How to File an Insurance Claim
Whether it's over the phone, online or in person, filing a claim is easy no matter how you choose to do it.
Call 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828)
The Customer Service Center will start the insurance claim process right away when you call, and help you understand what you need to do next. Plus, they're open 24/7, so even if you're on the side of the road and need a tow for your car, they can help you.
Go Online
If you'd rather start your claim online, you can do that too. After you enter the details about what happened, the Allstate claims team will help you through the claims process.
Stay Organized
Sometimes there are a lot of things to keep track of during an insurance claim. Police report numbers, repair shop numbers—just keeping track of what happened can be a headache.
Download the insurance claim worksheet for a simple way to stay organized. You can keep all the phone numbers and report numbers straight and in one place.
What Will I Be Asked?
Here's what you need to know before you file a claim—the good news is it's all basic information.
Is Everybody Okay?
If there was an accident, hopefully nobody was hurt. That's what's most important.
But if someone in your car or someone else was hurt, be sure to let us know when you call the Customer Service Center. Depending on what insurance coverage you have, the claims team will pay close attention to:
- Medical expenses from injuries to you or your passengers, family, or guests.
- Any damages you may be legally obligated to pay.
Where Is Your Vehicle Now?
If you're stuck on the side of the road or in your driveway, don't worry—we can help you get a tow truck on the scene. You can have the vehicle towed to your own mechanic or one of Allstate's recommended auto repair shops. (Be sure to check your policy or call the Customer Service Center to see whether you have towing coverage.)
What Happened?
To get your claim moving in the right direction, you'll need to give Allstate as many details as you can. A lot of them are basic, like what happened, when it happened, where it happened and how many people were involved. Having all the relevant details can help the rest of the process go faster.
Was Anything Stolen?
If there was a crime, usually the local police are involved. Hopefully, they'll be able to recover whatever was stolen. But if your vehicle was stolen and not recovered, or was damaged in the theft, Allstate will do all it can to help.
Gather the Facts
Some insurance claims are simple, some have quite a few moving pieces. Allstate helps keep it all organized for you.
If you're not at fault, you can choose to have the other insurance company handle your claim, or you can choose Allstate. We'll even try to recover the cost of any deductible amount you might have to pay.
Review Your Coverage
Before anything else, we will take a look at the parts of your policy that relate to your claim. We'll also answer your questions about what damages are covered and what deductibles you'll have to pay, if any. With that information, you can decide how to move forward.
What Type of Insurance Claim?
Allstate has different departments that specialize in specific kinds of insurance claims. So you can rest easy knowing that it'll be handled by professionals who know the kind of claim you're filing inside and out.
Schedule an Estimate
If your car was damaged, you'll need to get an estimate on the damage. Depending on the circumstances, we may recommend taking your vehicle to one of our Allstate Drive-In Centers, we can schedule a claim adjuster to go to the location of your vehicle or upon your request we can provide the names of local repair shops who participate in our Direct Repair Program called Priority Repair Option or PRO.
To help you get on with your day, scheduling a drive-in appointment will allow one of our technically qualified adjusters to complete a physical inspection of the damage to your vehicle and in most cases, provide you with an estimate at that time. To schedule your appointment, call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828).
Once you have the estimate, you can talk with your claims team about your repair options.
Do You Need a Rental Car?
If your car is going into the shop, chances are you may need something to drive. If you have Rental Reimbursement coverage on your policy, the cost of the rental could be covered, but check your policy for specific details.
If you take your car to a Priority Repair Option repair shop recommended by Allstate, getting a rental is a snap. A lot of times, they work directly with the rental company, and some even have a rental office on site. Or you're always free to get a rental car on your own.
Whose Fault Is It?
In any accident, the answer to this question is probably the one you care the most about. After we've heard your description of the accident, we'll objectively look at all the available information to help assess fault.
Depending on your coverages, the damage to your vehicle may be covered regardless of who's at fault. However you are responsible for any deductible that may apply.
If you aren't at fault in the accident, we'll pursue the at-fault party to recover your deductible amount as permitted under applicable state laws.
If you are at fault, we will handle any claims covered under your policy for damages which you are legally obligated to pay.
Was Anyone Injured?
If someone was hurt, we will handle the claim fairly and promptly.
Where Can I Get My Car Fixed?
You are always free to choose any repair shop, and Allstate will always honor your choice of where to get your car repaired. But if you don't already have a shop in mind, you can always ask us for a recommendation, and we will be happy to help you.
What Happens When My Car Goes Into the Shop
From the estimate to the repairs, Allstate helps make it as easy as dropping your vehicle off and picking it back up.
Drop It Off
Wherever you take your vehicle, we are only a phone call away. Whether it's a simple question about your claim, or you need help with your estimate, just let us know.
If your policy covers a rental car, we can also help arrange a vehicle for you. Or you're always free to get the rental on your own.
Pick It Up
By working together with you on your claim, we can help eliminate unwanted surprises once the repairs are done. Then, picking up your vehicle is as simple as getting the keys.
What Happens After My Claim is Resolved?
Even though your claim might be resolved, Allstate is there for you 24/7.
Ready to Help
If you have problems or questions about your claim, you can call your claims team or 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828) anytime.
Continous Improvement
Allstate is always working to make our claims process simpler and more efficient. As part of that effort, we survey our customers about their claims experience and the quality of service delivered by our recommended shops.
What if I Still Have Questions After My Vehicle is Repaired?
It's possible that the accident left your vehicle with damage that wasn't apparent at the time of the estimate. If additional damage from the accident is discovered after the initial estimate, don't worry.
A member of the claims team will work with your repair shop to confirm the additional damage. If they confirm the damage is related to the accident, we'll work with the shop to reach an agreement on the additional repairs.
What if Someone Else is Responsible for My Damages?
In a situation like this, you have options. You can make a claim under your policy for any covered damages, or you can file your claim with the other person's insurance company.
If you choose to file a claim with Allstate, you might have to pay a deductible. Then, we'll work to recover the money paid under your insurance policy from the person who is at fault (or his or her insurance company) as permitted under the applicable state laws.