What You Should Know
- To file a successful auto insurance claim with USAA, you’ll need to collect detailed information
- Understanding your policy and the auto insurance claims process can also be helpful
- You should also know what to do if you don’t agree with USAA’s decision and next steps you can take
Before you begin an auto insurance claim with USAA, it’s a good idea to learn what information you could need to help the claim process go smoothly. With more evidence, you may be able to get a larger payment for your damages.
Finding out how to compare auto insurance quotes and checking your coverage to make sure it meets your needs can be helpful before an accident.
In this article, we’ll discuss the information you might need to file an auto insurance claim with USAA, how the claim process works, and your options if you don’t agree with USAA’s decision.
The Information You Need to Provide When Filing an Auto Insurance Claim With USAA
Having the information you need before you file your claim can help you succeed and get compensation for your damages. After an accident, pull over in a safe place, use your hazard lights, and call the police. Gather as much information as you can, including:
- Pictures of the scene of the accident scene and any injuries or damages
- A police report and the names of the officers who responded
- Contact information for other drivers, property owners, or witnesses
- Other drivers’ insurance information, license plate numbers, and driver’s license numbers
- The models, years, and VIN numbers of the other vehicles and your car
Getting statements from any other drivers or witnesses can help you learn what they might say to insurance adjusters and decide whether you should file a claim. However, you should wait for the police to arrive if other drivers seem angry.
After an accident, you can help your claim go smoothly by providing copies of any repair or medical bills to USAA.
If you have rental reimbursement or transportation expense coverage, you should also provide any bills for rental cars or other types of transportation. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance company usually pays for these expenses.
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Filing Your Claim With USAA
After an accident, you can file a claim with USAA online, through the mobile app, or by calling the number on your insurance card. A USAA claims representative will ask you about what happened, and you can provide the evidence for your claim. USAA-preferred shops offer:
- An Enterprise Rent-a-Car facility on site or nearby
- A lifetime warranty
- An estimate through usaa.com or the USAA mobile app
- Direct payments to the mechanic
When you choose a repair shop that’s not USAA preferred, you’ll get a check or an electronic payment. If someone else also owns your vehicle or it’s leased, the payment from USAA may also contain the name of that person or company.
If you don’t agree with the amount offered or USAA denies your claim, you can appeal the decision and ask your insurance adjuster to reinvestigate. However, be sure you confirm you have sufficient coverage for your claim before you file an appeal.
The Information You Need for a USAA Auto Insurance Claim
It’s critical to understand how the claim process works with USAA and the information you’ll need to provide. You can often increase the payment you receive if you’re thorough when filing your claim.
If you don’t agree with USAA’s decision, look for affordable full coverage auto insurance with another provider or consider filing an appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a USAA claim usually take?
How long your claim takes depends on how severe your damages or injuries were and how many other people and vehicles were involved. The simplest claims take less than an hour, but more complex claims can take weeks.
If you decide to appeal your claim or file a lawsuit, it could take several months. Learn how to check the status of an auto insurance claim through USAA’s website for more information.
What are the most common reasons for claim denials or low payments?
Some of the most common reasons for low payments or denials include:
- A missed payment that let your policy lapse
- An uninsured or underinsured driver contributed to the accident
- A high deductible that makes claim payments lower
- Expensive modifications to your vehicle that weren’t covered, like custom paint
If your car must be replaced, be sure you know how to negotiate a total loss auto insurance settlement.
Will a claim increase my insurance rates?
USAA doesn’t increase rates because of past claims. However, your rates could increase for other reasons, such as rising costs of repairs or replacement parts.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Farmers CSR for 4 Years
Leslie Kasperowicz holds a BA in Social Sciences from the University of Winnipeg. She spent several years as a Farmers Insurance CSR, gaining a solid understanding of insurance products including home, life, auto, and commercial and working directly with insurance customers to understand their needs. She has since used that knowledge in her more than ten years as a writer, largely in the insurance…
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