What You Should Know
- For most car insurance claims, getting payment takes a few weeks
- If your claim involves injuries, multiple vehicles, or a lawsuit, it may take longer
- To get compensation as quickly as possible, share detailed information with your adjuster
The circumstances of an accident and the laws in your state can affect the time it takes to get paid for a car insurance claim. In addition, making a claim and waiting for a decision and payment sometimes feels stressful. So how long does it typically take for USAA to process an auto insurance claim?
Fortunately, learning about the claim process can make things faster and easier. In this article, we’ll discuss how long the claim process takes for USAA, how to file an auto insurance claim, and how the claim process works.
How Long the Claim Process Takes for USAA
How long does it take for an auto insurance company to pay out a claim? The most straightforward claims are made in less than a day, and more complex claims could take a few months. Many states limit the amount of time a company can take to process a claim, as well.
If you have collision coverage and another driver was at fault, USAA will pay for your repairs. Then, it will contact the other person’s insurance company and negotiate reimbursement. You can usually get your deductible back from the other company.
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance or refuses to share their information, you can use uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. It pays your deductible and repair expenses, letting you avoid a potentially stressful lawsuit.
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How the USAA Claim Process Works
USAA offers some of the best, most affordable full coverage auto insurance, and its claim process is relatively straightforward.
You can make a claim by calling the phone number on your insurance card, visiting the USAA website, or using the USAA mobile app. A USAA claims representative will ask you what happened and any damage or injuries you received.
Be prepared to provide the police report, the other driver’s insurance information, and any other documentation or facts that could be helpful. You can choose any mechanic for repairs, but USAA-preferred shops offer:
- A lifetime warranty
- An Enterprise Rent-a-Car facility nearby or onsite
- An estimate that’s available through the USAA Mobile App or usaa.com
- Payments made directly to the mechanic
If you select another mechanic, USAA will send you an electronic payment or check. For example, if you have a lease or someone else also owns your vehicle, the payment could also contain the name of that company or individual.
Understanding How Long a USAA Claim Could Take
Every auto insurance claim is unique, and there’s no way to predict exactly how long each will take. If you have auto rental coverage, USAA will pay for a rental until your vehicle is repaired or replaced.
To complete your claim quickly, speak with your insurance adjuster often and share as much information about the accident as possible.
Finding out more about USAA’s auto insurance claims process can help you compare your options, get affordable instant auto insurance quotes, and select a policy that suits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
After an accident, what should I do?
If your car is damaged or you become injured, you should:
- Use your hazard lights and pull over in a safe spot.
- Contact the police.
- Take photos of both vehicles, where the crash happened, and any physical injuries.
- Get the other driver’s license plate number and insurance information if possible.
- See a mechanic if needed.
Your health insurance coverage will cover most injuries, and USAA may help with additional expenses.
Can I wait to make a claim?
In most states, you can wait at least two years before filing an auto insurance claim. This is because symptoms may not appear immediately after an injury, and you may need to wait until your treatment is complete to provide a claim amount.
However, filing a claim sooner can help you and any witnesses remember important facts and get all the payment you deserve.
Will making a claim increase my rates?
Most of the time, an auto insurance claim will increase your rates, even if the accident was another driver’s fault. USAA offers accident forgiveness at no charge for anyone with USAA insurance and no previous accidents for at least five years.
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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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