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How to File an Insurance Claim After a Car Accident

A properly filed claim can mean thousands more in your settlement. Follow this guide to do it right.

Need Help Filing? (818) 482-2260

Two Types of Claims You Can File

First-Party Claim

Filed with YOUR insurance company

When to use: When you have collision coverage and want repairs done quickly, or when the other driver is uninsured.

Pros:
  • + Faster processing
  • + Guaranteed coverage (if policy allows)
  • + Less confrontational
Cons:
  • - May increase your premiums
  • - Subject to your deductible
  • - May not cover all damages

Third-Party Claim

Filed with the OTHER driver's insurance

When to use: When the other driver was at fault and you want them (or their insurer) to pay.

Pros:
  • + No deductible
  • + Doesn't affect your premiums
  • + Can include pain & suffering
Cons:
  • - Other insurer may dispute fault
  • - Often takes longer
  • - May require more negotiation

6 Steps to File Your Claim

1

Report the Accident to Your Insurance

Within 24-48 hours

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident.

  • • Call the claims hotline (usually 24/7)
  • • Have your policy number ready
  • • Provide basic accident details
  • • Get your claim number immediately
  • • Ask about rental car coverage

Pro tip: Report to YOUR insurance first, even if the other driver was at fault.

2

Gather Your Documentation

Before your first adjuster call

Collect all evidence and paperwork related to the accident.

  • • Police report (or report number)
  • • Photos of damage and scene
  • • Other driver's information
  • • Witness contact information
  • • Medical records and bills
  • • Repair estimates

Pro tip: The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim will be.

3

Get Your Vehicle Inspected

1-3 days after reporting

An adjuster will need to assess the damage to your vehicle.

  • • Schedule inspection promptly
  • • Keep vehicle as-is until inspected
  • • Get your own repair estimates too
  • • Take photos before and after inspection
  • • Ask for a copy of the damage report

Pro tip: You have the right to choose your own repair shop—don't let the insurer pressure you.

4

Document Your Injuries

Ongoing

Keep detailed records of all injuries and medical treatment.

  • • See a doctor within 72 hours
  • • Follow all treatment plans
  • • Keep every medical receipt
  • • Document pain levels daily
  • • Track missed work days
  • • Note impacts on daily life

Pro tip: Never say you're "fine" to the insurance company if you're still in pain or treating.

5

Calculate Your Total Damages

Before negotiating

Add up all your economic and non-economic damages.

  • • Vehicle repair or replacement costs
  • • All medical bills (past and estimated future)
  • • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • • Rental car expenses
  • • Out-of-pocket costs
  • • Pain and suffering (non-economic)

Pro tip: Your claim is worth more than just your bills—factor in pain, suffering, and inconvenience.

6

Negotiate Your Settlement

After reaching maximum medical improvement

Review the offer and negotiate for fair compensation.

  • • Wait for a formal written offer
  • • Don't accept the first offer—it's usually low
  • • Counter with your documented damages
  • • Be prepared to justify your numbers
  • • Get final settlement in writing
  • • Consider consulting an attorney

Pro tip: Statistics show claimants with attorneys receive 3x higher settlements on average.

Documents You'll Need

DocumentWhere to Get It
Police ReportLocal police department
Insurance PolicyYour files or insurer portal
Medical RecordsHealthcare providers
Photos of DamageYour phone/camera
Repair EstimatesBody shops (get 2-3)
Proof of Lost WagesEmployer letter/pay stubs
Expense ReceiptsKeep all originals

Claim filing support

Use the filing guide with the documents that protect value

A claim number is useful only if the file behind it is organized. Before you send records or answer a recorded-statement request, make sure the insurance report, treatment timeline, photos, repair estimates, wage information, and communication log all point to the same version of events.

These supporting pages keep the filing process connected to evidence, medical care, carrier tactics, and attorney review instead of treating the claim form as the whole case.

Adjuster conversation guidePrepare for calls, written requests, low offers, medical authorizations, and settlement pressure.Recorded statement guidanceCheck when to cooperate, when to slow down, and which facts should be organized first.Scene documentation checklistConfirm the accident-scene proof needed before the insurer starts evaluating fault and damages.Carrier-specific claim guidesCompare how major insurers commonly handle injury claims, documentation, delays, and offers.Settlement value contextUse damages inputs to understand why treatment depth and wage records matter before negotiation.Free intake reviewUse intake when liability is disputed, treatment is active, or the insurer is pushing for a release.

Need Help with Your Insurance Claim?

Participating attorneys may have helped thousands of clients navigate the claims process and maximize their settlements.

Free Intake Review: (818) 482-2260