Requests for monetary compensation filed by auto insurance policyholders following damage or loss to insured vehicles. Auto insurance claims may be filed by contacting the insurance company that wrote the policy, either by phone, mail, email or fax. Many insurance companies also allow customers to file auto insurance claims online.
Once received, insurers investigate auto insurance claims to determine whether or not payment is due under policy provisions. When coverage is warranted, policyholders are paid the amount of the damage, minus the deductible, for which the insured is responsible. Repairs may be made at the policyholder’s facility of choice.
When insurance companies deem cars “totaled,” or damaged beyond actual value, they pay the insured party fair market value, then auction cars off to the highest bidder at auction.
In most states, insurers have 30 days to either pay or deny claims.