How to File a Car Accident Claim With State Farm 

If you get into a car accident in San Antonio, Texas, and need to file a claim with State Farm Insurance, the process is relatively straightforward. Obtaining fair financial compensation from State Farm, however, may not be as simple. Despite what this insurance company would have you believe, its goal is to save money on claim payouts. Take the following steps to file a claim and protect your rights.

Record the Details of the Accident

First, while you are still at the scene of the car accident, document all available details. Take photographs of the scene of the crash, making sure to capture your property damage. Speak to eyewitnesses and get their contact information. Exchange basic information with the other driver, but do not admit fault for the collision. Take notes about what you remember of the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. Go to a hospital right away and request copies of your medical records. Obtain copies of your police report and other documents that can help you support your State Farm Insurance claim.

Call (800)-SF-CLAIM or File Online

You should always report an accident to State Farm as soon as possible. State Farm requires all policyholders to report automobile accidents, whether or not they wish to file a claim. Reporting an accident will not affect your insurance rate, even if you are found to be at fault for the collision. Filing a claim, however, could increase your insurance premiums.

If you are a State Farm policyholder and you wish to file a claim with your own policy – for instance, if you caused the crash or were involved in a hit-and-run – you can call the number for your agent that is located on your insurance card and auto insurance policy. You can also call 800-SF-CLAIM (800-732-5246) to file a claim, whether or not you are the policyholder. You can dial this number any time, day or night.

State Farm Insurance also has an online claims filing option. Go to the State Farm website and select which type of claim you wish to file. You will need to gather certain information beforehand, such as the time, date and location of the accident; the number of vehicles involved; a description of what happened; and a description of your damages. A claim requires you to submit this information to be reviewed by a State Farm Insurance claims adjuster.

Use the State Farm Mobile App

If you wish to start the claims process virtually, you can also download the State Farm mobile app. The app will walk you through the process of filing a claim and allow you to manage your claim in the future. You can upload photographs and supporting documents directly into the app from your phone to expedite the claims process. You can also get in touch with an agent for further support through the app. Finally, you can track the status of your claim using the app and receive notifications when anything changes.

Cooperate With the Investigation

Once State Farm receives your claim, it will carefully review the details and begin an investigation into the crash. This may involve sending a State Farm representative to the scene of the accident or to analyze your property damage in person. Do your best to cooperate with State Farm’s investigation for a faster and smoother process. Keep in mind, however, that State Farm will want to minimize your financial recovery.

Contact An Attorney for Assistance 

Although its slogan is, “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there,” this most likely will not be your experience when pursuing fair financial compensation for an automobile accident. Like all insurers, State Farm is a for-profit organization that puts its bottom line first. For this reason, it is important not to admit fault or agree to give a State Farm Insurance agent a recorded statement about your accident. If you do not wish to negotiate with a claims adjuster on your own, contact an attorney in San Antonio to do so for you.