The Complete Insurance Claims Checklist After a Car Accident

Keep Your Claim on Track With Our Insurance Claims Checklist

Insurance Claims Checklist

Use this checklist to protect yourself after an accident, organize your claim, and avoid common documentation mistakes that can create problems later.

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Before Leaving The Scene

Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone may be hurt

Move to a safe location if possible

Call police if required or if there is disagreement

Photograph all vehicles involved

Photograph license plates and VIN labels

Photograph insurance cards and driver licenses

Get names and phone numbers of witnesses

Write down location, time, and road conditions

Save dashcam footage if available

Do not admit fault or guess about what happened

Within The First 24 Hours

Open the insurance claim

Write down the claim number

Record the adjuster name and phone number

Start a communication log

Save tow receipts and storage information

Save rental car paperwork if provided

Take more photos in daylight if needed

Write a short summary of what happened while it is fresh

Save all emails and text messages

Create an accident file folder

Before Repairs Begin

Get a copy of the insurance estimate

Get a copy of the shop estimate if available

Take complete photos before repairs start

Ask whether hidden damage may be found during teardown

Ask who handles supplements with the insurance company

Ask whether OEM repair procedures will be reviewed

Ask whether scans or calibrations may be needed

Understand your rental coverage and limits

Save any repair authorization documents

Do not throw away the original estimate

During Repairs

Save every supplement estimate

Save photos of additional damage if provided

Track rental extensions and denials

Document parts delays

Record every conversation with insurer and shop

Ask for updates in writing when possible

Save messages about repair delays

Ask what changed from the original estimate

Watch for disputes over hidden damage

Keep all receipts for out-of-pocket costs

After Repairs Are Complete

Save the final repair order

Save the final invoice

Save warranty paperwork

Save scan reports if provided

Save calibration documentation if provided

Photograph completed repairs

Compare final invoice to the original estimate

Ask what supplements were approved

Keep all claim documents together

Do not discard paperwork after pickup

EstiVerify Pro Tip: Speaking With State Farm?

When speaking with a State Farm claims representative, always ask for their alias and record it in your communication log along with the date and time of the conversation.

State Farm representatives are often identified internally by their alias rather than their full name. Having the alias can help verify who you spoke with if questions arise later about claim decisions, approvals, supplements, rental extensions, or status updates.

Communication Log

Date	Time	Person / Company	What Was Discussed

Received an insurance estimate?

Upload it for a Free Estimate Score and see whether important repair items may be missing.

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Quick Decision Estimate

Not sure whether to accept a cash-out or file a full claim?

Our Quick Decision Estimate gives you fast clarity.
You upload photos, and our certified estimators build an unbiased repair assessment using real OEM procedures.
We show the true cost of repairs so you can see if the cash-out offer is fair — before you make a costly decision.