Getting into a car accident or dealing with vehicle damage is stressful enough, but not knowing what happens after you file an auto insurance claim can make the situation even more overwhelming. At McCann Insurance Agency, we believe in keeping our clients informed every step of the way. If you’ve recently filed a claim or are wondering what the process looks like, this blog is for you.

Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a more serious collision, understanding the auto insurance claims process can help you feel more in control and reduce confusion during an already stressful time. Here’s a step-by-step look at what typically happens after you file an auto insurance claim.

Step 1: Claim Acknowledgment and Assignment

After you contact your insurance company, whether through an agent, an online portal, or a mobile app, your claim is officially opened. You’ll receive a claim number, which will be your reference for everything going forward.

At this stage, your claim is assigned to a claims adjuster. This person will be your main point of contact and will handle the details of your case. At McCann Insurance Agency, we stay in close contact with our clients and their adjusters to help ensure things move smoothly from day one.

Step 2: Investigation and Documentation

Once the claim is opened, the adjuster will begin gathering information to assess the situation.

This typically includes:

• Speaking with you about what happened
• Reviewing the police report (if applicable)
• Examining photos or videos from the scene
• Contacting other parties involved
• Reviewing your policy details

Depending on the type and severity of the claim, this stage may be completed quickly or take a little longer. The goal is to establish fault (if applicable) and determine coverage based on the policy.

If your car was damaged, you may be asked to take it to a certified repair shop for an estimate, or the adjuster might visit the vehicle to inspect it. Some insurers allow you to upload photos through an app, making the process even faster.

Step 3: Determination of Coverage and Liability

Next, the adjuster will review your policy coverage to determine what your insurance pays for.

This could include:

• Liability coverage (if you’re responsible for damages to another vehicle)
• Collision coverage (if your car was damaged in a crash)
• Comprehensive coverage (for damage unrelated to a collision, like hail or theft)
• Medical payments or personal injury protection
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

If someone else was at fault, your insurance company may still handle the repairs and then work to recover costs from the at-fault party’s insurer (a process known as subrogation).

This is also when liability is determined. In some cases, fault is clear-cut; in others, it may be shared between parties. Oklahoma is an at-fault state, meaning the person responsible for the accident is financially liable for damages.

Step 4: Repair Authorization or Settlement Offer

Once your adjuster confirms coverage and receives repair estimates, they’ll either:

• Approve the repair shop to begin work
• Issue payment directly to the repair shop or to you
• In some cases, declare the vehicle a total loss (if repair costs exceed its value)

If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, the insurance company will provide a settlement offer based on your car’s actual cash value (ACV). This is calculated using factors like the car’s age, mileage, condition, and local market value.

You’re not required to accept the first offer. If you believe the value is too low, you can submit evidence to support a higher valuation. At McCann Insurance, we help our clients review these offers and understand their options.

Step 5: Deductible and Payment

If your policy includes a deductible, you’ll be responsible for paying that amount out of pocket before your insurer covers the remaining cost. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and your repair costs total $2,500, your insurance would pay $2,000.

Deductibles apply to collision and comprehensive claims, not liability claims. If the other driver is at fault, you typically don’t pay a deductible unless you use your own collision coverage and let your insurer recover the costs later.

Step 6: Rental Car and Temporary Transportation

If your policy includes rental reimbursement coverage, your insurer may pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or assessed. This benefit is not automatically included in all policies, so it’s important to know if you’re covered ahead of time.

In some cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance may provide a rental car, especially if liability has already been accepted.

Step 7: Claim Closure and Follow-Up

Once repairs are completed or a settlement has been paid, your insurance company will close the claim. However, it’s still a good idea to follow up to ensure everything is in order, including:

• Confirming payment was made to the repair shop
• Ensuring the vehicle was repaired to your satisfaction
• Reviewing your claim record for accuracy

At McCann Insurance Agency, we follow up with our clients post-claim to make sure there are no loose ends. We also review their policies afterward to see if any updates are needed based on the claim experience.

Will My Insurance Rates Go Up?

One of the most common concerns we hear is, “Will my premiums increase after a claim?”

The answer: it depends. If you were at fault in the accident, your rates may go up at your next renewal. The extent of the increase will depend on:

• Your driving record
• The severity of the claim
• Your insurer’s policies
• Whether accident forgiveness applies

If you weren’t at fault, the claim might not impact your rates. However, it’s always a good idea to review your policy after a claim to see if any changes have occurred.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in the Process

Filing an auto insurance claim may seem like a maze of paperwork, phone calls, and unknowns, but it doesn’t have to be. When you work with a trusted independent agency like McCann Insurance in Durant, Oklahoma, you gain a partner who walks with you through every step.

We advocate for our clients, help interpret confusing documents, communicate with adjusters, and ensure your policy works the way it’s supposed to. If you’re facing a claim or simply want to better understand your current coverage, we’re here to help.

About McCann Insurance Agency

McCann Insurance Agency has proudly served Durant and southeastern Oklahoma for years. As an independent agency, we work with top-rated carriers to find the best coverage and rates for our clients. Whether you need auto, home, commercial, or life insurance, we’re here to protect what matters most. Call us at  580-916-9808 for more information.