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How to File an Insurance Claim
A step-by-step process to make filing a claim simple
You’ve put in the work to find the right home and auto insurance policies, taking into consideration the extra riders and coverage necessary to help ensure your property is protected. But there’s been an accident, and now that policy is doing exactly what it was intended to do, which is protect your assets. The question now is, how do you file an auto or property claim to ensure your policy will cover repairs?
An insurance claim is a request you make to your provider to pay for damages covered by your insurance policy. That can include repairs to your vehicle, replacing damaged property or providing reimbursement for medical bills. Follow these four steps for filing a claim.
1. Contact your insurance agency.
Contact your insurance provider to learn about what’s covered, claim deadlines, necessary forms and repair cost estimates. A claim representative will walk you through the process and help you with any questions.
TIP: If you have AAA Insurance, you can contact AAA Insurance to assist you after an accident for car rentals, towing and more.
2. Gather documents and supporting materials.
Take pictures of the damage, write down what happened and exchange information if another party was involved. Also, be sure to keep all of your bills and receipts from expenses related to the incident (medical, repairs, rentals, etc.).
3. File the claim.
Your insurance provider will give you instructions on how to file your claim. If you have AAA Insurance, you can file an auto or home insurance claim online, by phone or through regular mail. AAA Insurance will assign a claim representative to review your case and help you with next steps.
Tip: Read more about deductibles, do’s and don’ts, and more related to your homeowners claim or auto claim.
4. Prevent further damage.
Once you’ve filed the claim, protect your vehicle or home from additional damage. For example, cover broken windows to keep rain out, or remove tree limbs to avoid more property damage.
Be prepared to receive a visit from a claim adjuster if there was damage to your home or property. To help them, and to make sure you aren’t missing anything, make a list of everything that was damaged, destroyed or stolen.
Frequently asked questions
There are many common events you might want to file a claim for, particularly if there was extensive damage to your property.
Your insurance policy is reviewed during your renewal period, and any claims from that year may impact your rate. Different types of claims can impact your rates in various ways. For example, your rate may increase if you were the at-fault driver in an auto crash. For home insurance, you can likely expect an increase if you’ve filed multiple claims within a few years.
Auto insurance claims are typically settled within 30 days, depending on the type of claim and other factors. However, if your claim involves medical coverage, you can expect an extended time frame due to medical insurance and health care billing.
Home insurance claims can take months to settle, depending on the state. To help speed things along, keep a home inventory with accurate information.
Yes, you’ll most likely need to get two or three repair estimates.
Tips to Help Avoid Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud is a serious matter, and you can take steps to avoid becoming a victim.
1. Use a trusted repair shop, such as a local AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
2. Work with established and vetted companies. If you need a trusted referral, call a AAA insurance provider.
3. If you think you’ve been a victim of insurance fraud, call 888-372-8383.
This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.Coverage is subject to all policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations. Discounts and savings opportunities subject to eligibility requirements. Subject to underwriting requirements. Prices may vary based on how you buy insurance, subject to availability in your state. AAA Insurance is a collection of AAA branded insurance products, services, and programs made available to qualified members. Personal lines insurance is underwritten by Auto Club Insurance Association (IL Auto, IL Home, MI Home, MN Home), Auto Club Group Insurance Company (IA Auto, IA Home, IN Auto, IN Home, NE Auto, NE Home, WI Auto, WI Home), Auto Club Insurance Company of Florida (FL Package), Auto Club South Insurance Company (FL Auto), MemberSelect Insurance Company (GA Auto, GA Home, MI Auto, MN Auto, TN Auto, TN Home), The Members Insurance Company (NC Auto, NC Home), and Universal Insurance Company (NC Auto, NC Home, SC Auto, SC Home). ©2025 The Auto Club Group. All rights reserved.