⏰ How long do I have to file a claim?

Most insurers require "prompt" notification, typically within 24-72 hours. However, the legal statute of limitations varies by state. File as soon as possible, because delays can complicate your claim and potentially give the insurer grounds to deny it.

📈 Will filing a claim raise my rates?

It depends. At-fault accidents typically raise rates, while not-at-fault accidents may not in some states or with some insurers. Some insurers may also offer accident forgiveness for your first claim.

🚔 Can I file a claim without a police report?

Yes, but it can make the process harder. A police report provides an objective account that helps establish fault. Without one, it may be your word against the other driver's.

🛡️ What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage , file a claim with your own insurance. They'll cover your damages up to your UM limits. If you don't have UM coverage, you may need to sue the other driver directly to cover damages.

🔧 Can I choose my own repair shop?

Yes, you have the right to use any repair shop you choose. Your insurer may recommend preferred shops, but they cannot require you to use them.

⚖️ What if I disagree with the settlement offer?

You can negotiate. Get independent repair estimates or valuations to support your case. Most policies include an appraisal provision where you and the insurer each hire an appraiser, and an umpire resolves disputes. You can also file a complaint with your state insurance department.

⏳ What if my claim is taking too long?

Follow up regularly with your adjuster and request written explanations for delays. Most states require insurers to acknowledge claims within 15 days and make decisions within 30-45 days. If you believe there's an unreasonable delay, contact your state's Department of Insurance.

Updated December 9, 2025

How to File a Car Insurance Claim

U.S. auto insurers pay out billions in claims each year, and knowing how to file properly can mean the difference between a quick payout and weeks of frustrating delays.

Jerry has helped 126,641 drivers get car insurance in the past year, including those who have needed to file a claim after an accident. So whether you’ve been in a collision, your car was vandalized or you hit a deer on a dark road, this guide walks you through exactly what to do.

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When to file a car insurance claim

Filing a claim isn’t always the best choice. Claims can raise your car insurance costs, even if you weren’t at fault, and can stay on your insurance record for several years.

Always file a claim if:

Anyone is injured.
Damage is significant.
The other driver was at fault.
You need to use rental reimbursement coverage because your car is being repaired.
There’s a possibility of a lawsuit.

You may not need to file a claim if:

Damage to your car is less than your deductible.
The accident was your fault, but damage is minor and you can afford to pay for it out-of-pocket.

Key takeaway: File a claim when injuries, significant damage or fault disputes are involved. If your car’s damage costs less than your deductible, or you can afford out-of-pocket repairs, avoiding filing a claim means your rates won’t go up.

Step 1: Collect information and document the accident

The more evidence you gather at the scene, the smoother your claims process will be.

Immediately after the accident, collect the following information from other drivers involved

🪪 Driver’s information:

Full name.
Phone number.
Address.
Driver’s license number.
Email address.

🚗 Vehicle and insurance information:

The other driver’s insurance company name and policy number.
License plate number.
Vehicle make, model, year and color.
VIN, if visible.

Be sure to also document the accident with photo and video evidence, including photos of car damage, plus any witness information. This information will be helpful for your claims process.

Jerry recommends: Avoid admitting fault or saying “I’m sorry” at the scene of the accident, even if you think you might be at fault. Let the insurance companies and police determine fault based on the evidence.

Step 2: File a police report

A police report provides an official, unbiased account of the accident and can be crucial for your claim.

Get the responding officer’s name and badge number, and ask for the police report number. In some states (like California), if anyone is injured or property damage is above $750, you must also report the accident to the DMV.

You should file a police report if:

🚑 Anyone is injured.

💥 There’s significant car damage.

🍺 The other driver appears intoxicated.

🚗 The other driver is uncooperative or leaves the scene.

❓ It’s unclear whose fault the accident was.

🛣️ The accident occurred on a highway or public road.

Key takeaway: A police report creates an official record of the accident that can strengthen your insurance claim. Always file one if there are injuries, significant damage, or any dispute about fault.

Step 3: Contact your insurance company

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, ideally the same day. Most policies require prompt notification, and delays could delay your claim being paid out.

In some cases, you may need to also contact the other driver’s insurance company.

Which insurance company to contact:

Scenario	Contact
You’re at fault.	Your insurance company.
Other driver is at fault.	Their insurance (and notify yours).
Fault is unclear.	Both insurance companies.
Other driver has no insurance.	Your insurance company.
Single-car accident.	Your insurance company.
Theft, vandalism or weather damage.	Your insurance company.

You can file a car insurance claim through your insurer’s mobile app, website or over the phone. Be ready to provide your policy number, accident details, other party’s information and any supporting documentation like photos or a police report.

Key takeaway: Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, ideally the same day. Delays can slow down your payout, and most insurers require prompt notification about an accident.

Learn more: How to file a car insurance claim against another driver

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How to use the Jerry app during a claim

After an accident, the last thing you want is to scramble for your policy number or dig through emails to find your insurer’s claims phone number. The Jerry app keeps everything you need in one place.

Your coverage details, policy documents and insurer contact information are stored securely in the app, so you can file a claim quickly with your insurer, right from the scene.

Skip the hassle. Jerry finds competitive quotes in minutes.

What happens after you file a claim

After you file a claim, a claims adjuster will investigate the accident. Once the investigation is complete, your car will either be repaired or deemed a total loss, in which case you’ll receive the car’s actual cash value (ACV), minus your deductible.

Settlement payments are typically issued within 5 to 30 days, depending on your state and insurer.

Jerry recommends: Stay responsive, honest and organized during the claims process. Your cooperation can help speed up your settlement and ensure a fair outcome.

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faq

⏰ How long do I have to file a claim?

Most insurers require “prompt” notification, typically within 24-72 hours. However, the legal statute of limitations varies by state. File as soon as possible, because delays can complicate your claim and potentially give the insurer grounds to deny it.
📈 Will filing a claim raise my rates?

It depends. At-fault accidents typically raise rates, while not-at-fault accidents may not in some states or with some insurers. Some insurers may also offer accident forgiveness for your first claim.
🚔 Can I file a claim without a police report?

Yes, but it can make the process harder. A police report provides an objective account that helps establish fault. Without one, it may be your word against the other driver’s.
🛡️ What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?

If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, file a claim with your own insurance. They’ll cover your damages up to your UM limits. If you don’t have UM coverage, you may need to sue the other driver directly to cover damages.
🔧 Can I choose my own repair shop?

Yes, you have the right to use any repair shop you choose. Your insurer may recommend preferred shops, but they cannot require you to use them.
⚖️ What if I disagree with the settlement offer?

You can negotiate. Get independent repair estimates or valuations to support your case. Most policies include an appraisal provision where you and the insurer each hire an appraiser, and an umpire resolves disputes. You can also file a complaint with your state insurance department.
⏳ What if my claim is taking too long?

Follow up regularly with your adjuster and request written explanations for delays. Most states require insurers to acknowledge claims within 15 days and make decisions within 30-45 days. If you believe there’s an unreasonable delay, contact your state’s Department of Insurance.

Methodology

Data included in this analysis comes from policies that Jerry has quoted within the last 6 months for drivers with a clean record and that have full coverage, unless stated otherwise. Data related to violations, accidents or credit scores pull from quote data from the last 18 months. Jerry services 48 states and offers a range of insurance companies to choose from.

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Our experts

Ben Moore

Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.

Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.

^†Over the past 12 months, 25% of drivers who switched with Jerry paid $89 or less per month. Not all customers find savings. Savings depend on state, policy features, coverage, driving history and other factors.

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.