Accidents happen, even to the safest of drivers. If you’re lucky enough to have never filed an auto insurance claim before, it can be a bit overwhelming. But at The Hartford, we’re here 24/7 to help you file a claim. Car insurance claims need to be filed, whether the accident was your fault, a hit and run or an accident with an uninsured motorist. When you report a claim, your insurance company will review your documentation, such as pictures from the scene of the accident or a police report. Then, if it’s a covered loss on your policy, you will receive payment. By filing a claim, your insurance premium may go up, depending on the severity.
Just because you’ve been in an accident doesn’t necessarily mean you need to immediately file a claim. In fact, you may choose not to file a claim if the repairs are less than your insurance deductible. In that case, you may want to pay out of pocket instead of notifying your insurance company.
There are several factors to calculate insurance rates, and car accidents are one of them. Depending on the type of claim, your insurance premium may increase after reporting an incident, especially if it was severe or resulted in a high payout.
If you find yourself asking, “What are the steps of the insurance claims process?” then you’ve come to the right place. If you need to make a car insurance claim, it’s nice to know that with The Hartford, you have someone working for you to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. Customers consistently give us high ratings for their claims experience.*
Here’s how the AARP ® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford 1 can help you:ahead of time can save you time and hassle. No matter what, you can always reach The Hartford by phone or online. Our representatives are available 24/7 to help you file a claim. Once you’ve reported your claim, they’ll start working to resolve it as quickly and smoothly as possible.
There are several ways to contact The Hartford and file a car insurance claim:After you report your car accident, you will have a professional claims representative assigned to help you throughout the process. Your insurance adjuster will help document details of the incident and may ask you about injuries, witnesses and property damage or damage to the vehicle. They will confirm your contact information so we can reach you directly by phone when necessary. Having a personal claims rep will ensure the process is as simple as possible, and they may even request that you take and submit photos using our guided online tool to help show your car’s damage.
You may be asked to take and share your own photos of your vehicle using our guided online tool. These photos help start the process of documenting the accident and the damages done to your car.
A key part of the auto insurance claims process is fully understanding your insurance information and knowing what to expect. This includes things like knowing how long you have to submit a claim, what your deductible is, how the claim might impact your premium, if your coverage includes rental reimbursement and more details about your policy.
For example, even if you have full coverage car insurance, you may have just enough to meet state requirements as opposed to opting into more coverage. It's also important to understand your collision insurance, which helps cover the costs to replace or repair your car if you’re in an accident with another vehicle or involving an object, like a fence or a tree. This is different than comprehensive coverage which covers incidents involving theft, vandalism, hitting an animal, an object falling on your car and natural disasters.
We are here to help and want to make the claims process easy for you. With AARP ® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford, if you ever have questions or want to know what to expect next, you can contact your claims representative. Likewise, you can check on the status and track your auto claim online anytime.
Get a Quote Discover discounts and benefits with the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford. Retrieve a Quote Discover discounts and benefits with the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford.Use one of our optional preferred repair shops, and we will back their workmanship for as long as you own or lease your vehicle. Let us help you locate the best auto repair shop for your vehicle.
Our auto glass program works with more than 12,000 glass installers. Repairs can usually be performed at your home or office. Let The Hartford assist you with finding a reputable glass repair shop.
If you need a rental car after an auto accident, The Hartford can help arrange one for you at the time you report your claim.
We are here to help you anytime day or night with 24/7, 365 days a year roadside assistance at 800-322-7789. Just let us know your name, location, The Hartford auto insurance policy number, and the nature of your problem.
The four phases of the car insurance claim lifecycle are generally known as adjudication, submission, payment and processing. Adjudication is when you submit your proof of loss documents to your insurance company, who will then determine payment. The submission phase follows, where you will work with your representative in case anything additional is needed. Lastly, the payment and processing phases go together, but processing is highlighted in case it takes long for payment to be received, which can happen depending on the significance of the claim.
Getting an estimate before filing a claim may help you decide if you want to pay out of pocket instead of filing an insurance claim if the damage is minor.
Yes, if someone files an insurance claim, they can decide to cancel it but only within a certain timeframe.
We’ve earned a reputation for integrity and trust. That’s why our customers have consistently given us high ratings for our car insurance claim service.*
Read our customers’ car insurance reviews and see what they think about our program, claims experience and customer service.
“I rented a car and didn't get the car insurance from the rental company and of course some one backed into the rental car and damaged the trunk lid. And Hartford took care of it for me.”
“My agent Gem contacted me within an hour after filing my claim online … This was the easiest and most convenient company I have ever had my car insurance with. Thank you, Gem and Hartford.”
“I never had to use car insurance before and I'm 53, they explained everything and did what they said. Made it very easy.”
“First Timer”
“We were side swiped by another vehicle on our way to a show. Rattled and upset, my insurance agent was able to keep us calm and was very attentive to all our needs … I'll definitely recommend Hartford to anyone who's looking for a cheaper and reliable car insurance.”
“I will definitely recommend this insurance to others looking for reliable car insurance. I am now in the process of having my car repaired and I look forward to that.”
“We were so glad we had Hartford for our car insurance. Someone backed into our car and left the scene. Our agent was quick to respond, and got us taken care of. Used our trusted auto repair shop, and our car looks perfect! Thank you Hartford!”
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Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. Home product is not available in all areas, including the state of FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.
