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How long do I have to report car damage to my insurance?
Is there a time limit when I can file a claim to my insurance company? My car accident happened a few days ago. I’m still trying to process what happened, assess the damages to my vehicle, and deal with an injury. I know I need to file my claim, but I feel a little overwhelmed at the moment.
Phoebe Mah · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m so sorry to hear about your accident!
Whether you need to file a claim with your insurance provider or a third-party claim with the other driver’s insurance, you have some time. Giving yourself a couple of days for injuries to reveal themselves is a wise choice.
Most states allow for a minimum of a year after the accident to file a claim. The timeline to
file your claim
will depend on your provider and state. Your agent will also provide you with additional information, such as how long you have to notify the police after an accident.Even though you have time to file a claim, waiting too long makes it harder for insurance companies to assess damages and injuries related to the claim and may raise questions as to why you took so long to file your claim.
When you’re ready to file a claim, be sure you have:
- The names of everyone involved
- Their address
- Their phone numbers
- Their insurance policy information
- Photos of the accident
- Police report from the accident
Accidents often increase car insurance rates, so once your claim is fully processed, you might want to shop around to ensure you’ve got the best rates on the coverage you want. Try the number one rated car insurance app,
Jerry
. Jerry compares personalized rates from the top 50 providers, including Nationwide, Allstate, and Travelers, and delivers the best deals to your phone in minutes for free. The average Jerry driver saves $879 a year on car insurance!View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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