Reporting auto insurance claims: car insurance claim

Reporting auto insurance claims: car insurance claim

Learn the process to submit an automobile insurance claim for collision or comprehensive coverage.

There are two common types of car insurance claims that can be reported for damage to your vehicle:

1. Collision Claim: A collision claim is for damage caused by a collision to an insured vehicle. The collision may involve any object and is not limited to multiple-car accidents. This includes solo accidents where the driver may have hit a building, light post, or any other object.
2. Comprehensive Claim: A comprehensive claim is for any damage to your vehicle not caused by a collision. Frequently, comprehensive claims are made for theft, vandalism, fire, or flood damage. Damage caused by an impact with an animal usually falls into this category as well.

If your vehicle suffers damage, you will need to contact your car insurance carrier to start the process. Here is how to report an auto insurance claim with most insurers:

1. Contact Your Agent: The majority of automobile insurance carriers sell policies through agents. The agent is an owner or employee of a local business who solicits clients for an insurance company and serves as your first point of contact for filing a claim. They will ask you for the facts of the loss and details regarding your damages, and then submit a claim form on your behalf to the insurance carrier for further review.
2. Contact the Insurance Company by Phone: If you prefer, you can skip contacting your agent and call the insurance company directly. Most carriers list their phone numbers on your billing statements, proof of insurance cards, and websites so you can easily reach them in the event of a loss or vehicle damage.
3. Submit a Claim Online: As technology continues to improve, more carriers encourage clients to submit electronic claims. Navigate to your carrier's website (for example, State Farm, Farmers Insurance, or Nationwide Insurance) and click on the "Report a Claim" link. You will be asked to provide information about your policy, the facts of the loss, and the damages.

When reporting a collision claim, be sure to have as much of the following information on hand as possible:

1. Date, time, and location of the accident.
2. The current location of your vehicle and whether it is drivable.
3. Information on the other driver, including name, address, phone number, and driver's license number.
4. Details on the other vehicles involved, including make and model, license plate, and VIN.
5. Auto insurance claim information from the other involved parties, including the carrier and policy numbers.
6. Contact information for any witnesses and law enforcement agencies that arrived at the scene.

If you have suffered a comprehensive loss, the required information is slightly different:

1. Details on the loss, including date, time, and location.
2. The current location of your vehicle and whether it is drivable.
3. In the event of theft, you will need to provide the mileage of your vehicle along with its options and features to assist in vehicle valuation.
4. Contact information for the lienholder (bank or savings institution) that financed the vehicle.
5. Contact information for any witnesses and law enforcement agencies that have information on the loss.

Shortly after submitting a claim, a claims associate will contact you to walk you through the process. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have regarding the claim, your rights, the associate's responsibilities, local laws, or any other concerns.