How does car insurance work when you're not at fault?

You should still inform your insurance company in the event of an accident, even if it's not your fault. You may still have to file a claim, and while it may still result in a rate increase, it will be a fraction of what an at-fault accident would add on to your premiums.

What should you not do when making an insurance claim?

Failure to document, follow up, or meet deadlines can lead to slow processing times or, in some cases, a denial of your claim.

When and How to File a Car Insurance Claim [Calculator]

If the repair cost is less than your deductible, don't file a claim.
Always get an estimate before filing a claim to help inform your decision.

The Zebra's handy claims calculator can help you decide whether filing a claim is right for you.

Use our claims calculator

Winter weather alerts in your area

Severe winter weather can impact auto insurance claims. Drivers are generally expected to take reasonable steps to limit additional damage after an accident or breakdown, when it’s safe to do so, such as moving a vehicle out of the roadway. Insurers may pause new policies or coverage changes during major weather events. See our winter driving tips for more guidance.

By Renata Balasco

Updated January 23, 2026

Reviewed By Beth Swanson

Edited By Kristine Lee

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Should I file a claim? [Calculator]
How to file a car insurance claim
Impact of claims on car insurance rates
What if a claim is denied?
FAQs

Should I file an auto insurance claim?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a few simple factors can help you decide.

➡️ If the damage is minor and no one else was involved, start by getting a repair estimate. When the repair costs less than your deductible plus a possible rate increase (which can affect premiums for years), paying out of pocket often makes more sense.

➡️ If the damage is significant or another driver was involved, filing a claim is typically the right move. Your insurer can manage estimates, repairs, and any liability issues.

Use the list below to weigh your options and choose the path that fits your situation.

Yes, file a claim:

If anyone is injured
If fault is unclear in the collision
If your vehicle is deemed a significant or total loss

No, don't file a claim

Minor damages that cost less than or equal to your deductible
Situations where an increase in your insurance rate outweighs the benefit of filing a claim

Still unsure? Follow this guide:

Start with property damage.
→ Get a repair estimate from a trusted local mechanic.
Check how a claim could impact your rates.
→ Our data indicates that a collision claim could raise premiums by 25-50% on average, for a period of three years.^[1]
Do the math.
→ Compare your repair estimate to your deductible and your projected premium increase (spread over three years).

Use the claims calculator to determine whether filing a claim is right for your circumstances.

The calculator above looks at the parameters of your accident and details of your insurance coverage, and provides a comparison of the out-of-pocket expenses vs. insurance rate increases. Upon completion, you’ll receive our recommendation on how to move forward. Our recommendation is only guidance and shouldn’t substitute for advice from your insurer.

The calculator is intended to show you an estimate of how much you may pay in insurance premiums if any of the selected events occur. Although the calculator is based on actual premiums for insurance sold in your area, there are several reasons why your calculator results may not match your actual premiums that pertain to further specifics not captured in the calculation. Please contact your carrier if you are unsure if you should file a claim.

Note: Completing this calculator will not impact your rates as we are not providing your results to carriers.

How to file a car insurance claim

Filing a claim is usually straightforward. The Insurance Information Institute and most insurers recommend contacting your company immediately after a car accident—either by phone or via their mobile app.^[2]

💡 Zebra tip: Take plenty of photos and videos after an accident. You may not need them all, but it's better for your insurer to have more visuals of the damage than not enough.

Report the accident

Call your insurer or use their mobile apps to report the incident and upload photos of the vehicle damage.

Submit required documents

Share any requested forms, including a police report if available.

Ask about rental car reimbursement

Check if your policy covers rental cars or alternate transportation while your vehicle is in the shop. This may be part of your coverage—or an add-on worth considering.

💡Pro tips after an accident

Call the police

Filling out a police report is a great way to document the facts of the accident.

Don't admit fault

Resist the urge to apologize, as even a simple “sorry” can imply guilt—let the insurers sort out fault.

File quickly

Stick to your insurer’s deadlines to avoid delays or denial.

Agent insight: Cosmetic damage claims

"Deciding whether to file a claim is highly personal and depends on the situation. For example, a $500 paint scratch might matter more to one person than another. It's important to consider deductibles and whether the claim's long-term impact on premiums outweighs the out-of-pocket repair cost. If it's cosmetic and affordable to fix independently, avoiding a claim can help maintain better rates over time. Also, claims get reported to Carfax, which can lower the resale value of your car."

-Erick Sosa, Licensed agent and manager at The Zebra

How much will my rates increase after a claim?

On average, filing a claim can raise your insurance rates by 25% to 50%, though the exact increase depends on your insurer and sometimes your state.^[1] If your policy includes accident forgiveness, that first rate hike might be waived entirely.

Average auto insurance rate increases after claims

Updating data...

Source: The Zebra

Average auto insurance rate increases after an accident by company

Updating data...

Company	No claims	One at-fault accident	% Difference
Allstate	$1,556	$2,426	56%
American Family	$811	$1,159	43%
Farmers	$1,261	$1,794	42%
GEICO	$939	$1,448	54%
Nationwide	$1,189	$2,018	70%
Progressive	$1,098	$1,746	59%
State Farm	$1,213	$1,536	27%
Travelers	$766	$1,120	46%
USAA	$867	$1,229	42%

Source: The Zebra

In this table, the "After claim" values are the average of all at-fault accident cost estimates.

What to do if your claim is denied

If you have a car insurance claim you feel was unfairly denied, you are not alone. Over 75% of people have experienced an insurance claim denial at some point.^[3] There are some actions you can take. Have a look at the options below:

✔️ Appeal to your insurer: Start with a formal appeal. Include all evidence—police reports, photos, and your policy info.

✔️ Contact your state: If the insurer won’t budge, reach out to your state’s insurance department. Many offer consumer support or complaint processes.

✔️ Hire an attorney: For serious disputes, legal help can uncover why your claim was denied and possibly reverse the decision.

Why would a car insurance claim be denied?

Claims can be denied for a number of reasons—often due to policy violations or delays. Here are the most common:

Fraud: Lying to your insurer can lead to denied claims, dropped coverage, or even legal trouble.
Insufficient coverage: Your insurer won’t pay beyond your policy limits. For example, you need comprehensive coverage to file a claim for hitting a deer.
Excluded drivers: If someone not covered (or explicitly excluded) drives your car, your insurer won’t cover damages.
Delays in reporting: Waiting too long to file or seek medical care can result in a denial. Act quickly after any car accident.
Non-payment of premiums: Miss a payment and your coverage could lapse—meaning no payout.
DUI/DWI: Driving under the influence may void your coverage for a car accident.

⚠️ What if the claim amount isn't enough?

The claim payout amount should reflect the cost to repair your car or, in some cases, its actual cash value. If the amount your insurer offers seems too low, ask for a breakdown of how it was calculated and provide documentation that supports a higher value.

This can include repair estimates, details about your vehicle’s trim or edition, and proof of aftermarket additions that increase its value. Photos or records from before the damage can also help ensure the claim amount accurately reflects your car.

How to file a car insurance claim: FAQs

Although car insurance claims are specific to the exact incident, there are some general questions we can answer. You can also reach out to one of our licensed agents to chat about your individual situation.

How long do I have to file an auto insurance claim?

First, it's important to file a claim immediately after an accident. In theory, you have some time after an accident to file a claim — depending on your state and the type of claim. Although every state provides some cushion, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to ensure claim payment.

Is it worth it to file an insurance claim?

It's not worth it if the cost to repair the damage is below your deductible, since you pay that out of pocket anyway. If you've got major damage that is going to be very expensive to fix (or the car is totaled), then it's usually worth filing a claim. Our car insurance claim calculator can help you decide.

How long do car insurance claims take?

It depends. Simple claims can wrap up in a week or two, while more complex ones—like those involving unclear fault or medical bills—may take months. Most states give insurers around 30 days to investigate, but timelines can vary. Delays are also common during severe weather events. To speed things up, file promptly and include all required documents.

Does your auto insurance go up when you file a claim?

Yes, usually it does go up. Some types of claims lead to larger rate increases than others. For example, an at-fault collision claim will likely affect your rates more seriously than a comprehensive claim from weather damage.

What's the downside of filing an insurance claim?

You'll have a claim on your record, which can make it harder to get cheap coverage later on. Generally, one claim isn't going to make you high-risk, but if you make multiple claims, this is a red flag to insurance companies, and you'll pay significantly more than a driver with no claims. Another downside is that it can take time to process a claim. Every company handles things differently, so you may not get money right away. Sometimes it's easier to handle minor repairs yourself to get back on the road quickly.

How many accidents before insurance drops you?

This depends on the company, as well as other factors that go into calculating your risk. However, the more claims or accidents you have, the more likely you are to get non-renewed by your insurance company. It's a good idea to communicate with your agent or a customer service representative if you have specific questions. Typically, you'll be able to have a couple of claims (depending on the severity) before you're dropped, but because every claim and company is different, there isn't a specific answer.

Get the auto insurance coverage you need today.

Sources

Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
How to file an auto insurance claim. Insurance Information Institute
Monthly user surveys via the Marble App. The Zebra

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.