How Long Do You Have to File a Car Insurance Claim?

The length of time during which you can file an insurance claim for a car accident varies by state, with the statute of limitations ranging from two to 10 years. The type of claim you’re filing makes a difference, too, as there are different time limits for bodily injury and property damage claims. After an accident, you’ll need to notify the police and your insurance company quickly, but you have some time to file the claim.

The statute of limitations after a car accident refers to the deadline to file a claim or pursue legal action, but it’s not the only deadline that’s important to understand. Insurance companies have their own reporting requirements, and the window is typically much shorter than the state’s filing deadline. Typically, your insurance company will require an accident report very soon after the accident and sometimes as quickly as 24 hours. Missing the window to report the accident can result in your claim being denied, even if you’re well within the state’s statute of limitations.

What to Do After an Accident: Steps to Follow

A car accident can be stressful, making it difficult to think clearly about what to do next. Following a few simple steps can help you stay safe, gather important information, and prepare to file an insurance claim.

1. Prioritize safety. Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt or emergency assistance is needed. Move people out of harm’s way and, if it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic.
2. Exchange driver information. Collect the other driver’s name, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information. Record their insurance company’s name and phone number, and share your information as well.
3. Document the vehicles. Write down the other vehicle’s license plate number, make, model, and year. Take photos of the vehicles, any visible damage, and the accident scene if it’s safe.
4. Gather witness and police information. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. If an officer responds, record their name, badge number, and instructions for obtaining the accident report.
5. Record accident details. Note the date, time, location, and any relevant details about what happened while they’re still fresh in your memory.
6. Contact your insurance company. Report the accident as soon as possible and provide the information you’ve collected. Your insurance company can explain the next steps in the claims process.

Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage Types

Auto insurance coverage can help protect you financially in different situations, but what your policy pays for depends on the types of coverage you carry. Understanding the differences between liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance can help you decide what protection you need.

• Liability: Helps pay for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident, up to your policy limits. Most states require drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage.
• Collision: Helps pay for damage to your vehicle if you hit another vehicle or object, regardless of who caused the accident, subject to your deductible and policy terms.
• Comprehensive: Helps cover damage to your vehicle from non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, severe weather, and hitting an animal, subject to your deductible and policy terms.

A policy that combines liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance is commonly called full coverage, although the exact protection depends on your policy.

Most insurance policies have a deductible, which is the amount of money you typically pay for damages before the insurance company pays. You can adjust your deductible to fit with your budget, because a higher deductible often means a lower monthly premium.

You can also add extras to your insurance policy, like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance, to further meet your needs. It’s smart to review your policy from time to time, to make sure you understand your coverage, deductibles, and other factors. If you need help, think it may be time to switch to a new policy, or want to update your coverage, Freeway Insurance can help you and answer any questions you may have.

How to File an Auto Insurance Claim

Most insurance companies offer several different options for filing a claim, so whether you prefer calling to speak to someone, filing online, or using an app, there will be an easy way for you to file. Do this as quickly as possible after your accident, not only to comply with deadlines, but also to make sure the details of the accident are still fresh in your mind.

Be prepared to share these details with the insurance company, including the police report, details of the accident, and the contact information for the other drivers involved and their insurance companies. Any other information you gathered at the scene, including photos, can also be passed along to your insurance company.

Once you’ve started a claim, your insurance company will usually assign you a claim number to be used in future communications about the accident. Within a few days, you will probably be contacted by an insurance adjuster to begin the process of assessing the damages and determining what you will be paid. The adjuster will schedule an inspection, read the police report, review your evidence, and may want to interview witnesses. Your role will be to cooperate, answer questions honestly, and obtain repair estimates, if required.

Tips for Successfully Filing a Car Insurance Claim

It’s in your best interest for the car insurance claim process to go as smoothly as possible. Follow these tips to help make that happen.

• File promptly. Just because you have two years doesn’t mean you should wait two years to file. The sooner your claim is filed, the more quickly you can be compensated.
• Be organized. Keep detailed records and documentation of everything, from photos at the scene of the accident to receipts and correspondence to conversations you have with your insurance adjuster. The process can take a long time, and organization helps keep things running smoothly.
• Be responsive and honest. Quickly respond to requests for documentation or clarification, and be honest with your adjuster about the accident. If you receive legal notices or settlement demands, share those with your adjuster.
• Keep in touch. Follow up with the adjuster, and don’t delay in responding to calls or correspondence. Ask questions to make sure you understand what’s happening.
• If things get too complicated, consider legal representation. You have the right to an advocate to offer guidance and help you navigate a complex situation. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Insurance Claims

What Happens If I Don’t Report My Accident to My Insurance Company Quickly?

This depends on the insurance company. Report the accident as soon as you can, and if you think you’ve missed the deadline, report it anyway. The worst thing that can happen is that the insurance company will deny the claim, but they might give you some leeway, depending on your situation.

Should I File an Insurance Claim If the Accident Was My Fault?

Yes, you should still file a claim. Fault won’t officially be assessed until the insurance investigation is completed, and in some cases, you may be eligible for partial compensation, even if you were at fault.

How Do I File an Insurance Claim in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

After a hit-and-run, document everything you can about the accident. Take pictures at the scene, look for witnesses, and check whether any security cameras captured the incident. File a report with the police right away, and contact your insurance company. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, insurance may pay for your damages.

Can I File a Claim If I Don’t File a Police Report?

Yes, in most cases you can file an insurance claim even without a police report. However, having a police report can back up the validity of your claim and in some cases speed up the process, so it’s highly recommended. If you are in a serious accident with injuries, always file a police report.

How Freeway Can Help with Your Car Accident Insurance Claim

When you’re dealing with something as stressful as an auto accident, it helps to have someone help you understand your insurance coverage and how to file your claim. Freeway Insurance has experienced agents who can answer your questions about claims and help you navigate the unfamiliar experience of dealing with insurance after an auto accident. For assistance with your auto insurance, call us at 800-777-5620, get a quote online, or stop by a Freeway Insurance office near you.

Sources:
https://content.naic.org/article/what-you-should-know-about-filing-auto-claim

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/is-there-a-deadline-for-making-a-car-insurance-claim-after-an-accident.html

https://www.consumershield.com/injuries-accidents/car-accidents/statute-of-limitations

https://www.freeway.com/knowledge-center/auto/how-to-file-a-car-insurance-claim/