What is a car insurance claim?

If you have recently been involved in a car accident, or one of your friends or family members was in a fender bender, you have probably heard a lot about the process of filing a claim.

While this is a frequently used term, if you have never filed one before, you might understandably wonder, “What is a car insurance claim?” Keep reading to learn the answer to this question, as well as how to file a car insurance claim and related tips.

Car Insurance Claims 101

A car insurance claim is a request for your auto insurance company to pay for the damages to your vehicle. When your vehicle is in an accident, or perhaps a tree has fallen on it during a windstorm, you will want your auto insurance to cover the damage.

A car insurance claim lets your insurance company know about the incident, and that you want to arrange for payment to take care of the damages.

How To File a Car Insurance Claim

In order to file a car insurance claim with your auto insurance company, you will need your insurance policy number, as well as the basic details about the accident or incident. Most auto insurance companies will allow you to file your claim online, through a mobile app, or by calling your agent, if you have one.

The sooner you file a claim, the quicker it will be settled and you’ll have your money for repairs, so it is a good idea to start the claims process as soon as possible after the accident.

A Car Insurance Claim Requires the Correct Kind of Auto Insurance

When it comes to filing a car insurance claim, insurance is not a one-size-fits-all situation. There are different types of auto insurance, each of which pertains to different types of accidents and situations.

For instance, using the above example of a tree falling on your vehicle during a storm, this type of weather-related incident is covered by comprehensive car insurance.

Collision insurance will cover damage to your vehicle, no matter who was at fault. If you don’t have the specific type of auto insurance coverage for your particular case, you might not be able to file a claim.

What Happens When You File a Car Insurance Claim

Once you file your car insurance claim, your auto insurance company will review what happened, and a claims adjuster will contact you.

They will assess the damage to your vehicle, either in person or through photos that you send them. They will clarify the types of car insurance you have on your policy and what will be covered.

They will also let you know if you can take your vehicle to the repair shop of your choice, or to one that is in the auto insurance network. The adjuster will determine how much the damage will cost to repair, and arrange for you to get your check.

Read more: Can I choose where to get my vehicle repaired after an accident?

Case Studies: Understanding Car Insurance Claims and Filing Process

Case Study 1: Mary’s Collision

Mary was driving home when another car ran a red light and collided with her vehicle. The accident caused significant damage to Mary’s car, and she needed to file a car insurance claim to cover the repairs.

She promptly contacted her insurance company and provided all the necessary details of the accident. The claims adjuster assessed the damage and approved the claim. Mary was able to take her car to a repair shop of her choice, and her insurance company reimbursed her for the repair costs.

Case Study 2: John’s Storm Damage

During a severe windstorm, a large tree fell onto John’s parked car, causing substantial damage. John had comprehensive car insurance coverage, which covers weather-related incidents. He immediately reported the incident to his insurance company, providing the required information.

The claims adjuster reviewed the situation and arranged for an inspection of the vehicle. Once the damage was assessed, John received compensation for the repairs, allowing him to choose a repair shop that met his preferences.

Case Study 3: Lisa’s Faulty Brakes

Lisa experienced a sudden brake failure while driving, resulting in a collision with another vehicle. Fortunately, no one was injured, but both cars sustained considerable damage. Lisa had collision insurance, which covers damage regardless of fault. She contacted her insurance company, filed a claim, and provided all the necessary documentation.

The claims adjuster investigated the accident and confirmed coverage for the repairs. Lisa was given the option to select a repair shop from the insurance network, and the insurance company issued a check to cover the repair expenses.

Read more: Does my car insurance cover damage caused by a brake failure?

Final Thoughts on Car Insurance Claims

One of the main reasons you have car insurance coverage is so it can help pay for damages to your vehicle. While you definitely hope you’ll never have to file a claim, it is important to understand what the term means, and how to go about starting the process.

By gathering your information and contacting your auto insurance company as soon as possible after an incident, your claim will be processed quickly, and you will receive your compensation that much faster.