Auto Insurance FAQs

Collision coverage covers physical damage to your auto caused by a collision with another car or object. Other than collision coverage is also known as comprehensive coverage, as its typical purpose is to extend coverage for damages not considered under collision coverage.

These types of damages are typically considered under your other than collision coverage. Some additional examples of other than collision damage include:

• Vandalism
• Falling trees and debris (while parked)
• Animals
• Explosions, missiles and riots
• Earthquakes

The general rule is that insurance follows the car. For example, if you have an accident while driving someone else’s car, that person’s insurance would apply first. Certain exclusions and conditions may apply, so it’s best to contact us to discuss the specifics of the loss and determine possible coverage.

If the stolen items are permanently installed in the car and you have other than collision, the loss is covered under your auto policy. However, if the stolen property is something that you put in your car, such as CDs or a car seat, this is usually covered under a home policy. Certain restrictions may apply.

Most policies have a $20 per day limit, up to $600 total, included with collision and other than collision coverage. To confirm the amount of coverage you have, please log in to review the Declarations page of your policy or contact your claim handler.

Your Amica auto policy extends the same coverage limits you carry on your policy to a rental car within U.S. territories only. Some exclusions apply. Check your policy for state specifics.

There may be some cases where you need more coverage, making it beneficial to purchase additional insurance. It may also be beneficial to purchase the rental waiver, which waives your deductible in the event of a loss.

Cases like these may result in out-of-pocket expenses

Your policy has specific limits for rental reimbursement coverage. If you need to extend your rental period, you may be responsible for additional costs. If you’re not at fault, you may be able to recover the additional expense from the at-fault party.

If the damage is minor, we’ll ask you to get an appraisal and send it to us for review. If the damage is more severe, we’ll assign an appraiser, who will inspect the car and send a copy of the appraisal to you and the repair shop of your choice.

You can always choose your own repair shop. If you need help finding one in your area, we can provide recommendations. Amica's Auto Repair Assistance Program (RAP) includes more than 1,700 certified repair shops across the country that warranty claims-related repair work for as long as you own your car.

The shop will call the appraiser, who reinspects your car. If additional related damage is found, the appraiser will write a supplemental appraisal and we will issue an additional payment to you or directly to your repair shop.

If you’ve chosen one of the repair shops in our Auto Repair Assistance Program (RAP), the shop will complete all repairs and we’ll issue payment.

The method used to determine a total loss varies by state. Generally, we assess the car’s damages in relation to the actual cash value (ACV) of the car. If damages exceed the car’s value, then it will most likely be considered a total loss.

If your car is determined to be a total loss, your claim handler will determine the car’s fair market value using methods approved by your state. We’ll pay you this amount, less any applicable deductible.

Windshield damage is usually covered if you have Other Than Collision coverage. If your windshield can be repaired, we’ll waive any applicable deductible. If you need to replace your entire windshield, your deductible will apply. Glass coverage may vary by state.

Our partner Safelite provides glass repair and replacement services with online scheduling and an automatic exchange of your information via Amica. You can always choose your own glass repair shop. If you need help finding one in your area, we can provide recommendations. Our Glass Program Manager offers qualified glass shops that warranty the replacement of damaged glass for as long as you own the car.

You don’t need all of this to report a claim, but it’s best to include as much information as possible:

• Names and addresses of the individuals involved
• Accident location
• Make, model and plate number of involved vehicles
• Names of witnesses and anyone who was injured

You can report your claim online or contact us for further assistance.

Helpful tip: Amica's Auto Accident Checklist can help walk you through the steps to take after an accident.

Yes. We recommend you file a police report for any loss, but it’s required for certain losses as outlined in your policy. Amica's Auto Accident Checklist can help walk you through the steps to take after an accident.

Several steps are taken by your claim handler to complete an investigation. These may include:

• Determining the cause of the loss
• Estimating the amount of damage
• Confirming whether policy coverage applies

Sometimes additional steps are taken, depending on the nature and complexity of the claim. These may include determining liability, handling subrogation and reviewing supplements.

We will complete a thorough investigation of the facts of the loss to determine liability. Our investigation may include statements from all parties involved, damage photos, viewing the accident scene, obtaining statements from potential witnesses, obtaining the police report if available and reviewing state driving laws.

Yes. You should always report any loss to Amica in case you need assistance. Reporting the loss ensures prompt handling of the claim and avoids potential future problems.

Simply reporting a claim will not increase your rates.

There are some claims that will have no impact on your rates. This depends on the circumstances of each specific claim. For a claim that may affect your rates, there are many factors considered when evaluating insurance rates after you’ve had an at-fault loss. One of the main factors is the total amount paid out on the claim. This is something that can’t be determined until the claim is completed and all applicable payments have been issued.

Any potential increase in rates will occur when the policy is renewed. We’ll send you your new rate 30 days before your policy renews.

If you receive a summons and complaint or other time-sensitive documentation regarding a covered loss, please contact Amica immediately for further assistance.