On this page
- When to file a car insurance claim
- Here's a step-by-step guide to filing a claim
- What are the documents needed for a car insurance claim?
- How long does a car insurance claim take?
- Wrap up for how to file a car insurance claim
It was an unusually bitter winter morning in Winnipeg when it dawned on Victoria that her drive to work would not be smooth.
At some point, the frozen roads had betrayed her; she lost control of her car, hit a traffic divider, and crushed her front bumper.
Thankfully, no one was injured, but Victoria was left staring at a massive mess of twisted metal and grappling with conflicting thoughts about how to file a car insurance claim.
She called her insurer and he guided her through the process, but she later admitted that keeping a roadmap in her car might have helped her avoid the accident.
Imagine a scenario where you find yourself in Victoria’s shoes or a similar situation, knowing the auto insurance claim process can make a huge difference.
You probably have a lot of questions about car insurance claims. Let’s discuss the details of situations where filing a claim is necessary, the necessary steps to take when submitting a car insurance claim, essential paperwork you’ll need, and also common missteps to avoid.
When to file a car insurance claim
At times, it can be quite tempting to speed dial your insurer at the notice of every minor scratch or dent, especially if you use a car that’s invaluable to you or your business, a new car or an expensive car.
The first thing to note is that not every bump or blemish warrants a formal claim. However, there are several situations where you should simply contact your insurer. Let’s look at some of these situations.
1. After an accident or collision
If you’re involved in a collision, even with no visible damage, you should seriously consider lodging a car accident claim. Usually, the absence of visible damage doesn’t mean there’s no damage at all.
2. Vehicle theft or vandalism
A stolen or vandalized vehicle absolutely warrants filing an insurance claim. But note that for some policies, only certain types of coverage will apply. The Insurance Bureau of Canada advises notifying your insurer as soon as possible after you discover the theft or damage.
3. Weather-related damage
Canada’s climate can be brutal at times. Suppose your car is damaged by hail, wind, flooding, or other weather-related events, and your policy covers “specified perils” or comprehensive damage. In that case, you should file a vehicle insurance claim.
Other scenarios may also trigger a valid claim, such as glass breakage, falling objects, or fire. The important thing is to know whether your policy explicitly covers those risks.
Even the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) often reminds the insured to regularly review their coverage, check for exclusions, and confirm any claim submission deadlines.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a claim
Do you remember Victoria? As instructed by her insurer, let’s discuss the steps she took when she filed her car insurance claim.
Make sure everyone’s safe and call emergency services if needed
Immediately after an accident, the priority is everyone’s safety. Turn off the car, check for injuries, and call 911 if anyone needs help. If it’s safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic.
If necessary, try calling the police. Having an official police report and an officer present will strengthen your car insurance claim.
Collect information and document the scene
As soon as you get the chance, start gathering as much information as possible. If you can, use your phone safely to take photos of all vehicles involved, damage, road conditions, and any contributing factors, such as skid marks, ice, or other factors you suspect caused the accident.
You can never go wrong with exchanging contact details with other drivers, e.g., names, vehicle registration numbers, driver’s licenses, and insurance information.
Speak to witnesses and, if possible, note down their contact information and what they saw. Record the time, date, and location, as well as weather, speed, and any relevant conditions.
Contact your insurance company
Reach out to your insurer right away to report the claim. According to IBC, it’s best to report the collision within 48 to 72 hours. Most insurers have dedicated claim lines, and some even offer 24/7 service.
When calling, you’ll likely need to provide your policy number, a description of what happened, the names and policy details of any other involved parties, photos, witness information, and the location of the accident or theft…or any other insured event.
Alternatively, some insurers let you start the process online or through their mobile app.
Submit claim documents and forms
Once you alert your insurer, they’ll ask you to fill out some forms. This often includes a formal “proof of loss” or your own written declaration.
Complex or business-related claims are usually more detailed, and you may also need to provide a police accident report, photos from the scene, repair estimates or damage assessments, and your vehicle registration and driver’s license.
Work with an adjuster
Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to inspect the damage to the vehicle and any other affected assets, they’ll investigate liability, and verify what your policy covers.
They’ll also analyze your documents, talk to any witnesses, and review reports. Based on their final evaluation, they’ll recommend whether to repair the vehicle, declare a total loss, or settle in some other way.
Receive settlement and repair your vehicle
Once your claim is approved, the insurer will give you a payout. If the car is declared a write-off, they’ll pay you the car’s value as of when it hadn’t sustained damage, minus your deductible.
However, if you choose to repair the vehicle, it’s best to work with a workshop. Some insurers will direct you to a preferred shop, but you usually have the option to choose any other workshop.
Depending on your insurer, they may pay the repair shop directly or pay you to then cover the costs. If your policy includes rental coverage, arrange for a rental car while yours is being fixed.
What are the documents needed for a car insurance claim?
Having the right paperwork ready can speed up your auto insurance claim process. Let’s list some standard paperwork used in most car insurance claim processes.
- Your insurance policy number
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Accident or police report
- Photos or videos of damages
- Repair estimates, you can get this through a mechanic or adjuster’s inspection.
- Witness statements
To maximize your chances of a smooth, stress-free car insurance claim, it’s often advised that you keep detailed records of the whole process.
Log every call, email, and conversation with your insurer. Note names, times, and what was said. Also, know your policy. Make sure you understand your coverage, your deductible, and any exclusions before submitting.
Every insurance policy has fine print. If you don’t know what’s not covered, you may be surprised when the insurer denies or limits your claim.
How long does a car insurance claim take?
This is by far one of the most common questions asked after submitting a car accident claim. Understandably, this is often because the insured would prefer to recover their loss as soon as possible.
With respect to standard timelines for insurance claims approval, there’s no “one size fits all” answer. Generally, many insurers aim to review initial claim submissions within a few days.
For simpler claims, you might get an offer or decision within a couple of weeks. Complex claims, especially those involving injury, investigation, or total loss, may take several weeks or more.
At times, certain factors may delay the process. The most common among these factors are incomplete documentation, third-party involvement, and disputed liability or fault.
Wrap up for how to file a car insurance claim
Figuring out how to file a car insurance claim doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In situations where the claims process doesn’t go smoothly, even after doing the needful, you can always file a complaint.
Every Canadian insurer has a formal complaint process. According to the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, you can escalate to your insurer’s ombudsperson or your provincial insurance regulator if you’re not satisfied.
Keep in mind that your insurance policy, your rights, and even the insurer’s procedures all decide how your claim process plays out. It’s really not about paperwork alone; it’s about making sure you’re always protected and fairly compensated.
FAQs about how to file a car insurance claim
Filing a claim may lead to higher premiums when you renew, especially if it affects your risk profile.
Even if you share fault, you can still submit a car accident claim. Your adjuster will assess how fault is divided and how that affects coverage, bearing in mind the terms of your policy.
Usually, yes. Many insurers have a network of “preferred” shops, but you can often choose your own. However, using an insurer’s preferred shop may simplify the auto insurance claim process.
You may have to rely on your own policy’s coverage. In some provinces, you can make a “no fault” claim under your own insurance, or use underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, if your policy includes it.
While it’s not always compulsory, it’s highly recommended. A police report provides an official, impartial account of what happened which strengthens your vehicle insurance claim. It’s especially useful when fault or liability is disputed.