Step-by-Step Guide: Filing a Car Insurance Claim After an Accident

Practical instructions to make sure your claim is processed quickly and fairly

Getting into a car accident is stressful — even a minor one. Between dealing with other drivers, figuring out who’s at fault, and worrying about repairs, it’s easy to make mistakes that delay your claim or cost you money.

This guide walks you through the entire process of filing a car insurance claim, from the moment of the crash to receiving your payout. Everything is explained in plain English, so you’ll know exactly what to do — calmly and confidently.

1. Stay Calm and Check for Safety

Before anything else, make sure everyone is safe.

• Check for injuries — yours, passengers’, and others involved.

• Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there’s major damage.

• If the accident is minor, move vehicles to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic.

• Turn on your hazard lights and stay out of moving lanes.

Even a small fender-bender can be dangerous if you’re standing in the wrong place. Prioritize safety first — paperwork comes later.

2. Call the Police and Get an Accident Report

In most cases, it’s a good idea — and sometimes required — to call the police after an accident.
An official police report helps document what happened, which is essential for your insurance company.

When officers arrive:

• Provide your license, registration, and insurance information.

• Avoid admitting fault or guessing what happened — just explain the facts.

• Ask how you can obtain a copy of the accident report (you may need it later for your claim).

If police can’t come (for example, in minor parking-lot accidents), you can file a report later at a local station or online through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website.

3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver

You’ll need the following from everyone involved:

• Full name and contact information

• Driver’s license number

• Vehicle make, model, and license plate

• Insurance company and policy number

• Phone number and address

Stay polite and calm — arguments won’t help and could hurt your case.

If there are witnesses, try to get their names and phone numbers too. Neutral witnesses can make a big difference if there’s a dispute later.

4. Document the Scene Thoroughly

Evidence is everything in an insurance claim. The more details you collect, the easier it’ll be for your insurer to process the claim quickly and fairly.

Use your phone to take photos and videos of:

• All vehicles involved (from multiple angles)

• Visible damage

• License plates

• Skid marks, road signs, traffic lights

• Weather or road conditions

Also, make notes about:

• The exact time and location

• The direction each car was moving

• Any contributing factors (for example, “wet road” or “blocked stop sign”)

This documentation helps prove what happened and protects you if the other driver changes their story later.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company Immediately

After the scene is secure, call your insurance company or use their mobile app to report the accident.
Most insurers require that you notify them as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.

You’ll need to share:

• Date, time, and location of the accident

• Names and contact info of other parties

• Police report number (if available)

• Photos and details you collected

The faster you report it, the faster your claim can be reviewed and processed.

Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, still report it — your insurer can help coordinate with the other driver’s insurance company.

6. Understand What Type of Claim You’re Filing

There are several kinds of car insurance claims. Knowing which applies will help you navigate the process smoothly.

Liability Claim (Against You)

If you caused the accident, your liability coverage pays for damage or injuries to others.

Collision Claim (For Your Vehicle)

If your own car was damaged, collision coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement after you pay your deductible.

Comprehensive Claim

Covers non-collision damage — like theft, vandalism, hail, or hitting an animal.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Claim

Used when the other driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses.

Medical Payments or PIP Claim

Helps pay your medical bills regardless of who was at fault.

If you’re unsure which type of claim applies, your insurance representative will guide you.

7. Cooperate with Your Insurance Adjuster

After you file the claim, your insurer will assign an adjuster — a specialist who investigates what happened and estimates repair costs.

Be honest and cooperative, but stick to facts. Avoid speculation or emotional statements like “it was my fault.” The adjuster’s job is to assess, not judge.

They may:

• Request additional photos or documents

• Schedule a vehicle inspection

• Ask for a recorded statement

• Communicate with the other driver’s insurer

💡 Tip: Keep copies of all correspondence and write down dates of calls or emails — it helps if any confusion arises later.

8. Get Repair Estimates

Your insurance company may direct you to an approved repair shop, but in most cases, you can choose your own.
If you get multiple estimates, submit them for review — it can help ensure you’re paid fairly.

Ask these questions before authorizing repairs:

• Does the estimate include both parts and labor?

• Are repairs guaranteed or warrantied?

• Will the shop use original manufacturer (OEM) or aftermarket parts?

Once the insurer approves the repair, the payment process begins. Depending on your policy, the insurer may pay the shop directly or reimburse you.

9. Understand Your Deductible and Payment

If your claim involves your own policy (for example, collision or comprehensive), you’ll need to pay your deductible — the amount you owe out of pocket before insurance covers the rest.

Example:

• Your repair bill = $2,000

• Your deductible = $500
  → Insurance pays $1,500, you pay $500.

If another driver was at fault and their insurance accepts liability, you shouldn’t have to pay a deductible — their insurer should handle the full cost.

However, if fault is unclear, you may pay first and be reimbursed later once investigations are complete.

10. Track the Claim Progress

You can usually track your claim online or through your insurer’s app. Stay proactive:

• Follow up regularly with your adjuster.

• Confirm when payments will be made.

• Ask for updates if timelines change.

Keep all paperwork — emails, invoices, repair receipts, and payment confirmations — in one place.

11. What If the Other Driver’s Insurance Denies Fault?

This is common, especially when the story isn’t clear or both drivers share blame.

If the other driver’s insurer denies your claim:

• Contact your own insurer. They may handle repairs first under your collision coverage and then seek reimbursement from the other company.

• Provide any additional evidence (photos, police report, witness info) to support your case.

• If necessary, your insurer may take legal steps (subrogation) to recover costs on your behalf.

Stay patient — fault disputes can take time, but strong documentation usually wins out.

12. Handling Total Loss Situations

If your car is damaged beyond reasonable repair, your insurer may declare it a total loss.
That means the cost to repair exceeds the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) — its market worth before the accident.

In this case:

• You’ll receive a payout equal to the car’s ACV (minus deductible).

• If your car is financed or leased, the payment may go directly to your lender.

• If you owe more on your loan than the car is worth, gap insurance can cover the difference.

You can negotiate if you believe the valuation is too low — by showing recent maintenance records or comparable car listings.

13. If You Were Injured

If you were hurt in the accident, make sure medical care is your first priority.
After that, document everything:

• Medical bills

• Doctor’s notes

• Lost work days

• Out-of-pocket expenses

If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage, you can file directly with your own insurer.

If the other driver was at fault, their liability insurance should cover your injuries — but it may take time. Having your own medical coverage helps bridge the gap.

14. When to Consider Legal Help

Most insurance claims go smoothly. But if:

• Your claim is denied unfairly,

• The insurer delays payment, or

• There’s serious injury or major loss,

…you may want to consult a personal injury attorney or auto insurance lawyer.

A lawyer can:

• Negotiate with insurers,

• Ensure fair compensation,

• Handle lawsuits if needed.

Many work on a contingency basis — meaning you only pay if they win.

15. Avoiding Common Claim Mistakes

Here are frequent errors drivers make — and how to avoid them:

16. How Long Does the Process Take?

Every case is different, but here’s a general timeline:

Complex claims (injuries, total loss, fault disputes) can take longer.
The key is prompt communication and complete documentation.

17. After the Claim: What Happens to Your Insurance Rate?

Your premium may increase after a claim, especially if you were at fault.
However:

• Minor not-at-fault claims often have no impact.

• Safe drivers with long clean records may qualify for accident forgiveness programs.

• Shopping around after renewal can offset any rate increase.

Keep your driving record clean for 3–5 years — older claims eventually drop off your history.

18. Key Takeaways

• Always prioritize safety and call the police.

• Gather as much evidence as possible — photos, witnesses, notes.

• Report the claim to your insurer right away.

• Keep communication clear, organized, and documented.

• Don’t rush into accepting the first settlement.

• Review your policy so you know what’s covered before something happens.

19. Final Thoughts

Filing a car insurance claim doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. The process rewards those who act calmly, document everything, and understand their coverage.

If you follow these steps — from reporting promptly to tracking your claim’s progress — you’ll not only protect your finances but also ensure fair treatment from your insurer.

Remember: car insurance exists to make tough moments easier. The more prepared you are, the smoother things go when the unexpected happens. Stay safe, drive smart, and keep this guide handy — because knowing what to do after an accident can make all the difference.