How Much Time Do You Have to File an Insurance Claim after a Car Accident?

You’ve recently been involved in a car accident and now you need to file a car insurance claim. That’s no fun, and we sympathize. It’s understandable that while you’re trying to recover from the shock, anger and stress, you might not be able to recall when you need to phone your insurance company. That’s why we’ve put together this handy state-by-state guide for when you just need answers, fast.

What Is the Time Limit to File an Insurance Claim after a Car Accident?

The short answer is, it depends on your state. All states have their own dictated time frames for filing various insurance claims—the fancy official term for this is “statute of limitations.” Basically, each state has its own set of rules you need to follow in order to get everything reported and in motion before it’s too late.

It’s possible that your car insurance company will have its own recommendations for when to file a claim after an accident (it’s usually ASAP), but you really have until your state’s mandatory time limit to do so. Some states have varying time frames for different types of claims, so that’s another important detail to study in regard to your location.

Statutes of limitation typically fall within a 1-year to 10-year range for reporting different types of car insurance claims. Of course, just because you have the option to wait longer to file a claim doesn’t mean you should. Claims made years after an incident may flag an insurance company to potentially conduct a more extensive investigation and be less likely to believe your story. To reduce the risk of being denied reimbursement, it’s always a safer bet to file your claim ASAP.

Here’s a look at a breakdown of state-by-state statutes of limitation for filing car insurance claims. Note the states that have different deadlines for bodily injury and property damage claims.

Once you’ve got your time limit locked down, it’s important to schedule a date to get in touch with your insurance company. Allow yourself plenty of time to gather everything you need, such as the other driver’s information and a recap of the incident, before calling them. Also, be aware that the claims process may vary depending on whether you live in a “fault” or “no-fault” state, so it’s important to check out your local government’s website (or pay your local branch a visit in person) for more details.

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What Is the Time Limit to Report a Car Accident?

So now you understand your state’s time frame for filing an insurance claim, but what about reporting the accident itself? While a good rule of thumb is to report any and all accidents ASAP if your car so much as sneezes on another, it’s important to know your state’s specific deadlines. Your state may require reporting to the DMV or the police directly from the scene or immediately following the accident, or it may have different guidelines depending on the extent of the damage.

In certain states, minor accidents that will not result in any car insurance claims may not need to be reported. It’s important to note, however, that most states require you to report accidents that cause injury, death, or at least $1,000 in property damage. Contacting the police right after an accident occurs is typically the smartest move, since certain injuries aren’t obvious while on the scene. Having a police report will also help your case when filing a report with your DMV, and if you choose to file a car insurance claim down the road.

Here’s a look at the state-by-state breakdown of time limits for reporting a car accident. Note that many states have different stipulations depending on the extent of the damage.

Whatever your state’s time limit for reporting an accident, it’s always a good practice to do so while the details are still fresh in your mind. Car accidents are stressful enough in the first place, but taking action early is one way to potentially limit any hassles in the aftermath. Plus, the earlier you report the accident, the faster official investigation can begin, and the sooner you can potentially receive reimbursement from your car insurance policy.