What happens after you report a collision to your insurer

After you report a collision, your insurer assigns a claims adjuster to your case. That adjuster will contact you within one to three business days to schedule an inspection of your vehicle. They will examine the damage, review your police report (if one exists), and look at your policy to determine what your coverage pays for. The adjuster then writes an estimate for repairs and either approves it, negotiates it with the repair shop, or denies the claim if they find the damage falls outside your coverage.

The timeline from report to payment typically runs four to six weeks, though it can be faster if the damage is minor and liability is clear. If the other driver's insurer is paying instead of yours, that process may take longer because two adjusters must coordinate. You are not required to use the repair shop your insurer recommends, but using their preferred vendor sometimes speeds approval.

Key Takeaways

  • Your claims adjuster will inspect your vehicle in person and write a repair estimate within one to three business days of your report.
  • You need your policy number, driver's license, and the other driver's insurance information (if applicable) ready when you call to report the claim.
  • Your deductible is subtracted from what your insurer pays, so a $500 deductible on a $3,000 repair means you pay $500 and the insurer pays $2,500.
  • If you disagree with the adjuster's damage estimate, you can obtain an independent estimate from a repair shop and submit it for reconsideration.
  • Collision coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle; liability coverage (if the other driver caused it) pays for damage to the other vehicle and their medical costs.

Documents and information you need before calling

Gather these items before you contact your insurer: your policy number, driver's license, vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date and time of the collision. If another vehicle was involved, write down the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, vehicle make and model, and their insurance company name and policy number. If a police report was filed, note the report number and the officer's name.

Take photos of the damage to your vehicle from multiple angles, including close-ups of dents, broken glass, and bent metal. If the collision happened in a parking lot or on a street, photograph the scene itself—road conditions, traffic signs, and the position of both vehicles if they are still there. Do not move your vehicle until the adjuster has seen it, unless it is blocking traffic or creating a safety hazard.

How your deductible affects what you receive

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurer pays anything. Common deductibles are $250, $500, $1,000, and $2,500. If your repair estimate is $4,000 and your deductible is $500, your insurer pays $3,500 and you pay $500. If the repair estimate is $300 and your deductible is $500, your insurer pays nothing because the damage is less than your deductible.

Choosing a higher deductible lowers your monthly premium, but it means you pay more when a collision occurs. Choosing a lower deductible raises your monthly premium but reduces your out-of-pocket cost after a claim. This trade-off depends on your savings and how often you expect to file claims. If you have a history of collisions, a lower deductible may cost less overall than paying large amounts out of pocket repeatedly.

The difference between collision and liability coverage

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your own vehicle after a collision, regardless of who caused it. It covers damage from hitting another car, a tree, a guardrail, or rolling your vehicle. Your deductible applies to collision claims. Most states do not require collision coverage, but if you have a car loan or lease, your lender or leasing company will require you to carry it.

Liability coverage pays for damage you cause to someone else's vehicle and their medical bills if they are injured. It does not pay for damage to your own car. If you cause a collision, the other driver's repair costs come out of your liability coverage, not your collision coverage. Liability coverage has a policy limit (such as $100,000 per person), and once that limit is reached, you are responsible for any additional costs. Most states require a minimum amount of liability coverage.

If the other driver caused the collision, their liability insurance should pay for your repairs. You would file a claim with their insurer instead of your own, or you could file with your own insurer and let them pursue the other driver's insurer for reimbursement (called subrogation). Filing with your own insurer is often faster because you do not have to wait for the other insurer to accept liability.

What to do if the adjuster's estimate seems too low

If you believe the adjuster's repair estimate is incomplete or undervalued, obtain a written estimate from an independent repair shop—preferably one that specializes in your vehicle's make. Bring that estimate to your claims adjuster and ask them to review it. Many adjusters will increase their estimate if the independent shop identifies damage the first inspection missed, such as frame damage or hidden structural problems.

If the adjuster still disagrees, you have the right to request an independent appraisal. Your policy will outline the appraisal process, which typically involves a neutral third party reviewing both estimates and making a binding decision. Some insurers also allow you to hire a public adjuster—a professional who advocates on your behalf—though you pay their fee out of pocket. Before paying for either option, ask your insurer whether they will cover the cost if the appraisal finds in your favor.

Repair shop selection and payment

You are not required to use your insurer's preferred repair shop. You can take your vehicle to any licensed shop you choose. However, using a shop on your insurer's preferred network sometimes speeds the claims process because the shop and insurer have an established relationship and can resolve disputes more quickly. Some preferred shops also waive your deductible or offer discounts, though this varies by insurer and shop.

Once the repair shop completes work, they will send the final invoice to your insurer. Your insurer will pay the shop directly if you authorize it, or they will send you a check. If the final bill exceeds the estimate by more than a small amount (usually 10 percent), the shop must contact your adjuster for approval before completing the work. If you are paying out of pocket and plan to seek reimbursement later, keep all receipts and invoices.

Rental car coverage and other claim expenses

If your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, your insurer will pay for a rental car while yours is being repaired. The daily limit is typically $30 to $50, and the total reimbursement is capped at a certain amount (often $900 to $1,500). You must rent from a company your insurer approves, and you are responsible for any charges above the daily limit. Some insurers have partnerships with rental companies that waive the deductible or offer discounts.

Other expenses—such as towing, storage, or rideshare costs while your car is in the shop—may or may not be covered depending on your policy. Review your declarations page (the summary of your coverage) or call your insurer to confirm what is included. If you incur expenses before confirming coverage, keep receipts so you can submit them for reimbursement consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report the collision to my insurer even if the other driver is paying?

Yes. Even if the other driver has agreed to pay out of pocket, report the collision to your insurer within the timeframe stated in your policy (usually 30 days). This protects you if the other driver later refuses to pay or if injuries emerge later. Your insurer will not open a claim unless you request it, but having a report on file creates a record.

What if I was partially at fault for the collision?

Your collision coverage will still pay for your repairs minus your deductible, regardless of fault. However, if the other driver's insurer is paying, they may reduce their payment based on your percentage of fault. This varies by state; some states use comparative negligence (you recover a reduced amount) while others use contributory negligence (you recover nothing if you are more than 50 percent at fault). Your adjuster will explain how your state's rules explore to your claim.

How long do I have to file a collision claim?

Your policy will specify a important date, usually 30 to 90 days from the date of the collision. File as soon as possible after the collision occurs. Waiting longer makes it harder to gather evidence, and some insurers may deny claims filed after the important date. If you are injured and unable to report when ready, contact your insurer and explain the delay.

Can my insurance rates go up after I file a collision claim?

Yes, in most cases. If you were at fault, your insurer will likely increase your premium at renewal. If you were not at fault, some insurers will not raise your rate, but others will. This varies by insurer and state. Ask your adjuster whether the claim will affect your rate, and shop around at renewal time to compare quotes from other insurers.

What if my vehicle is declared a total loss?

If repair costs exceed 70 to 80 percent of your vehicle's actual cash value (the threshold varies by state and insurer), your insurer will declare it a total loss. They will pay you the actual cash value minus your deductible. You can then choose to keep the vehicle (called "keeping the salvage") and receive a reduced payment, or let the insurer take it. If you keep it, you must disclose the total loss status if you ever sell it.