If you're reading this, you were probably just in an accident. You've already been to the doctor, your car is in the shop, you're dealing with pain, and someone needs to cover these costs.
Here's how it actually works.
Filing a claim with the other driver's insurance
Start with the insurance information the other driver gave you at the scene. This will usually be on an insurance card and will clearly list the insurance company name and a policy number.
You have two options: call the insurance company directly, or visit their website and file the claim online. When filing the claim, you will typically need the date of the accident and the policy number.
If there was a police report
If you did not exchange insurance information at the scene but a police report was made, you can still file a claim once the report becomes available.
Police reports often take several business days to be completed. When you receive it, the insurance information for each driver will be listed in the report. In most cases, the driver police believe was at fault is listed first, so their insurance information is usually on the first few pages.
Save your claim number
Once the claim is opened, the insurance company will assign a claim number. Save this number. The claim number is how the insurance company tracks the accident, and it will be used by the insurance adjuster handling your file.
If you hire us later, this is the number you will give to Claimcollect so we can step in and take over communication for that specific claim. You can file the claim yourself and send us the claim number, or we can file it on your behalf. Either option works.
What if you were hit by a work truck or commercial vehicle?
If you were hit by a large truck, a work truck, or a vehicle with company branding, the process can be more complicated.
These cases usually involve commercial insurance policies, and the insurance company listed on the card is not always the company that actually handles the claim. In many situations, commercial claims are managed by third-party administrators rather than the insurance company that issued the policy.
Filing a claim with the wrong entity can delay things or cause confusion. This is where it's best to get guidance. We can identify the correct company, confirm coverage, and make sure the claim is filed properly from the beginning.
The bottom line
Filing an insurance claim is often straightforward for standard auto accidents, but complications can arise quickly depending on the type of vehicle involved and the insurance coverage.
If you're unsure whether you're filing the claim correctly, or if you were hit by a commercial vehicle, talking it through early can prevent delays and mistakes. That's what we're here for.