How to File a Car Insurance Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to file a car insurance claim after an accident: what to do at the scene, what to document, first- vs. third-party claims and what to do if you disagree.
A car accident is stressful enough without having to work out the insurance process on the spot. This guide breaks it into clear steps: what to do at the scene, how to report the claim, what your insurer will ask for and how to handle the repair or settlement.
If anyone is hurt or the scene is dangerous, call 911 first. Insurance can wait until everyone is safe.
Before you need it: a two-minute prep
Do these now, while nothing is wrong:
- Save your insurer's claims phone number and install its app, if it has one.
- Keep your insurance card (paper or digital) where you can find it.
- Know your coverages and deductibles, especially collision, comprehensive, rental reimbursement and uninsured motorist. Our guide to how much car insurance you need explains each one.
Step 1: Make the scene safe and get help
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move to safety if you can, and turn on your hazard lights.
- Call the police where required, or when there are injuries, significant damage, a driver who leaves or a disagreement about what happened. The Illinois Department of Insurance (opens in new tab) notes that hit-and-run, vandalism and theft should be reported to police right away, and that without a police report your insurer could deny the claim.
Step 2: Exchange information and document everything
Collect:
- Other drivers' names, phone numbers, driver's license numbers and license plates
- Their insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model and color
- Witness names and contact details
- The police officer's name and report number
Then take photos or video of all vehicles from several angles, the wider scene, road conditions, traffic signs and any visible injuries. Write down or record a quick note of what happened while it's fresh.
Be careful what you say. Stick to the facts. Don't argue about fault or sign anything other than what police require. Fault is decided later, based on evidence and your state's laws.
Step 3: Report the claim to your insurer promptly
The Insurance Information Institute (III) (opens in new tab) recommends contacting your insurer as soon as possible, even from the scene and even if the accident seems minor or wasn't your fault. Many insurers let you start a claim in their app and upload photos straight away.
Have ready your policy number, the date, time and location, a description of what happened, the other driver's details and your photos.
Step 4: Decide which claim to file: first-party or third-party
If another driver caused the crash, you usually have two options. The Illinois Department of Insurance (opens in new tab) explains:
| First-party claim | Third-party claim | |
|---|---|---|
| Filed with | Your own insurer | The other driver's insurer |
| Uses | Your coverage (e.g., collision, uninsured motorist) | Their liability coverage |
| Relationship | You have a direct contract with your insurer | You have no contract with them; their main duty is to their policyholder |
| Deductible | Usually applies, though your insurer may recover it from the at-fault party | Usually no deductible if they accept fault |
A first-party claim may move faster if fault is disputed or the other insurer is slow. A third-party claim may avoid your deductible if liability is clear. Your own insurer can advise you, and you can usually start with your insurer either way.
If the other driver is uninsured or leaves the scene, your uninsured motorist coverage (where you have it) may apply.
Step 5: Understand the timeline and paperwork
Your insurer will assign an adjuster to investigate. The III suggests asking these timing questions up front:
- Does my policy have a time limit for filing claims and submitting bills?
- Is there a time limit for resolving disputes?
- If I need to send more information, is there a deadline?
- When can I expect the insurer to contact me?
Common documents include a proof of loss form, the police report, repair estimates and medical bills. The Illinois department notes that missing a required proof-of-loss deadline could lead to a denied claim, and that you're expected to cooperate with the insurer's investigation. Check the "Duties after a loss" or "Conditions" section of your policy.
Keep a claim log: every call, the name of who you spoke to, the date and what was agreed. Save copies of every bill and email. The III recommends exactly this kind of record-keeping.
Step 6: Get the car inspected and repaired
- Protect the car from further damage. For example, cover a broken window. The Illinois department warns that insurers may refuse to pay for damage that happens after the accident because the car wasn't protected.
- Let the insurer inspect it before repairs, unless they tell you otherwise.
- Choose a repair shop. In many states you can choose your own, but you may have to pay the difference if it costs more than the insurer's estimate.
- Ask about parts. Insurers may specify non-original (aftermarket) parts. Rules on this vary by state, so ask what your policy and state allow.
- Ask about a rental car. The III suggests checking whether your policy pays for one. The Illinois department notes that most policies don't cover a rental for non-theft claims unless you bought rental coverage.
Step 7: If your car is a total loss
If repairs would cost more than the car is worth, the insurer may declare it a total loss and pay its actual cash value, minus your deductible. Insurers typically use guidebooks or valuation databases. To help get a fair value:
- Give complete details on condition, options, mileage and recent maintenance or upgrades.
- Gather listings for comparable vehicles for sale near you.
- Ask for the valuation report in writing.
If you owe more on your loan than the car is worth, the insurer generally pays only the car's value. Gap insurance, if you have it, may cover the difference. We explain how ACV works in replacement cost vs. actual cash value.
Step 8: If you disagree with the outcome
- Ask for the reasoning in writing, with the estimate or valuation.
- Send your own evidence: independent estimates, comparable listings, photos and receipts.
- Use the appraisal clause if your policy has one. The Illinois department describes the usual process: each side hires an appraiser, the two choose an umpire, and agreement by any two is binding.
- Contact your state insurance department. The NAIC lists contact details for every state (opens in new tab).
- Talk to an attorney for serious injury claims or large disputes.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Waiting days to report the accident
- Admitting fault or making promises at the scene
- Getting repairs before the insurer has inspected the car
- Missing proof-of-loss or document deadlines
- Agreeing to a repair shop's offer to inflate an estimate to "cover your deductible," which the Illinois department warns is considered insurance fraud
Related reading
If a storm damages both your home and your car, you may be dealing with two claims at once. Our homeowners insurance claim process guide covers the home side. And if you have both policies with one company, check whether your insurer offers a single deductible; we explain this in should you bundle home and auto insurance?
Browse all our claims guides.
Frequently asked questions
How soon should I report a car accident to my insurer?
As soon as you reasonably can, ideally the same day. The Insurance Information Institute (opens in new tab) recommends calling your insurer even from the scene, regardless of who's at fault. Your policy may set a time limit for reporting, and late reporting can complicate or jeopardize a claim.
Should I file with my insurer or the other driver's insurer?
You can often choose. A first-party claim with your own insurer uses your coverage, such as collision, and your contract with that insurer. A third-party claim goes to the at-fault driver's insurer, whose main obligation is to its own policyholder. The Illinois Department of Insurance (opens in new tab) explains the differences. Your own insurer may pursue the other insurer to recover what it paid you, including your deductible.
Can I choose my own repair shop?
In many states, yes. The Illinois Department of Insurance, for example, says you aren't required to use your insurer's suggested shop, but you may have to pay the difference if your shop charges more. Check your state's rules and your policy.
Will filing a claim raise my premium?
It can, especially for an at-fault accident, but it depends on your insurer, your state and your claims history. Not reporting an accident to avoid a rate increase is risky: if the other party later makes a claim against you, your insurer may not be able to defend you properly.
What if I disagree with the insurer's settlement offer?
Ask for the valuation or estimate in writing, and provide evidence such as repair estimates, comparable vehicle listings and maintenance records. Many auto policies include an appraisal clause for disputes over the amount of a physical damage loss. You can also contact your state insurance department.
Sources
- How to file an auto insurance claim (opens in new tab) (Insurance Information Institute)
- Filing a Claim with Your Own Insurance Company (opens in new tab) (Illinois Department of Insurance)
- State insurance department contacts (opens in new tab) (National Association of Insurance Commissioners)
Sources were accessed on October 5, 2026. Linked pages may have changed since then.