What happens when ready after you file a claim
When you report a car accident to your insurance company, they assign an adjuster to your case within one to three business days. That adjuster's job is to investigate the accident, review your police report, examine vehicle damage, and determine who was at fault. You will need to provide your policy number, the date and time of the accident, the other driver's information, and a description of what happened.
The insurance company will contact you to schedule an inspection of your vehicle. This inspection happens at a repair shop, your home, or a facility the insurer designates — you do not have to use their preferred shop, but using one may speed up the process. The adjuster will photograph the damage, estimate repair costs, and compare that estimate against your policy limits and deductible.
During this time, you should not admit fault or sign anything beyond your initial claim paperwork. Stick to the facts: where the accident occurred, what you were doing, what the other vehicle did, and what damage resulted. The insurance company will determine fault based on the police report, witness statements, and physical evidence — not on what either driver says happened.
Key Takeaways
- Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, and provide your policy number, the accident date and time, the other driver's information, and a factual description of what happened.
- An adjuster will be assigned within one to three business days and will schedule a vehicle inspection to photograph damage and estimate repair costs.
- You will need to pay your deductible before repairs begin, and the insurance company will pay the remaining repair costs up to your policy limits.
- The claims process typically takes two to four weeks from the date you file, though complex cases or disputes over fault may take longer.
- If the other driver was at fault and their insurance is paying, you may be able to recover your deductible through subrogation, though this is not may provide.
Documents you need to gather before you call
Have your insurance policy number ready when you call. You will also need the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, vehicle make and model, license plate number, and their insurance company name and policy number. If there were witnesses, write down their names and phone numbers before they leave the scene.
Obtain a copy of the police report if one was filed. In most states, you can request this from the police department that responded to the accident — some departments allow online requests, while others require you to visit in person or call. The report number is useful when you contact your insurance company, because it speeds up their investigation.
Take photographs of the accident scene, all vehicle damage, the road conditions, traffic signals or signs, and the final position of both vehicles. If you took photos on your phone, save them to your computer or cloud storage in case your phone is lost or damaged. These photos are evidence and may be requested by the adjuster.
What your deductible means in a claim
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance company pays anything toward repairs. If your deductible is $500 and repairs cost $3,000, you pay $500 and the insurance company pays $2,500. If repairs cost $400, you pay the full $400 because it is less than your deductible — your insurance pays nothing.
You pay your deductible to the repair shop when you authorize the work, not to your insurance company. The repair shop will collect it as part of the total bill. If you are using a shop your insurance company recommends, they may have a direct billing arrangement where the insurer pays them directly and you only pay the deductible.
If the other driver was at fault and their insurance is paying your claim, you still pay your deductible upfront. However, some states allow you to recover your deductible through a process called subrogation, where your insurance company pursues the at-fault driver's insurance for the full amount of repairs, including your deductible. This is not may provide — it depends on your state's laws and whether the other driver's insurance accepts liability.
How fault is determined and what it means for your rates
Insurance companies determine fault using the police report, witness statements, photos of vehicle damage, and the laws of your state. In states that follow comparative negligence, both drivers can share fault — for example, one driver might be 70% at fault and the other 30%. In states that follow contributory negligence, if you are found even partially at fault, your insurance may not pay anything.
If you are found at fault, your insurance company will pay for the other driver's repairs and injuries up to your liability limits. Your own repairs will be covered under your collision coverage if you have it, minus your deductible. Being found at fault typically raises your insurance rates at your next renewal, though the increase varies by insurer and state.
If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should pay for your repairs. However, if their insurance denies the claim or offers less than your repairs cost, you can file a claim under your own collision coverage and let your insurance company pursue their insurance through subrogation. This protects you from being stuck with repair costs while the two insurers dispute fault.
Timeline from filing to repair completion
The first step is reporting the accident to your insurance company by phone or through their website or mobile app. Most insurers allow online reporting 24 hours a day. Have your policy number and the other driver's information ready. The company will give you a claim number and tell you what to do next.
Within one to three business days, an adjuster will contact you to schedule a vehicle inspection. The inspection itself takes 30 minutes to an hour. After the inspection, the adjuster prepares a damage estimate, which usually takes three to five business days.
Once you receive the estimate and approve it, you can take your vehicle to a repair shop. You will pay your deductible and sign an authorization form. Repairs typically take one to two weeks, depending on parts availability and shop workload. The repair shop will contact your insurance company when the work is complete, and the insurer will pay the shop directly for the remaining balance.
From the date you file to the date repairs are finished, expect two to four weeks in a straightforward case. If there is a dispute over fault, if parts are on backorder, or if the damage is extensive, the timeline can stretch to six weeks or longer.
When to use your own insurance versus the other driver's
If the other driver was clearly at fault, you can file a claim with their insurance company. This is called a third-party claim. Their adjuster will investigate and, if they accept liability, their insurance will pay for your repairs. The advantage is that you avoid paying your deductible and your own rates should not increase.
The disadvantage is that their insurance company may take weeks to respond, may dispute fault, or may offer less than your repairs cost. If you need your car fixed quickly, filing a claim with your own insurance under your collision coverage is faster. You pay your deductible, but your adjuster works for you and will push back if the estimate is too low.
In hit-and-run accidents or when the other driver is uninsured, you will need to use your own collision coverage or your uninsured motorist property damage coverage if you have it. Some states require uninsured motorist coverage; others make it optional. Check your policy to see what you have.
What to do if the insurance company denies your claim
Insurance companies deny claims for specific reasons: the accident is not covered under your policy, you did not pay your premium, the damage is considered wear and tear rather than accident damage, or the insurer believes you caused the accident and you have a deductible that applies to at-fault claims.
If your claim is denied, the insurance company must send you a written explanation. Read it carefully and compare it to your policy. If you disagree with the denial, you can request a review by a supervisor at the insurance company. Provide any additional evidence — photos, witness statements, or a second damage estimate from another shop.
If the insurance company still denies the claim, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner or department of insurance. This is a free process and does not require a lawyer. The commissioner's office will investigate whether the insurance company followed state law. You can also consult a personal injury attorney if the claim involves significant damage or injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the repair shop my insurance company recommends?
No. You can use any repair shop you choose. However, if you use a shop on your insurance company's preferred network, they may handle billing directly with the insurer and waive or reduce your deductible. If you use an independent shop, you will pay your deductible upfront and submit the receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement.
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
If you have uninsured motorist property damage coverage, your insurance will pay for repairs minus your deductible. If you do not have this coverage, you will need to pay for repairs yourself or pursue a lawsuit against the other driver — though collecting a judgment can be difficult if they have no assets. This is why uninsured motorist coverage is important in states where it is optional.
Can I get a rental car while mine is being repaired?
If your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, your insurance will pay for a rental car while yours is in the shop. The daily limit is usually $30 to $50, depending on your policy. You will need to provide receipts to your insurance company. If you do not have rental coverage, you will need to pay for a rental yourself.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?
If you are found at fault, most insurance companies will increase your rates at your next renewal. The increase varies by insurer and state, but typically ranges from 10% to 40%. If the other driver was at fault, your rates should not increase. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness, which prevents a rate increase after your first accident — check your policy to see if you have this.
How long do I have to report an accident to my insurance company?
Most insurance policies require you to report an accident as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Some policies specify a important date, such as 30 days. Delaying your report can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim, so call as soon as you are safe and have gathered the other driver's information.