March 19, 2025
If you’ve been in a car accident, filing an insurance claim quickly can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s a quick guide to the process:
Key Tip: Acting promptly and keeping detailed records ensures a smoother claims process and helps protect your policy benefits.
Move your vehicle to a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away and wait for emergency responders. Only move injured individuals if they're in immediate danger, such as from oncoming traffic or another hazard.
Once you're in a safe position, start documenting the scene. According to American Family Insurance, photos can help support your claim. Be sure to capture:
Exchange key information with the other drivers involved. Here's what to collect:
If taking photos isn't possible due to safety concerns, ask a bystander for help and make sure to note their contact information. Also, collect contact details from any witnesses on the scene.
Ask witnesses for their names, phone numbers, and addresses. This includes bystanders or passengers in other vehicles. If a witness is open to providing a statement, you can record their account on your phone or take detailed notes. If the other driver refuses to cooperate, focus on what you can safely document - take photos of their vehicle, license plate, and note their description. Leave any confrontational situations to the police. Double-check that all driver information you exchange is accurate and complete.
Before contacting your insurance company, grab your insurance card or policy documents. These will have key details like your policy number (also called subscriber or member ID), a group plan number (if you're insured through your job), your insurer's contact info, and a summary of your coverage. Keep a physical copy in your car and a digital version on your phone. If you’ve misplaced your card, check your insurer’s website or mobile app to access this information.
Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Many policies require you to report incidents within 72 hours. For instance, in California, accidents causing $1,000 or more in property damage, injuries, or fatalities must also be reported to the DMV within ten days using Form SR-1.
"Initiating the insurance claim process immediately after an accident not only aligns with legal requirements but also assists in the accurate documentation and investigation of the incident." - The Accident Network Law Group
Use your insurer's 24/7 claims hotline, mobile app, or online portal to report the accident. Once you’ve made contact, confirm the next steps with your representative to stay on track.
During your conversation with the insurance representative, they'll assign you a claim number, connect you with a claims adjuster, and explain which documents you'll need to submit. Make sure to note the following:
Keep a log of all communications, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you speak with. Failing to notify your insurer promptly could result in a denied claim, policy suspension, or even cancellation.
"Strict adherence to the policy's notice provisions is the best practice." - Herold Law, P.A.
Don’t hesitate to ask your claims representative about your coverage, deductibles, and next steps. Taking detailed notes and requesting email confirmations of their instructions can help you stay organized and avoid missing anything important.
Make sure to fill out the claim forms carefully to prevent delays or rejection. Pay close attention to the following sections:
Once the forms are complete, gather all necessary documents to support your claim.
Be sure to include all the required documentation:
You can usually submit these documents digitally through your insurer’s app or online portal. For instance, State Farm's Pocket Agent app and GEICO's Mobile Claims Center allow you to upload photos and files directly from your smartphone.
After attaching your documents, focus on crafting a clear, factual accident statement.
When writing your accident statement, stick to the facts. Include details like vehicle directions, traffic signals, road conditions, and the sequence of events. Avoid vague descriptions like "The other car came out of nowhere." Instead, use specific language, such as: "While traveling north on Main Street at approximately 35 mph, a blue sedan entered the intersection from Oak Avenue when I had a green light." This level of detail helps prevent misunderstandings and strengthens your claim.
An adjuster will typically contact you within 1–3 days. You can schedule the inspection at a location that works best for you - this could be your home, workplace, or a repair shop. Inspections usually take 30–60 minutes, depending on how much damage needs to be assessed.
Here’s what the adjuster will handle during the inspection:
If the repair shop identifies additional damage later, they can file a supplement request with your insurer. Once the inspection is complete, you’ll be ready to choose a repair facility.
You have the right to choose any repair shop for your vehicle.
"You have the right to select the repair facility of your choice for your vehicle repairs and only you can authorize repairs to your vehicle." – State Farm
For instance, Red River Collision Center offers I-CAR trained services, handles direct billing with insurers, and provides a limited lifetime repair warranty - all while adhering to OEM standards.
When deciding on a repair shop, weigh these factors:
Before moving forward with repairs, confirm your policy details and costs. Double-check your deductible, repair coverage limits, additional benefits (like rental car coverage), repair timelines, and payment process. Get written approval and a breakdown of costs to avoid surprises later.
Keep tabs on your claim through your insurer’s app or online portal. These tools often let you track updates, upload documents, send messages, and follow payment progress. If your adjuster isn’t responding, you can escalate the matter to their supervisor or contact your state insurance department for help. Staying in regular communication can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Before giving the go-ahead for repairs, take time to review the settlement offer and repair plan. Make sure any replacement parts comply with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards - insurers can’t require you to use subpar aftermarket parts.
If you’re not satisfied with the settlement amount, here’s what you can do:
Once an agreement is reached, you can move forward with the payment and repairs.
After your claim is approved, you’ll receive a settlement check. You can choose how to use it, including whether or not to repair your vehicle. If you opt for repairs, ensure the parts meet OEM standards, secure written warranties, document any changes made, and keep all repair receipts.
If you run into problems with payment or repairs, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance professional or your state insurance department for assistance.
Handling an auto insurance claim becomes much easier when you take an organized approach. Keeping detailed records - like photos, repair estimates, and communication logs - can make a big difference in supporting your case.
Strong claims depend on three key factors: detailed documentation, timely reporting, and clear communication. With Mississippi seeing a 15% increase in accident-related insurance claims in 2024, sticking to the right process helps protect your interests.
Red River Collision Center provides insurer-approved collision repair services and aims to simplify the process for customers:
"Our number one goal is to deliver exemplary service to our customers and make the repair experience easy and seamless. We know the stress that can come after an accident so we strive to make this aspect as pain-free as possible." – Red River Collision Center
It's also smart to keep a claims documentation kit on hand and save digital copies of all important records. Being prepared like this can make the entire process faster and more efficient.
"Early notice can help ensure that all of your policy benefits are available to you"
Reporting the incident promptly not only speeds up repairs but might also help minimize your financial loss. By staying organized and communicating clearly, you'll handle your claim smoothly and get back on the road without unnecessary delays.
