A claim goes most smoothly when you have the right information from the start. The steps below follow a typical US claim; details vary by insurer and state, so check your policy as well.
At the scene
Safety comes first: move to a safe place if you can, turn on your hazard lights, and call emergency services if anyone is hurt. Then collect what the insurer will need:
- the other driver’s name, contact details, license number, insurer and policy number;
- the plate numbers and makes of all vehicles involved;
- photos of the damage, the positions of the cars, road signs and conditions;
- names and phone numbers of witnesses;
- the police report number, if police attended.
Do not admit fault or discuss who caused the accident beyond the facts. Our guide on what to do after a car accident covers this in more detail.
Report it promptly
Most policies require you to notify the insurer quickly. Many insurers let you start a claim in an app, with photos. You can file with your own insurer, or with the other driver’s insurer if they were at fault. Your own insurer may pay first and then recover the money from the other side, a process called subrogation.
The assessment
An adjuster will review the damage, sometimes from photos, sometimes in person or at a repair shop. In most states you can choose your own repair shop. If repairs would cost more than the car is worth (minus its salvage value), the car is declared a total loss and you receive its actual cash value, less your deductible. If you have a loan, the payout goes to the lender first; this is where gap insurance helps.
Keep receipts for towing, rental cars and any medical care, and keep notes of every call: date, name and what was said.
If you disagree
If the settlement seems low, ask how it was calculated. For total losses, gather listings of comparable cars for sale in your area and send them to the adjuster. You can also request a re-inspection, invoke an appraisal clause if your policy has one, or contact your state’s insurance department. For injuries or large amounts, speaking with an attorney may be wise.
After the claim
A claim, especially an at-fault one, can raise your premium at renewal. For very small damage, paying yourself is sometimes cheaper in the long run; ask your agent how a claim would affect your rate before filing. And it is a good moment to review whether your coverage fits your needs; our guide to choosing car insurance coverage can help. If the claim involves theft, see also how to prevent car theft for next time.
