $500 worth of damage, an auto insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible, and the incident doesn’t damage any other vehicles or property, you may not want to file a claim. Filing it will go on your insurance record and might increase your premiums.

In addition, since it was below the deductible, you are paying out of pocket for the entire accident anyways.

Unless you are certain damages are more than your deductible and state laws don’t require the filing of a police report, you can decide whether filing a claim is the right move. 

Filing a car insurance claim will also often impact your future insurance rates. The frequency of accidents, as well as fault, will determine your rate increase over time. See how rates for driving incidents vary at popular companies. 

Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record & Provider

Insurance Company	One Ticket	Clean Record	One DUI	One Accident
	$195	$166	$303	$237
	$131	$116	$177	$167
	$139	$111	$201	$175
	$176	$140	$191	$199
	$217	$177	$325	$237
	$145	$120	$252	$165
	$143	$109	$147	$190
	$102	$91	$124	$107
	$148	$107	$230	$157
U.S. Average	$152	$123	$218	$177

In addition to raising rates, insurance companies may also choose not to renew you if you have multiple claims on your record. If you have insurance with one of the best auto insurance companies for accident forgiveness, however, you may be able to avoid increased rates after your first at-fault accident.

The Simplicity of Filing an Auto Insurance Claim

The auto insurance claim filing process is not complicated. Auto insurance companies work hard to provide technology and access, making it easier than ever to file a claim. The downside of filing car insurance claims is that if you are at fault, you will have increased rates and may potentially be dropped by your company if you have multiple infractions (Learn More: Can your auto insurance company drop you after a claim?). 

Enter your ZIP in our free tool if you need to find a cheaper auto insurance company after filing an auto insurance claim.