How to File an Auto Body Insurance Claim
Filing an auto body claim means telling the insurance company about the damage, then giving them the documents they ask for so they can review the repair. The claim is about the car damage. The shop does the repair. The insurer reviews coverage and payment, but you still want to understand the estimate before work starts.
If you want a step-by-step overview of the process, see How the auto body insurance claim process works.
The short answer
Call or file online with the insurer, send photos and accident details, get one or more written estimates, and wait for claim approval or instructions. Then choose a repair shop and confirm the deductible and payment terms before repairs begin.
CollisionLane is not an insurer. We are a free matching and information service. If you need help finding a local shop, you can get matched in your language.
What you need to know
A claim does not always mean the insurer picks the shop. In many cases, you can choose where the car is repaired. Ask the insurer how they want the estimate sent, and ask the shop to explain any line items you do not understand.
Helpful items to have ready:
- Policy number, if you have it
- Date, time, and place of the crash
- Other driver’s information, if available
- Photos of all damage
- Police report number, if there was one
- Towing and storage details, if applicable
If the damage is more than a dent or bumper scuff, the estimate may change after the shop opens the car up. That is normal. It is often called a supplement, which is a later update to the estimate. You can read more in What Is a Supplement in Collision Repair?.
Steps to take
- Make sure everyone is safe first. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services.
- Photograph the car from several angles, plus close-ups of the damage.
- Write down what happened while it is fresh in your mind.
- Contact your insurer and open the claim.
- Ask what documents they need and where to send them.
- Get a written repair estimate from one or more shops.
- Ask whether parts are OEM, aftermarket, or used, and what that means for your repair. See OEM vs aftermarket vs used parts for a plain-language explanation.
- Confirm your deductible, if you have one, and ask when payment is due.
- Pick the shop you trust and approve the work in writing before repairs begin.
If you are not sure which shop to use, How CollisionLane works explains how we match drivers with trusted local body shops.
Common mistakes
- Waiting too long to report the damage
- Throwing away photos, paperwork, or receipts
- Assuming the first estimate is final
- Not asking whether the shop and insurer agree on the estimate
- Starting repairs before you understand your share of the cost
- Not asking for a written estimate
- Choosing only by price, without checking the shop’s process or reputation
A low estimate is not always the best estimate. It may leave out hidden damage, paint work, sensors, or other needed parts. If you want help understanding the numbers, How to read an auto body repair estimate is a good next step.
Get matched with a shop
If you already opened the claim, the next hard part is usually finding the right shop. You want a place that can handle the type of damage you have, explain the estimate clearly, and give you a written price before work starts.
CollisionLane helps drivers compare local shops for free. We do not do the repair ourselves. We help you find a trusted shop, in your language, so you can compare options and choose with more confidence. If you want that help now, get matched with a trusted auto body shop.
Common questions
Do I have to file the claim before I get an estimate?
Usually no. In many cases, you can get a written estimate first, then file the claim or send the estimate to the insurer. Ask your insurer what they prefer.
Can I choose my own auto body shop?
Often yes, but rules can vary by policy and situation. Ask the insurer if you are free to choose, then compare shops and confirm the price before you approve repairs.
What if the repair cost changes after the shop starts work?
That can happen if hidden damage is found. The shop may need to send a supplement to the insurer. Ask for written updates and do not approve extra work until you understand the change.