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How long should you wait to file an insurance claim after a car accident?
When should you file an insurance claim if you were in an accident? I was rear-ended a few days ago but I still haven't filed a claim. I've been pretty busy and I'd like to put it off for a few weeks if I can.
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“When it comes to filing insurance claims, the general rule is the sooner, the better.
However, different insurance companies have different policies on
how long you have to file a claim
. Some might give you a few weeks; others might give you 24 hours.Note that insurance companies need to assess your claim in order to approve or deny it. So the longer you wait, the more challenging it will be for them to investigate. As a result, you could end up with a lower payout than you deserve.
Car accidents can also leave you open to lawsuits. If the other driver feels they weren’t at fault, they’re entitled to sue. Insurance claims serve as evidence in these situations, so acting fast could help protect you legally.
But we get it—life is hectic! Luckily, insurance companies recognize that you can’t always act as fast as you’d like, so they’ve made it easier than ever to file a claim. If your provider has an app, the process could be as simple as answering a few questions and taking a few photos. You might not even have to call!
Regardless, submitting your claim as soon as possible is usually the best bet. But it may be more or less vital depending on your provider’s policy.
To find great car insurance from a company that gives you the time you need to submit your claims, try
Jerry
. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and will even help you cancel your old policy.”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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