What documentation do I need to file an auto insurance claim with American Family?
Filing a claim with American Family is a simple process you can complete using the app, website, or phone. You can help the American Family claims process by having all the necessary information. Below we unpack what documentation you'll need to file an auto insurance claim with American Family.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Dec 18, 2023
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 18, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Your phone’s camera is the most helpful tool you have at the scene of an accident to document an incident for American Family
- Filing a police report will help American Family determine who is at fault and help you locate the other party if you didn’t get insurance details
- American Family’s app is the fastest way to upload all documentation when you file a claim
American Family offers auto and home, life, health, and commercial insurance. The company is a top-rated insurer and is ranked eighth among auto insurers in J.D. Power ratings for overall customer satisfaction, scoring 874 out of 1000.
But what documentation do you need to file an auto insurance claim with American Family?
Are you wondering how to file an auto insurance claim with American Family Auto Insurance? It’s not a complicated procedure, but it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary documentation when you start the process. Below we list the most important information that American Family needs from you when filing a claim. (For more information, read our “What happens if I disagree with American Family’s decision on my auto insurance claim?“).
Information You Need to File an Auto Insurance Claim With American Family
Before filing the claim, make sure you have the information below:
- Date and time of the incident: The camera on your phone will time-stamp any photos you take at the incident scene, but be sure to jot down any additional details.
- A thorough description of what happened: Take photos of the location of the accident, skid marks, damage to vehicles or property, any intersections and road signs, and road conditions such as ice, rain, or snow.
- Other driver’s information: Take a photo of their insurance card and license plates and get their contact details.
- Witness information: Get contact information from anyone who witnessed the incident.
- Police officer information: Get the attending officer’s name and badge number.
Do you need to file a police report after an accident? If it is a small accident, the police officer in attendance may not want to file an accident report. However, even if they refuse to do so, you should insist.
This report can be a big help in processing your claim. In addition, insurance companies might not take your claim seriously if there is no report from the police, and they may need it to determine fault.
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If You Didn’t Get Information at the Scene of the Accident
You might not get the other driver’s insurance information after an accident. For example, you may have forgotten to do so or been the victim of a hit-and-run. If you have their license plate information, you can file a police report to track them down and get their insurance information.
Without their information, your insurance will likely need to cover your costs. This might increase the rate even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
How to File an Auto Insurance Claim With American Family
The fastest way to file a claim with American Family is through the MyAmFam app. Alternatively, you can file a claim online or by calling 1-800-MYAMFAM (1-800-692-6326). Learn more about working with the company in our American Family Insurance auto insurance review.
Read more:
- What is the difference between a first-party claim and a third-party claim?
- How do I file an auto insurance claim with American Family?
Claims Documentation With American Family: The Bottom Line
Filing a claim with American Family is not a complicated process. If you keep your head at the accident scene, take important photos, and get contact details for those at the scene, you should have everything you need to file the claim.
A police report of the accident is also important, as it can be very useful for helping American Family determine fault and process your claim quickly.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after I file an auto insurance claim?
After you have filed your claim, American Family will begin to review your claim and assess the damage. Depending on the complexity of your claim, the company might assign a claims adjuster to investigate your claim further.
They will interview everyone involved and consult police and hospital records. If you want to speed up the process, you can provide a copy of the police report, photos of the damage, and any other official documentation related to the incident.
How long do you have after an auto accident to file a claim?
The amount of time you to file a claim have after an accident will differ depending on your state, your insurer, and the type of claim.
Most insurers ask that you make your claim as soon as possible after the accident. However, some states have time limits set by law. For example, in New York, a no-fault state, you must file a claim within 30 days of the accident.
How long does it take to process an auto insurance claim?
The time it takes to process an auto insurance claim varies depending on how much information you provide, your responsiveness to the investigator, and the complexity of the claim.
Straightforward claims can take a few hours, while others may take weeks or longer. In most states, an insurance company has 10-45 days to settle a claim. On average, an insurer takes approximately 30 days to settle a car insurance claim.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.