While there are some reasons to consider delaying your claims process, it’s usually better to file as quickly as possible. Filing sooner than later is your best bet Filing multiple claims for one accident can be extremely difficult. If you immediately file a claim and then discover other problems down the road, you could miss out on coverage from your insurer. Similarly, significant damage to your vehicle that isn’t as obvious as a dented bumper could go unnoticed for some time after the accident. Why would you delay filing a claim rather than taking care of it quickly? Well, some car accident injuries may not be immediately apparent, like whiplash or internal damage. But you can file later as long as you stick within your state’s statute of limitations. Your insurance policy might encourage you to start the claims process as soon as possible. You can search your state’s laws for more information on reporting and claims deadlines or reach out to your insurance agent for help. Here are some examples of varying state time limits: California Each state will have two different time limits: one for bodily injury claims and one for property, collision and comprehensive claims. The statute of limitations for filing an insurance claim will typically be a few years. Are there rules for reporting and filing in my state?Īside from your insurance company and policy, the state you live in will have its own time limits, aka statute of limitations, for reporting an accident and filing an insurance claim. And if that doesn’t turn up any answers or you’re still unsure, reach out to your insurance agent. The best way to determine how much time you have to report an accident or file a claim is to go directly to the source.Ĭheck your policy to see if your insurer explicitly gives deadlines. But typically you have a good bit of time - upwards of three or four years. We’ll touch more on state timelines further down. But technically, you can file a claim as long as you stick to your state’s insurance laws. Your insurance policy could have a designated timeline or might say you should initiate the claims process as soon as possible. It varies based on insurance companies, your policy, and the state you live in. Once you’ve reported an accident, then you have a timeline for filing a claim.Īgain, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. So, reporting to the police within 24 hours isn’t that unreasonable. If you’re involved in an accident with another driver or a single car accident that results in property damage or personal injury, you should call 911 at the scene. But even then, your policy might include language such as “as soon as practicable.” Instead, you’re required to report accidents “promptly” or “within a reasonable time.” It’s vague but basically, it means you’re expected to do it as soon as possible.Īside from reporting the accident to the insurance company, most insurers require you report the accident to the police within a certain time limit - usually 24 hours. While the answer will vary based on your insurer and your auto insurance policy, most companies don’t give a strict window of time. How long after an accident can you file a claim?Īre there deadlines you have to deal with when reporting or filing a claim with your car insurance company? Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal answer to that question. But we’re here to help you navigate the process and understand how to deal with post-accident insurance claims. It all depends on several factors, such as the severity of your accident and your insurance company. As if car accidents aren’t bad enough on their own, you also have to figure out what comes next, like dealing with insurance.ĭepending on the severity of the accident, you might have more pressing immediate concerns, such as treating injuries or getting your car back on the road.īut even after a minor fender bender or accidentally brushing a metal pole, you’ll find yourself wondering things like: Do you need to file an insurance claim? And how long do you have to report an accident?
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