How to File a Car Accident Claim with State Farm in California

May 25, 2022

Ellis Law Corporation

Car Accidents

If you’ve been in a car accident in California, you may be wondering how to file a claim with State Farm. The process is actually fairly simple, and we’ll walk you through it step by step.

First, it’s important to know what you should do immediately after a car accident.

State Farm

What to Do After a Car Accident

The first thing you should do after a car accident is take photos of damages and any injuries if possible. This includes damages to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved. Next, you should consider moving your vehicle to a safe location, if possible. If you’re not able to move your vehicle, or it’s not safe to do so, turn on your hazard lights and wait for the police to arrive.

Once you’re in a safe location, the next thing you should do is call 911 right away. They will arrive and explore the scene and write up an accident report. This can be helpful in the future when you try to recover compensation for injuries, property damages, and other monetary losses yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. If everyone is okay, the next step is to exchange information with the other driver. You’ll need to get their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.

Filing a Claim with State Farm

The claims process will vary depending on your specific situation and the extent of the damage. However, there are a few general steps you should follow.

First, you’ll need to call State Farm’s 24/7 Claims Service Center at 800-SF-CLAIM (800-732-5246) to report the accident. Next, a claims representative will ask you for some basic information about the accident, such as when and where it occurred. They will also ask you about any injuries or damage to your vehicle.

Once they have all the necessary information, they will assign you a claim number and schedule an appointment for you to take your vehicle to a State Farm Approved Auto Repair Service facility for an estimate. Once your vehicle has been repaired, you will need to pay your deductible and any remaining balance on your repairs that weren’t covered by insurance.

What to Expect After You File a Claim

After you’ve filed your claim, you can expect the claims process to take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The length of time will depend on the severity of the accident and the amount of damage to your vehicle.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can do this by writing a letter to State Farm explaining why you believe the claim should be paid. You will need to include any supporting documentation, such as medical bills or repair estimates, with your letter. Once State Farm receives your appeal, they will review it and make a decision. If you’re still not satisfied with the decision, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance.

Our Attorneys Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

If you have been in a car accident, our experienced Los Angeles car accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve. We will fight for your rights and make sure that you are treated fairly by the insurance companies. Contact us today for a free consultation.