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How Long Does A Car Insurance Claim Take?

Last updated: 31/01/2025 | Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may want to make a car insurance claim to recoup your financial losses and receive compensation. But how long does the claims process take? Is there anything you can do to speed it up? Let’s explore all the factors that impact claims processing timeframes and dive into some tips to help you speed up the process. 

In This Guide:

How long do car insurance claims take to process?

The time it takes to settle car insurance claims varies on a case-by-case basis, with lots of different factors at play. Generally, you can expect simple claims to be processed in just a few days, while complex cases may take several weeks or months. However, it’s not always that straightforward. It’s important to consider the specifics of your case to establish a realistic timeframe.

A white car parked in a driveway.

Factors that influence claims processing times

The rate of car insurance claims being made and settled is at an all-time high of 2.3 million — up 10% from previous years. And, with the number of fraudulent claims also on the rise, the extra strain on insurance companies has resulted in slower settlement timeframes.

Aside from this, there are a few other factors influencing how quickly claims are processed.

How quickly you submit the claim

The earlier you make a car insurance claim, the faster insurers can get the ball rolling and begin processing it. That said, it may take some time for you to collect the information needed to launch your claim, especially if any of the involved parties are injured. 

The comprehensiveness and accuracy of claim information

If the information and evidence you provide to insurers is incomplete or inaccurate, it can cause lengthy delays. The insurance company has to chase you up for additional details, stalling the entire process. The process is much more straightforward when claims are supported by well-documented evidence and complete, accurate information.

How serious or complex the incident was

The severity and complexity of the incident are major factors that influence claims processing times.

Let’s say that your claim is relatively unambiguous. All parties emerge unscathed, there's only minor damage, the other party accepts fault, and you provided plenty of evidence. In this case, your claim may be resolved in a matter of days with little issue.

But what if your car incident was serious? 

An accident that results in significant injury or vehicle damage will take longer to resolve, as will an incident involving multiple vehicles. These types of incidents require comprehensive evidence and deeper investigation, potentially adding weeks — sometimes even months — to processing times.

Whether there are any disputes

Liability disputes complicate the claims process. If neither party accepts blame, insurers have to launch a thorough investigation into the incident, which requires a lot of information collection and analysis. The case may end up going to court, which can significantly delay the process.

What is the car insurance claims process?

Knowing how the insurance claims process works can give you a better idea of what to expect. So, let’s walk through the four main steps.

A man and a woman crouch next to the wheel of a car.

Collect information at the scene

When a car incident occurs, the number one priority is to ensure that everybody is safe. Once you’ve done that, begin collecting information to help validate your claim and speed up the process.

At the scene of the incident, you should collect:

  • The details of any other drivers involved (for example, their name, address, registration number, insurance company, and policy number). 
  • Pictures or videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, hazards, and so on. These can be taken on your mobile phone.
  • The contact details of third parties, such as passengers and witnesses. 
  • A record of the time, date, and location of the incident, along with details like weather and road conditions.
  • A crime reference number, if applicable.

File a claim

Your next step is to contact your insurance provider and file a claim. Note that some insurers request that you file claims within 24 hours. Check your policy documents and aim to file your claim as soon as possible to expedite the process.

Most providers will allow you to file a claim online or via phone through a 24/hr helpline, where you’ll speak to an insurance claims handler. You’ll be asked to provide specific information, such as an account of what happened along with the contact details of involved drivers or witnesses. In some cases, you’ll be told to take your car to an approved garage.

Provide your evidence 

Most claims require evidence to corroborate what happened. The more evidence you can gather, the faster it will take to settle your claim. 

Examples of evidence you might provide include:

  • Photographs of your injuries.
  • Photographs of car damage, such as scratches and dents, taken from multiple angles.
  • Photographs or videos of the car accident location, including the cause of the incident.
  • Medical records.
  • Police records and crime reference numbers.
  • Witness statements.

Wait for the investigation to finish

Once you’ve filed your claim, insurance adjusters will launch an investigation into the incident. 

Insurance adjusters evaluate your claim to assess its validity. They’ll review your evidence, interview witnesses, check claims against policies, and ultimately determine how liable your insurance company is. Your provider will notify you of their decision once it’s been made. If it's taking too long, contact your insurance provider and they should update you on their progress.

A man and a woman sitting on a sofa while looking at paper and a laptop.

How to speed up the claims process: top tips

For the most part, how long your claim will take to settle is down to the efficiency of your insurance provider. That said, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent delays.

  • Submit your claim as soon as possible: Aim to submit a claim within 24 hours, or as soon as possible, to kickstart the process.
  • Respond promptly to communications: Your insurance provider may contact you to request additional details. Quick responses reduce the risk of delays.
  • Provide as much information as you can: Back up your claim with multiple photographs, videos, witness statements, driver details, and other information to streamline the insurer’s evaluation process. 
  • Be honest: Be honest and transparent about all of the details of the accident. If insurance adjusters spot any discrepancies or inaccuracies in your claim, it can lead to a more thorough investigation, a voided claim, and legal consequences.
  • Get insured with the right level of coverage: Don’t wait until you have an accident to streamline your claims process. Having the right type of car insurance policy and understanding what it covers helps you prevent delays if you ever need to file. Compare car insurance quotes for different types of policies and pick the right one for you.

Key takeaways

The time it takes to settle a car insurance claim varies. There are lots of different factors at play: the severity and complexity of the incident, the volume of information you provide, and whether liability is being disputed. Clear-cut claims may be settled in a few days, while complicated, ambiguous claims may take months. 

To help the process move along faster, submit your claim quickly with lots of supporting information, taking care to be transparent with your details and responsive to requests. 

FAQ’s

What can I claim for on my insurance?

There are three different types of insurance policies: third-party insurance, third party, fire and theft insurance, and fully comprehensive insurance. What you can claim depends on which policy you have. Fully comprehensive insurance gives you the highest level of coverage, letting you claim for vehicle damages, injuries, repairs, and theft, among other things.

How long after an accident can I file a claim?

Again, this depends on the terms of your insurance policy. Generally speaking, insurance companies state that you have around three years from the date of the incident — or from the date you discovered the damage — to make a claim. Waiting too long can complicate or invalidate your claim, so it’s wise to submit it promptly.

Is it worth making a claim after an accident? 

Not always. In cases where the cost of repairs is lower than your insurance excess, it may not be worth making a claim. You also might decide not to make a claim if, by doing so, you’d lose your no-claims bonus. That said, you still need to report any incidents to your insurance provider to avoid invalidating your policy.

Could my claim be denied?

Yes, your claim might be denied. This could be because you have violated the terms of your policy, do not have the right type of coverage for the incident, have not disclosed the necessary information, or have left it too long to claim. To avoid the possibility of this happening always make sure you have a comprehensive updated policy in place.

Will making a claim increase my insurance? 

It’s highly likely that making a claim will increase the cost of your car insurance premium, regardless of who was at fault. An at-fault claim will raise the cost more than a non-fault claim, but you can expect to see some level of increase.

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