What Is The Process For An Auto Insurance Claim?

Knowing how and when life will return to normal helps give you peace of mind when an unexpected loss occurs.

Check out this general guide to the auto insurance claims process, so you can understand what to expect if you have to file an auto claim.

Auto Claim

File a claim
For many carriers you can file a claim online through a mobile app in as little as five minutes.

• Choose a repair shop – Many carriers have a preferred network of repair shops to choose from or you can select a non-network shop
• Schedule a rental if you have loss-of-use coverage

Damage assessed
Your carrier’s network shops will typically estimate and complete repairs and bill your carrier directly. If you choose a nonnetwork shop, your carrier will need to approve the estimate from your selected repair shop. Each carrier will have their individual requirements for this step which may include submitting photos of the damage to your vehicle along with the repair estimate.

Vehicle repaired
Your repair shop will work with your insurance carrier to secure approval for payment before repairing any additional damage it finds. If your vehicle was totaled, your carrier will pay you your vehicle’s actual cash value.

Claim investigated
Your insurance carrier will use photos, police reports, your statement and any third-party statements to determine who’s at fault if it involved damage to another person’s vehicle or other property.

Get paid
Insurance carrier will issue payment after approving the repair estimate. If you use one of your carrier’s network repair shops, they will pay them directly. If you selected a non-network repair shop, your carrier will pay you, and then you will pay the repair shop.