How to file a car insurance claim

To file a claim, you will need proof of damage or injury, which typically comes from what you tell your insurer, what the other party tells the insurance company, a police report, physical damage and witness accounts.

On the scene of an accident, it’s important to contact police and make sure they file an accident report, no matter how minor the damage or how reluctant the police officers. If the crash happens in a parking lot, and police say they don’t have jurisdiction, see if you can find a security guard who will file a report.

Exchange insurance information, license plate and phone number with the other party.

It’s also important to contact your car insurance provider as soon as possible. Most carriers require that claims be submitted within 24 hours of an accident. Many of them have websites and 24-hour phone lines that allow clients to submit claims at any time.

Whether you or the other driver is at fault, and you don’t have collision coverage on your own vehicle, file a claim with the other driver’s insurance provider. If evidence and police reports indicate that you are at fault, it’s unlikely you will be able to collect from the other driver.

If the other driver is at fault, let his insurer know you intend to pursue a claim with them.

The other driver’s insurance provider will ask you for a statement about the collision and will typically send an insurance adjuster to assess the damage to your car or any injuries you have sustained.

In the event the other company offers a settlement you are not pleased with, contact your car insurance provider and ask the company to negotiate on your behalf. If they refuse, you can consider filing a lawsuit.