Steps to Filing Auto Insurance Claims

Whether you have had a car accident or hail damage to your vehicle, you will need to file a claim with your auto insurance company.  This is a simple process, but must be completed in order for your insurance company to pay for the damages done to your car.  Filing a claim can take some time, but soon your car will be back to normal.

1. Contact your insurance agent or company to get the claim number.  Most insurance companies have a separate toll-free number where claims are filed and completed.


2. Call the claims office to report damage to your vehicle.  This initial call may take up to 10 minutes, so make sure you have time to provide the necessary information.


3. Give the claims representative your car insurance policy number.  This number can be found on the declarations page of your policy or on the identification card you keep in your vehicle as proof of insurance.  If you do not have this number, be prepared to provide your social security number or other identification number when filing a claim.


4. Tell the representative that you need to file a claim on your automobile policy.


5. Explain what happened to your vehicle.  Be sure to give details regarding the date, time and any other drivers involved.  It is not the claim representative’s job to determine if the claim is covered under your policy.  The representative simply collects the information and gives it to a claims adjuster, who will contact you regarding the details of your claim.


6. Provide contact information, including your cell phone number and email address, so the adjuster can contact you as soon as possible.


7. Wait no longer than 72 hours for a claims adjuster to contact you.  If more than 72 hours have passed, you should call the claims office again. 


8. Tell the adjuster what happened to cause the problem you have with your vehicle.


9. Listen to the directions given by the adjuster.  He may ask you to take your vehicle to a specific repair shop or set up an appointment to view the damage himself.  Most companies will require at least one, maybe two, quotes from different auto repair shops.  He will also explain what your policy will or will not cover and any deductibles that need to be paid at the time of the repair.  Should you have any questions about the claim process; the adjuster will be able to assist you.


10. Provide all required information and set up a time to have your vehicle repaired.  In most cases, the repair shop will work directly with the insurance company for payment.  You will need to pay your deductible to the repair shop and they will collect the rest of the fees from the insurance company.