Auto Insurance Claims in 2024 (Terms Explained)
An auto insurance claim allows you to request compensation for damages, losses, or injuries up to policy limits, such as $25,000 for property damage and $50,000 for bodily injury. Car insurance adjusters review details and vehicle damage before payout, with most claims now easily submitted online.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Nov 15, 2024
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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: Nov 15, 2024
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
Auto insurance claims are how you get compensated after accidents or theft, covering up to $25,000 in property damage and $50,000 for injuries.
This guide walks you through the filing steps, from gathering police reports to submitting your claim to maximize coverage and avoid considerable out-of-pocket costs. Find out how filing quickly and staying on top of things can speed up the process.
Plus, see how different coverage options, starting at $59 a month, determine what types of claims you can make and help you budget for auto insurance effectively. Start comparing total coverage auto insurance rates by entering your ZIP code above.
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An auto insurance claim requests compensation from your insurer
- File auto insurance claims for vehicle damage or personal injuries
- Ensure you have the right coverage before filing a claim
Understanding the Process of Auto Insurance Claims
An auto insurance claim requests compensation for damages or losses after a car accident or any covered incident. You submit them to your insurance company (or another driver’s insurance company).
A claim differs from an inquiry when you ask your insurance company if your situation warrants a claim. Learn more about the difference between an auto insurance inquiry and an insurance claim.
Filing an auto insurance claim quickly is essential to securing timely financial support.Chris Abrams Licensed Insurance Agent
Filing an auto insurance claim is similar to filing a claim for another type of insurance, like health, homeowners, or renters policies. Major insurance companies let you file auto insurance claims online via an app or website portal.
If your incident is complex and you have questions, call your insurance company to begin the filing process.
You should file a claim immediately, even if you are at fault. Ideally, you should do it at the scene of an accident, but this may not always be realistic. If you file it within a few days, your insurance company will take the claim seriously.
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Essential Documents for Filing an Insurance Claim
Filing a claim online is simple but involves submitting important information. To see an example of filing a claim, refer to Kemper’s claim reporting page. It includes space to explain the incident and asks for policy, vehicle, and personal details.
The best auto insurance companies make claim submission easy. However, you often need to submit evidence that goes beyond basic details. This may include police reports, witness contact information, and another driver’s contact, policy, and license details.
It’s important to collect this evidence at the scene of an incident if you can.
Comparing Monthly Rates After Filling an Auto Insurance Claim
This table breaks down monthly rates from top insurance providers, giving you a quick look at what each company charges for auto insurance claims coverage.
Monthly Rates After Filling an Auto Insurance Claim| Insurance Company | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
 | $160 |
 | $139 |
 | $80 |
 | $174 |
 | $115 |
 | $105 |
 | $86 |
 | $99 |
 | $59 |
If you’re looking for low-cost options, USAA leads with just $59 a month, while Geico and State Farm follow with affordable rates of $80 and $86. Travelers is also budget-friendly at $99. On the higher end, Liberty Mutual charges $174 monthly, and Allstate is $160.
Comparing these rates and the different types of auto insurance coverage available makes it easier to see which providers can help you save while offering solid coverage.
Steps for Processing an Auto Insurance Claim
After you file a claim, your insurance company will process it and compensate you within a few weeks unless interruptions occur. You can also check the status of an auto insurance claim to see how it’s progressing. Here is what insurance companies do when processing a claim:
- Receive and document the claim.
- Assign an adjuster to investigate the incident.
- Assess the damage, obtain repair estimates, and gather medical records if needed.
- Review policy details, deduct deductibles, and consider exclusions.
- Determine compensation, inform the policyholder, and settle the claim.
Your insurance company may have to take additional steps, like liability evaluation, to determine if you were negligent or at fault during an incident.
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Key Steps for Filing an Auto Insurance Claim
Before filing, you should ensure you have the right auto insurance coverage for the incident. For example, if you only pay for state-mandated minimum coverage, you may not be able to report vehicle theft.
Many drivers who frequently use their vehicles choose to build their policies until they have affordable full coverage car insurance. This gives them the power to submit claims for various situations when necessary.
Affordable Auto Insurance Options for All Drivers
As long as you follow the proper steps and have the right coverage, you should receive payment promptly.
Enter your ZIP code below in our free quote comparison tool to find affordable auto insurance, no matter your driving record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to file a car insurance claim?
Filing the claim itself can be quick if you have information readily available. In that case, you can often do it online in less than an hour. Follow-up phone calls with adjusters may take a half hour or so.
What makes a claim valid?
A claim is valid when you’ve been honest with your insurance company and all involved parties. You’ll also need proper coverage for the incident, and repairs must cost more than your deductible.
Do insurance companies know about your claim history?
Yes, an insurance company will generally know about your past claims with other companies. It wants to ensure you are a low-risk driver who won’t cost them too much money, so finding the cheapest auto insurance companies can help minimize premium hikes. You should be upfront about these claims if asked about them.
What is a claim in car insurance?
When should I file an insurance claim?
You should file an insurance claim as soon as possible after an incident, especially if there’s significant damage or injury.
How can I make an insurance claim?
Contact your insurer to make an insurance claim, provide incident details, and submit any required documentation, such as photos or police reports. After filing, you can check the status of an auto insurance claim to stay updated on its progress.
What is one of the most common reasons for a claim being rejected by an insurance company?
One common reason for claim rejection is insufficient documentation or failure to meet policy terms.
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What are insurance claims?
Insurance claims are formal requests to your provider for coverage or compensation after a loss, accident, or other covered incident.
How do I start a claim?
What does it mean to file a claim?
Filing a claim means officially notifying your insurer of an incident and requesting compensation as outlined in your policy.
What is an auto claim?
An auto claim requests your auto insurance provider for compensation following damage, theft, or an accident. Knowing what is a car claim can help you understand the process and coverage options available.
Does your insurance go up after a claim that is not your fault?
In some cases, yes; however, not-at-fault claims usually impact premium increases less than at-fault claims. How does the auto insurance company determine my premium? They consider your driving history, claim frequency, and risk level.
How can I make a claim?
To make a claim, contact your insurer, report the incident, and provide supporting documents, such as photos and repair estimates.
What does it mean if I’ve filed a claim?
When you’ve filed a claim, you’ve requested compensation or coverage from your insurer due to a covered incident.
What is the downside of filing an insurance claim?
Filing an insurance claim can increase your monthly auto insurance premium and, depending on the claim type, lead to policy restrictions or non-renewal.
What is the car insurance claims process?
The car insurance claims process includes notifying your insurer, submitting necessary documents, and awaiting assessment and payout.
What is the insurance claim process?
The insurance claim process involves reporting the incident, submitting documentation, and awaiting assessment before receiving compensation.
At what point is it worth claiming insurance?
Should I file a claim if it’s not my fault?
Yes, filing a claim, even if it’s not your fault, can help cover repair costs, and your insurer may recover expenses from the at-fault party’s insurer.
How do insurance claims pay out?
Insurance claims pay out based on the damages assessed, your policy limits, and any deductible, usually via direct deposit or check.
How does filing an insurance claim work?
Filing an insurance claim involves submitting details of an incident to your insurer to seek compensation based on your policy. After a claim, you may need to renew your auto insurance policy to ensure continuous coverage and update any changes in your coverage needs.
What is the first step in processing a claim?
The first step in processing a claim is to notify your insurance company and provide initial details about the incident.
What are the stages of an insurance claim?
The stages of an insurance claim typically include reporting the incident, investigation, assessment of damages, claim approval, and payout.
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What to do before making a claim?
Before making a claim, review your policy coverage, gather evidence like photos or police reports, and consider the potential impact on your premium. Knowing how an auto insurance company determines my premium can help you understand how claims may affect future costs.
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Justin Wright
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
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.