Accidents, Claims and Repairs

Check for injuries, call emergency services when needed, move to safety if possible, exchange information, document the scene, and notify your insurer.

Contact your insurer through its claims channel and provide the date, location, drivers, vehicles, photos, and any police report information.

Timing depends on liability review, damage inspection, parts, injuries, documentation, and state claim-handling requirements.

It may, depending on fault, claim type, state rules, insurer practices, and any accident-forgiveness feature.

Compare repair costs with your deductible and consider potential future premium effects. Report accidents when required by your policy.

Uninsured motorist or collision coverage may help depending on your policy and the loss. Document the incident and contact your insurer.

Report the hit-and-run to police and your insurer promptly; applicable coverage and reporting requirements vary.

The insurer evaluates the vehicle’s value and applicable settlement terms. If financed, the lender may be paid first.

Choice of repair facility and insurer payment obligations are governed by state law and policy terms; ask your claims adjuster.

Request the valuation or estimate, provide comparable evidence, ask about appraisal provisions, and consider your state insurance regulator’s complaint process.

Rental reimbursement typically requires an optional endorsement and a covered claim, subject to daily and total limits.

A police report can be important evidence, but insurers independently evaluate liability using available facts and applicable law.