How to File a Car Insurance Claim

After ensuring everyone is safe and contacting the appropriate authorities after an accident, here are the steps to follow with your insurance company to help make the process as seamless as possible.

Quick tip: If you need to file an auto insurance claim, try to have the date, time, location, driver information, photos and police report number ready before you start. That can help speed up the process.

Step 1. Check your insurance coverage

The first step in filing a car accident claim is reviewing your policy to confirm what’s covered and what isn’t. That way, you’re better prepared for what the claim may – or may not – pay for.

How you’re covered for an accident depends on the type of coverage under your policy and the severity of the damage:

• Liability: You’ll almost certainly have this coverage, which pays for damages, injuries or medical bills to other parties when it’s determined you are liable for an accident; the question will be how much coverage you have. In almost all states, you must have at least a liability-only policy that meets state-minimum requirements for bodily injury or property damage you cause to a pedestrian or another motorist, their passengers or their vehicle. It’s possible you have more than those minimums, though. With liability insurance, there isn't a deductible.
• Comprehensive: Comprehensive coverage is generally optional. It pays for damages to your own car that occur outside of an accident, such as storm damage, theft or vandalism. This form of coverage has a deductible. Deductibles can range from $0 to $2,500. The maximum coverage amount is the value of your car, which is usually calculated based on actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value (RCV), depending on the type of coverage you have on your policy.
• Collision: Collision coverage is optional, but lenders often require it if your car is financed or leased. It pays for repairs to your own car when damaged in an accident. As with comprehensive insurance, collision coverage has a deductible, and it can range from $0 to $2,500. The maximum coverage amount is the value of your car, which is usually calculated based on ACV or RCV, depending on the type of coverage you have on your policy.

Additionally, your policy may include rental reimbursement, which pays for the cost of a rental vehicle or temporary transportation costs while your car is in the shop for repairs. Rental reimbursement provides coverage for up to a certain amount per day with a maximum amount of total coverage. For example, you may select Rental Reimbursement limits of $30 per day, and a maximum of $900 in total coverage.

Want to understand your coverages in more detail? Explore your car insurance options and how auto coverage deductibles work.

Step 2. Contact your insurance company

To report an accident, as soon as it’s safe, contact your car insurance company. Typically, insurers let you begin the claims process through an online portal, a mobile app or by phone.

Whatever method you use for filing claims, you'll be asked for details on the incident:

• The date and time it occurred
• Who was involved, and the other person's contact information, phone number and insurance details
• What happened and where
• If applicable, the police report number

You'll also be asked for any photos or video you may have taken at the scene of the accident.

How to report an accident to Amica

Filing Amica car insurance claims may be easier than you think. Start by calling Amica at 800-242-6422, reporting your claim online or visiting the Claim Center.

As a rule, it’s best to contact us regardless of who may be at fault so we can conduct a thorough liability investigation.

Step 3. Assessing the damage

After you submit the claim, the insurance company may assign an appraiser to assess the damage to your vehicle. This person will review the claim and supporting documents, and they may schedule an in-person inspection or request repair estimates from your repair shop. In some cases, they may request additional photos of the damage or other supporting documents if they need more information.

Unsure if a claim affects your premium? Read “How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After an Accident?”

Step 4. Receive payment and take next steps

Once the appraiser has done their work, an insurance adjuster will review the claim and your policy, determine liability and contact you regarding payment details. If your car was damaged in the accident, the insurer will let you know whether the car is a total loss — meaning the cost of repairs would be more than the car is worth — or whether it’s repairable.

If the car is repairable, the insurance company will base their payment on the appraiser's estimate or the agreed-upon estimate from your body shop. For the repairs, you can choose any repair or body shop you like, or you can ask the insurance company for recommendations. Depending on the situation and repair shop, the insurer may pay the shop directly, or it may issue the payment directly to you.

If your policy includes rental reimbursement, your insurance company's claims representative can help you book a rental car while your car is in the shop.

If the damaged vehicle is declared a total loss, the insurer will typically send you a check for the car's value at the time of the accident.

Navigating the claims process

Whether it’s a minor fender bender or an accident that causes your car to be a total loss, a car insurance claim will usually go more smoothly if it’s prepared correctly and you stay in contact with your insurance company. Don’t be afraid to ask questions so you know what to expect and what may happen next.

Remember, your auto insurance policy is designed to help you after the unexpected occurs. By being prepared and proactive when filing a claim, you can reduce confusion and keep the process moving.