What Happens During the Claims Process?

Whether you’ve been in a fender-bender or a major accident, filing an auto insurance claim with Allstate is easy.

Being in an accident is stressful enough. And when you’re filing an insurance claim, the last thing you want is more complication. Which is why Allstate has made the process as easy and streamlined as possible.

First Steps

You can begin the process in any of three ways:

• Call 1-800-Allstate® and follow the prompts,
• Log on to Allstate’s Customer Care Center (the process will take about 15 minutes), or
• Call your Allstate agent

Talking to Your Allstate Insurance Adjuster

However you choose to contact Allstate, it’s wise to put your claim in motion as soon as possible after the accident or event. Have your policy number close at hand, and, ideally, you should have detailed answers to the following important questions.

What Happened in the Accident or Event?
Be ready to give a detailed description of what happened, how it happened, and exactly when it happened (including the day, date, and time).

Who Was Driving?
If you weren’t driving your car at the time of the accident, be prepared to give your Allstate adjuster any important details about the driver, including the driver’s name, contact number, and their relationship to you.

Were There any Passengers in the Car? If So, How Many?
If there were passengers in the car, make sure you know the total number of people, as well as their full names and contact information.

Were Others Involved?
Depending on the accident, this could include the driver of the other vehicle(s), any and all passengers in the other car(s) involved, pedestrians, passers-by, or other injured parties.

Is Your Car Damaged?
Whether the damage is major or minor, you’ll need to schedule an appointment to have your adjuster inspect it. (Allstate offers three ways you can do this. Keep reading.)

Are Attorneys Already Involved?
Sometimes attorneys are brought onto a case by other parties involved. Be sure to alert Allstate if an attorney is already assigned to your accident. Be ready to provide the attorney’s information, if you have it.

Vehicle Inspection

In order for Allstate to properly assess any damages you’ve suffered, your adjuster will need to inspect your vehicle. Allstate gives you three easy inspection choices:

Drive-In
If your car’s drivable, take it to any of Allstate’s inspection facilities. In some cases, an adjuster will assess the damage and give you a check right then and there.

PRO Shop
Allstate’s Priority Repair Option (PRO) allows you to drive or tow your car to any shop that has a PRO-Shop relationship with Allstate. PRO shops offer worry-free, turnkey repair: they’ll work with your adjuster, file all the necessary paperwork, and guarantee repairs for the life of your vehicle.

Your Favorite Mechanic
Or, take your car to your favorite mechanic. Let your adjuster know where the car’s being fixed, and Allstate will inspect your car there at the shop.

Details and Supplements

Make sure you know the details of your unique policy: a rental car or tow may not be included in your coverage. (Check your Policy Declarations.) Alternately, if you have Towing and Labor Costs and Rental Car Reimbursement, your adjuster will set you up with a tow and a rental car during your call.

If additional labor and repairs are needed after your Allstate adjuster has inspected your vehicle, no need to worry—a supplement will be filed by the shop to cover any additional, covered costs.

Wrapping it Up

For additional information on the claims process, feel free to check our Claims FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions). Register with Allstate’s Customer Care Center and you’ll not only be able to track your claim online, you’ll also be able to access your policy, view letters, check on your premium payments, and much more. It’s just another reason why, at Allstate, you’re in Good Hands®.