How to file a car insurance claim

You can usually file with your own insurer (a first-party claim) or with the other driver's insurer if they were at fault (a third-party claim). Which is better depends on fault, your coverage and how quickly you need repairs.

Have ready

• Your policy number
• Date, time and location
• The other driver's details and insurer
• Police report number
• Photos
• Witness details

When you call

• Describe what happened factually and briefly
• Don't guess about speed, distance or fault; say "I'm not sure" if you're not
• Write down the claim number and the adjuster's name and contact
• Ask what happens next and how long it usually takes

Your own insurer or theirs?

Filing with your own collision coverage may be faster but you'll pay your deductible, which your insurer may try to recover from the other driver's insurer later. Filing with the at-fault driver's insurer avoids the deductible if they accept liability, but can take longer.

Educational information, not legal or insurance advice. Laws and policies vary by state; your policy controls. Road Protect is not an insurer, adjuster or law firm and takes no referral fees.