Process Explained: How to File a Car Insurance Claim

By the Mercury Team

A car accident can shake up your day in an instant. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision, it’s normal to have questions about what to do next. However, knowing how the car insurance claim process works can help you feel more prepared.

Let’s walk through the essential steps, standard procedures, and potential outcomes of the claims process so you know exactly what to do next.

What Is a Car Insurance Claim?

A car insurance claim is a formal request you make to your insurance company for financial compensation or assistance after a covered loss, such as a car accident. This request can help cover vehicle repairs, medical expenses, or liability costs if you’re found at fault, depending on your policy.

Do You Need a Police Report to File a Car Insurance Claim?

It depends on the severity of the incident and your local laws. You should call law enforcement for major crashes, injuries, or significant property damage. However, you may be able to file a claim without a police report for minor accidents where there are no injuries. It’s always a good idea to contact the police just in case, as an official report can help support your claim.

How Long Does a Car Insurance Claim Take?

The time it takes to process your claim depends on its complexity. An insurer can process a simple claim relatively quickly, usually within a few weeks. However, a claim that involves multiple parties, disputes, or extensive damages can take several months to process.

What Can Delay a Car Insurance Claim?

Several factors can slow down the resolution of your claim, including:

Missing or incorrect information when the claim is filed.
Waiting for a police report.
Trouble reaching another driver, witness, or insurance company.
Questions about who was at fault.
Disagreements about repair costs.
Ongoing medical treatment or bodily injury review.

‘Always document everything at the scene and maintain open, transparent communication with your claims adjuster. Quick reporting and clear evidence can help you get back on the road faster.‘ – Heather B Paull, Manager, Divisional Claims.

What Happens After Your Claim Is Resolved?

You may wonder whether your premium will change after your claim is resolved. The answer depends on several factors, including fault, claim history, driving record, accident severity, vehicle type, and your insurer’s rating guidelines.

A not-at-fault accident may not affect your premium, especially if you have a clean driving record. An at-fault accident, multiple claims, or an accident involving injuries may be more likely to affect your rate or eligibility at renewal.

Every situation is different, so it’s a good idea to ask your insurance company how your claim may affect your policy. Your agent or claims representative can explain what to expect based on your coverage, driving history, and state rules.

Tips for a Smoother Auto Insurance Claim Procedure

Consider these tips to help make your auto insurance claim go more smoothly.

Keep good records: Write down the date, name, and summary of each conversation with your adjuster.
Save important documents: Keep photos, repair estimates, receipts, police reports, and claim-related emails in one place.
Respond quickly when you can: Sharing requested information as soon as possible may help avoid delays.
Ask questions: If you don’t understand part of your coverage, deductible, repair estimate, or claim status, ask your claims representative to walk you through it.
Stay in touch: Open, honest communication with your insurance company can help everyone stay on the same page.

Get Help When You Need It Most

Insurance is designed to provide financial protection when you need it most, and a successful claim can help you recover from unexpected events with greater peace of mind. The key is to be proactive, document everything, and maintain open communication with your insurer throughout the process. If you need to file a claim, call the Mercury Insurance claims phone number, and we’ll help you get started.

How to File an Insurance Claim After an Accident

Knowing how to file an insurance claim can make a stressful situation feel more manageable. Be sure to follow these steps after a car accident.

Step 1: Gather Information at the Scene

First, make sure everyone is safe. Move your vehicle out of traffic if you can do so safely, check for injuries, and call emergency services if anyone needs help.

Once it’s safe, exchange information with the other driver. Be sure to get their name, contact information (including phone number, physical and e-mail addresses), insurance details, driver’s license number, and license plate number.

Step 2: Document Vehicle Damage and Accident Details

Take a few minutes to document exactly what happened while at the scene. Here’s what you should typically collect:

Photos and videos of the damaged vehicles from multiple angles
Pictures of the surrounding area, including weather conditions and road signs
Names and contact information of any witnesses
A copy of the police report or the responding officer's badge number

Step 3: File Your Claim Online, by Phone, or Through Your Insurer

Contact your insurer once you’re safe and have gathered your information. Many companies offer multiple ways to file an insurance claim, including online portals, mobile apps, or a dedicated 24/7 phone line. Make sure you have your policy number and the accident details handy to help facilitate the process.

The Car Insurance Claim Process Step by Step

Here are the steps you can generally expect when going through the car insurance claim process.

Step 1: Claim Intake and Initial Review

Your insurer will assign an insurance adjuster to your case. The adjuster will review the initial details, explain your applicable coverages, and outline the next steps. They may also ask for your recorded statement about the accident.

Step 2: Damage Inspection and Estimate

Your assigned adjuster will investigate the accident by examining the damage to your vehicle, reviewing police reports, and speaking with witnesses. They may ask you to take your vehicle to an approved repair shop for a professional estimate of repair costs.

Step 3: Coverage Review and Fault Determination

The adjuster reviews your specific policy coverages, such as liability or collision protection, to determine what’s covered. They will also determine fault based on the collected evidence. If another driver is at fault, their insurance may cover your damages.

Step 4: Repair Approval or Settlement

Your insurer will usually approve the covered repairs once the estimate is complete and coverage is verified. If the cost to repair your vehicle exceeds its actual cash value, your insurer may declare the car a total loss and offer a settlement based on its pre-accident value.

Step 5: Claim Payment and Deductible

If your claim is approved, the insurer will issue payment to you, your lender, or directly to the repair shop. If your accident falls under coverage with a deductible, such as collision or comprehensive coverage, you’ll typically pay your car insurance deductible directly to the repair facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the car insurance claim procedure:

Can you choose your own repair shop after filing a claim?

Yes, you have the right to choose your own repair shop. Your insurance company may recommend a network of preferred shops that offer guaranteed repairs, but the final decision is completely up to you.

Should you file a claim for minor vehicle damage?

It depends on your deductible, the repair cost, and your budget. If repairs cost less than or only slightly more than your deductible, you may decide to pay out of pocket, since filing a claim could affect your future premiums.

Can you track the status of your auto insurance claim?

Yes. Most insurance companies offer online customer portals or mobile apps where you can log in, view updates, upload documents, and communicate with your claims adjuster in real time.

Mercury Team

The Mercury Marketing Team is made up of professionals in the fields of Content Creation, Public Relations, Social Media and Journalism. The team works together to deliver professionally written and researched content to provide information for consumers.