Getting into a car accident is stressful enough without having to figure out how to file a claim. You’re shaken up, maybe injured, and now you’re supposed to call your insurer, take photos, fill out forms-all while your mind is racing. But here’s the truth: filing a car insurance claim doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you know the steps, it’s just a process. A messy one, sure, but one you can handle.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Your first move after an accident isn’t to grab your phone or check your insurance card. It’s to check on people. If anyone’s hurt, call 911 right away. Even if the damage looks minor, don’t assume everything’s fine. Whiplash and internal injuries don’t always show up right away. Move vehicles out of traffic if you can do it safely. Turn on your hazard lights. If you’re on a busy road and can’t move the car, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives.Step 2: Call the Police
In Oregon, you’re legally required to report any accident that results in injury, death, or more than $2,500 in property damage. Even if the other driver says it’s not necessary, get a police report. Insurance companies take reports from law enforcement way more seriously than a handwritten note from the other party. The officer will document the scene, gather statements, and assign fault based on evidence. That report becomes your best ally when you file your claim.Step 3: Exchange Information
Don’t just nod and walk away. You need the other driver’s full name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details. Write it down. Don’t rely on your phone to take a photo of their insurance card-sometimes those photos are blurry or cut off the policy number. Also take a photo of their license. And don’t argue about who’s at fault. Say as little as possible. Just exchange the basics. Anything you say can be used against you later, even if you’re just being polite.Step 4: Document Everything
This is where most people mess up. They take one quick photo and think they’re done. Don’t. Take at least 10 photos: front, back, sides, close-ups of damage, skid marks, traffic signs, road conditions, and the other vehicle’s license plate. If it’s raining or icy, photograph the weather. If there’s a broken stoplight or missing guardrail, get that too. Your insurer needs to see the full context. Also record the time, date, location, and weather. Use your phone’s camera to take a video walking around the scene-it’s more helpful than you think.Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurer as soon as you can. Most companies have a 24/7 claims hotline. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Delaying can slow down your claim or even give the insurer a reason to deny it. When you call, have your policy number ready. Be calm, clear, and stick to the facts. Say what happened, when, where, and who was involved. Don’t guess. Don’t speculate. If you don’t remember something, say so. The claims adjuster will ask for your police report number and photos. Have those handy.Step 6: The Claims Adjuster Contacts You
Within 24 to 48 hours, you’ll hear from a claims adjuster. They work for your insurance company, not you. Their job is to assess damage, review your policy, and decide how much to pay. They might ask to inspect your car. You can choose where to take it-your mechanic, a preferred shop, or a drive-in claims center. If they send you a lowball estimate, don’t sign anything. You have the right to get a second opinion. Many insurers will cover the cost of an independent appraisal if you dispute their offer.
Step 7: Get Your Car Repaired
Once the estimate is approved, you can schedule repairs. If you’re using a preferred shop, they’ll handle the billing directly with your insurer. If you pick your own mechanic, you’ll usually pay upfront and get reimbursed. Keep every receipt. If your car is totaled, your insurer will offer you the actual cash value-the market value of your car before the crash, minus your deductible. That amount is based on Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or similar sources. If you think their offer is too low, provide recent listings of similar cars in your area. You’re not arguing for a new car-you’re asking for fair market value.Step 8: Get a Rental Car (If You Need One)
If you have rental reimbursement coverage, you’re covered for a rental while your car is being fixed. Most policies give you $30 to $50 per day for up to 30 days. Don’t rent a luxury SUV just because you can. Stick to a basic economy or compact car. Your insurer will only pay what’s considered reasonable. If you don’t have rental coverage, you’re on your own. Some credit cards offer rental car insurance, but check the fine print-they often don’t cover liability or loss of use.Step 9: Review Your Settlement
Before you accept the final payment, read everything. The settlement letter should list: the damage amount, your deductible, the payout amount, and any deductions (like salvage value if your car was totaled). Make sure medical bills, towing fees, and other out-of-pocket costs are included. If you had a personal injury, make sure your medical expenses are fully covered. Some people forget to ask for reimbursement for lost wages or physical therapy. Don’t sign a release until you’re sure everything’s included. Once you sign, you can’t come back for more.Step 10: Follow Up and Keep Records
Keep copies of every document: police report, repair invoices, medical bills, emails, adjuster notes, and settlement letters. Store them in a folder or cloud drive. If your claim gets delayed or denied later, you’ll need proof. Also, follow up every 5-7 days if you haven’t heard back. Insurance companies are busy. A polite call can move your claim forward faster than waiting.What Not to Do
There are big mistakes people make that cost them money or delay their claim:- Don’t admit fault at the scene-even saying "I’m sorry" can be twisted into an admission.
- Don’t accept a quick cash offer from the other driver. They might disappear, or their insurance might deny everything.
- Don’t skip the police report, even for minor fender benders.
- Don’t sign a medical release without talking to your doctor first. Your insurer might try to access unrelated health records.
- Don’t ignore medical symptoms. Pain that shows up days later still counts.
How Long Does It Take?
Most simple claims-like a single-car fender bender with no injuries-are settled in 7 to 14 days. Complex claims involving injuries, multiple vehicles, or disputed fault can take 30 to 90 days. Oregon law requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 15 days and either accept or deny it within 30 days after they have all the information. If they miss that deadline, you can file a complaint with the Oregon Insurance Division.What If Your Claim Is Denied?
Denials happen. Sometimes it’s because you missed a deadline. Other times, the insurer claims you weren’t covered at the time (like if your policy lapsed). If you get a denial letter, read it carefully. It must explain why. You have the right to appeal. Gather your evidence: photos, witness statements, repair estimates, and the police report. Write a clear letter explaining why you disagree. Send it certified mail. If the insurer still refuses, contact the Oregon Insurance Division. They mediate disputes for free.Can You File a Claim Without a Police Report?
Technically, yes. But you’re making it harder on yourself. Without a police report, your insurer has no independent proof of what happened. They’ll rely on your word and the other driver’s. If they disagree, you’re stuck in a he-said-she-said battle. Most insurers won’t pay out without a report if there’s any dispute. Save yourself the headache. Always call the cops.Does Filing a Claim Raise My Rates?
It might. But not always. In Oregon, insurers can raise your rates after an at-fault accident, but not for claims where you weren’t at fault. If someone else hit you and they’re insured, your rates shouldn’t go up. Even if you’re partially at fault, Oregon law limits how much your premium can increase. Most insurers use a point system. One claim usually adds 1-2 points. Two claims in three years? That’s when you’ll see a noticeable jump. Shop around every two years. You might find a better rate even after a claim.Do I have to use the repair shop my insurance recommends?
No. You have the right to choose any licensed repair shop. Insurance companies may suggest preferred shops because they have negotiated lower rates, but you’re not required to go there. If you pick your own mechanic, your insurer must still cover the cost as long as it’s reasonable and you provide an estimate. Just make sure the shop gives you a written estimate before starting work.
What if the other driver is uninsured?
If you have uninsured motorist coverage-which is required in Oregon-you can file a claim with your own insurer. This covers your vehicle damage and medical bills. Your insurer will then try to recover the money from the at-fault driver. Without this coverage, you’re stuck paying out of pocket or taking legal action, which can take years.
How soon do I need to file a claim after an accident?
Most insurers require you to report an accident within 24 to 72 hours. Waiting too long can make it harder to prove what happened. Evidence fades, memories blur, and witnesses disappear. Even if you think the damage is minor, report it immediately. It’s better to file and find out you don’t need to use it than to miss a deadline and lose coverage.
Can I file a claim for damage that happened weeks ago?
Maybe. Insurance policies usually have a time limit-often 30 days-to report damage. If you didn’t notice the damage right away, like a hidden frame bend after a minor hit, you might still be covered. But you’ll need to explain why you waited and provide evidence. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove the damage was from the accident and not from something else.
Will my insurance cover a rental car if I’m not at fault?
Yes, but not through your policy. If the other driver is at fault, their insurance should pay for your rental car while yours is being repaired. Your insurer won’t cover it unless you have rental reimbursement. So if you’re not at fault, ask the other driver’s insurer for a rental. If they delay, contact your own company-they may advance you a rental while they pursue reimbursement from the other party.
