What do car insurance companies check when you make a claim?

Asked by: Prof. Max Stroman  |  Last update: December 25, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (34 votes)

Ask You for Information They want a summary of how the accident occurred and will likely want to ask follow-up questions. The insurance adjuster may also ask you for additional information, including any of the following: The police accident investigation report. A police report if the police generate one.

How do insurance companies check claims?

The Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE), is the central database of motor, home, personal injury and industrial illness incidents reported by insurers which may give rise to a claim. This data is held for 6 years from the date the claim was closed.

What are red flags in insurance claims?

No witnesses to the alleged injury-producing incident. Insufficient detail was provided surrounding the injury-producing incident. Alleged injury seems inconceivable considering the work which the claimant performs. Injury is not visible (e.g., soft tissue injury)

What should you not do when making an insurance claim?

While temporary repairs are a good idea, don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before the damage is inspected. If possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster.

What information do car insurance companies have access to?

Insurance companies typically check police records mainly during the underwriting and claims investigation stages. When an individual applies for a new insurance policy or renews an existing one, insurers may request permission to access their driving record, which includes information from police records.

How Do Car Insurance Claims Work? | Claim Process in a Nutshell!

25 related questions found

How does insurance know I got into an accident?

Whether it's through police reports, the other driver filing a claim, or even witness statements, insurance companies have many ways to find out about accidents.

What data do insurance companies have access to?

Here are seven of the most important customer data types in insurance:
  • Personal information. This includes a wide range of data points and is usually collected when a customer first applies for coverage. ...
  • Policy information. ...
  • Claims history. ...
  • Payment history. ...
  • Interaction history. ...
  • Signatures. ...
  • Agent information. ...
  • Attachments.

What is the downside of filing an insurance claim?

It could increase your premiums

When determining your premiums, insurance companies consider your likelihood of filing a future claim — which could cost them money. The higher your perceived risk, the more likely you are to pay more in premiums. Your claims history tends to play a direct role.

What should you not say in a claim?

Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include:
  • “I'm sorry.”
  • “It was all/partly my fault.”
  • “I did not see the other person/driver.”

Will your insurance go up if you make a claim?

Filing an insurance claim can have long-term ramifications, such as a hike in your premium or difficulty in switching providers in the future. Certain types of claims, such as dog bites or slip-and-fall incidents, can have a significant impact on your rates and may even disqualify you from coverage with some carriers.

Why is your insurance higher if you have a red car?

The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates. Learn more about the factors that impact auto insurance pricing.

What is the red flag rule?

The Red Flags Rule requires specified firms to create a written Identity Theft Prevention Program (ITPP) designed to identify, detect and respond to “red flags”—patterns, practices or specific activities—that could indicate identity theft.

What is flag insurance?

FLAG Insurance Services offers coverage tailored for private accounting firms with 1-50 professionals. We aim to align coverage, value, and service to meet the specific needs of these firms.

How far back do insurance companies look at claims?

The answer varies depending on the state. In California, the retention period can be anywhere from two to ten years, depending on the type of procedure or healthcare provider. However, an insurance claim medical report should only look as far back as the injury in question.

What triggers an insurance investigation?

Inconsistencies and delayed claims can trigger alarm bells, leading the insurance company to closely scrutinize the legitimacy of your case. The duration of your recovery is not only critical for calculating the compensation but also for evaluating the credibility of your claim.

How to value items for an insurance claim?

Guide to Determining Personal Property Value
  1. Create an Inventory of Personal Belongings.
  2. Assess the Condition.
  3. Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value.
  4. Valuating High-Value Items.
  5. Custom or Specialty Items.
  6. Calculate Depreciation for Regular Items.
  7. Documenting Your Findings.
  8. Consult With Insurance Professionals.

What are the 3 most common mistakes on a claim that will cause denials?

Here, we discuss the first five most common medical coding and billing mistakes that cause claim denials so you can avoid them in your business:
  • Claim is not specific enough. ...
  • Claim is missing information. ...
  • Claim not filed on time (aka: Timely Filing)

What makes a claim a strong claim?

A claim must be arguable but stated as a fact. It must be debatable with inquiry and evidence; it is not a personal opinion or feeling. A claim defines your writing's goals, direction, and scope. A good claim is specific and asserts a focused argument.

What not to say when talking to an insurance adjuster?

Admitting Fault, Even Partial Fault.

Even if you think you may be partly at fault for the accident, do not discuss this with an adjuster. Avoid any language that could be construed as apologetic or blameful. Admitting any level of fault can eliminate or reduce the compensation that may be available.

When should you not file a car insurance claim?

“If your damages are minor, you're much better off just paying out of pocket.” Even if the repairs cost slightly more than the deductible, it's still not worth submitting a claim that gets added to your claim history and can negatively affect your premiums in the future.

What is one of the most common reasons for a claim being rejected by an insurance company?

9 top reasons your claim is denied
  • Incomplete information. Claims often get denied due to incomplete information. ...
  • Service not covered. ...
  • Claim filed too late. ...
  • Coding or billing error. ...
  • Insurer believes the procedure wasn't necessary. ...
  • Duplicate claim filed. ...
  • Pre-existing condition not covered. ...
  • Lack of pre-authorization.

Is it better to pay out of pocket or claim car insurance?

If the repair costs are less than your deductible (or even slightly more) you should pay for the repairs out of pocket. For example, if the damage to your car costs $300 to fix, and your deductible is $200, you would save $100 by filing a claim.

Do car insurance companies look at your credit score?

Yes. A federal law, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), states insurance companies have a “permissible purpose” to look at your credit information without your permission. Insurance companies must also comply with state insurance laws when using credit information in the underwriting and rating process.

Can insurance companies check your Internet history?

Did you know that data miners provide insurance companies with all manner of personal data about you? This information includes your shopping, browsing, and messaging habits, along with a comprehensive history of status updates, tweets, and the like.

What information can insurance companies ask for?

To provide you with an auto insurance quote, the agent will likely also ask for the following:
  • Personal information. This may include the dates of birth, Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers for each family member who will be on the policy.
  • Driving history. ...
  • More background.