How State Farm Handles Car Accident Claims

State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the United States by market share, so there is a good chance either you or the other driver is insured with them. Here is how a car accident claim with State Farm typically works, whether you are a policyholder or the other driver.

How to file a claim with State Farm

Most large insurers, State Farm included, let you start a claim in several ways:

• Online through the claims section of their website
• In their mobile app
• By phone with a claims representative
• Through your agent, if you have one

Have this ready: the date, time and location of the crash, the other driver's name and insurance details, the police report number, photos, and a short description of what happened.

If you are the other driver (not a State Farm customer), you can usually open a third-party claim the same way. Ask for the claim number and the name of the adjuster assigned to you.

What happens after you file

1. An adjuster is assigned. They review the report, photos and statements and decide on fault.
2. Damage is assessed, through photos in the app, an inspection or an estimate from a repair shop.
3. Property damage is paid for repairs, or for the car's value if it is a total loss.
4. Injury claims are handled separately and usually take longer, because the adjuster waits for medical records and bills.

Repairs

State Farm has a network of repair shops through a program it has called Select Service. Using a network shop can make the repair process simpler, but in most states you have the right to choose your own shop. If you use a shop outside the network, ask how the estimate and payment will be handled before work begins.

If your car was repaired after a crash that was not your fault, you may also be able to claim diminished value, the resale value the car lost because of its accident history. Check the insurer's likely number with our diminished value calculator.

Injury claims

For injuries, the adjuster will ask for medical records, bills and proof of lost wages. The offer is usually built from your economic losses plus an amount for pain and suffering, reduced for any fault they assign to you. Before you discuss numbers, see a realistic range with our car accident settlement calculator, and read how adjusters calculate a settlement offer.

Tips for dealing with State Farm

• Get everything in writing: the claim number, the adjuster's name and any offer.
• Be careful with recorded statements if you are claiming against their policyholder. You can politely decline or answer in writing.
• Do not sign a release until you know the full cost of your injuries.
• Keep copies of every document you send.
• Large insurers handle huge claim volumes, and many rely on standard processes and claims software. That is not a problem in itself, but it means a clear, well documented claim tends to move faster than a messy one.

If you disagree with a decision

Ask the adjuster to explain the decision in writing and point to the policy language or evidence they relied on. Send any missing documents. If you still cannot resolve it, you can ask to speak with a supervisor, file a complaint with your state's insurance department, or talk to a licensed attorney.

Frequently asked questions

How long does State Farm take to settle a car accident claim?

Property damage claims often settle in days to weeks. Injury claims usually take months, because they wait for treatment to finish and records to arrive.

Can I file a claim with State Farm if I am not their customer?

Yes, if their policyholder caused the crash. That is called a third-party claim.

Does State Farm pay diminished value?

It depends on the state, the type of claim and the policy. Third-party diminished value claims against the at-fault driver’s insurer are the most common route. Ask the adjuster and put your request in writing.