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What Are the Most Common Car Insurance Claims?

Last Updated on January 26, 2026

If you’re a new driver, car insurance can feel like something you buy and hope you never use. But understanding how drivers actually use their policies is one of the easiest ways to choose the right coverage (and avoid surprises after an accident).

The most common question is simple: What are the most common car insurance claims? The answer matters because different claim types are handled by different parts of your policy—like collision vs. comprehensive—and some claims are more likely than others to affect your rates.

Knowing what people file claims for most often can help you spot your biggest risks, set smarter deductibles, and decide when it makes sense to file a claim versus paying out of pocket. Below are some of the most frequently filed auto insurance claims and what to know about each one.

Coverage Quick Map (What Pays for What?)

Coverage	What It Usually Pays For	Deductible?	Learn More
Collision	Crashes where your car hits something (another vehicle, guardrail, pole, curb, etc.)	Usually yes	Collision coverage explained
Comprehensive	Non-crash damage (theft, vandalism, hail, falling objects, flood, animal strikes, glass, fire)	Usually yes	Comprehensive coverage explained
Liability	Other people’s injuries and property damage when you’re at fault	No deductible for liability	Liability vs. full coverage
PIP / MedPay	Medical bills for you/passengers (rules vary by state)	Varies by state/policy	Auto insurance types

Quick memory trick: “If you hit something, collision pays. If something hits your parked car (or your car is stolen), comprehensive pays.”

Key Takeaways

Common claim categories include minor collisions, glass damage, vandalism, weather damage, animal strikes, single-vehicle crashes, injuries, theft, and hit-and-run/uninsured driver claims.
Based on ISO/Triple-I data, collision and comprehensive claims are both common, while bodily injury liability claims are less frequent but far more expensive on average.
Glass is often covered by comprehensive (or “full glass” where available). In a few states, windshield deductibles may be waived by law when you carry comprehensive coverage.
Your claim history can follow you for years (industry databases like CLUE may include up to 7 years of auto claims history), which is why it can be smart to estimate repair costs before filing.

Table Of Contents

Most Common Claims: What the Data Shows
1) Minor Accidents and Fender Benders
2) Damaged Windshields & Other Glass Claims
3) Vandalism and Intentional Damage
4) Storm & Weather-Related Damage
5) Animal Collisions (Deer and Other Wildlife)
6) Single-Vehicle Collisions (No Other Car Involved)
7) Whiplash and Other Injury Claims
8) Vehicle Theft
9) Hit-and-Run and Uninsured Driver Claims
Compare the Common Insurance Claims
Should You File a Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?
Car Insurance Claims FAQs
Final Word on the Most Common Car Insurance Claims

Most Common Claims: What the Data Shows

“Most common” can mean (1) what people file most often and (2) what costs the most. The table below separates how often claims happen from how expensive they are so you can judge your real risk.

Claim / Coverage Type	Commonality (Simple Take)	Cost (Simple Take)	Why It Matters
Collision	Very common	Moderate	Most at-fault crashes land here and can affect rates.
Comprehensive	Common	Lower-to-moderate	Glass, weather, theft, vandalism, animal strikes, etc.
Property Damage Liability	Less common than physical damage	Moderate	Pays for the other person’s car/property when you’re at fault.
Bodily Injury Liability / Injury Claims	Least common	Highest	Medical + legal exposure makes these the most expensive.

If you want to minimize premium impact, avoid filing low-dollar claims repeatedly and focus on preventing at-fault collisions.

1) Minor Accidents and Fender Benders

One of the most common auto insurance claims involves minor accidents and fender benders—low-speed collisions, parking lot bumps, or backing into another car. These incidents usually cause cosmetic or light structural damage and often don’t involve injuries.

Even though these claims are relatively small, they can still cause your premiums to go up, especially if you file several claims within a few years. Insurers pay close attention to your claims frequency, not just the size of each claim.

If the damage is minor, consider getting an estimate before filing a claim. Small repairs for dents and scratches may cost less than your deductible or may not be worth a potential rate increase. In some cases, paying out of pocket can save money over the long run.

On the other hand, if there’s any chance of hidden damage (to the frame, sensors, bumper supports, etc.) or any injury involved, it’s usually safer to file a claim and get a proper inspection.

2) Damaged Windshields & Other Glass Claims

Cracked or chipped windshields are another extremely common claim. A rock kicked up by another vehicle, flying debris in a storm, or road construction can damage your glass without warning. Your windshield can also break in a crash or while the car is parked.

If you carry comprehensive coverage, a damaged windshield may be covered. In many states and with some insurers, if the glass can be safely repaired (rather than replaced), they may waive the deductible to encourage repairs before the crack spreads. If the windshield must be fully replaced, your comprehensive deductible typically applies, and modern windshields with built-in sensors and cameras can be expensive.

Some policies offer special full glass coverage, which can cover glass repairs or replacement without a deductible. It’s worth checking your policy to see how glass claims are handled in your state.

3) Vandalism and Intentional Damage

Vandalism is another frequent source of auto insurance claims. Common examples include broken windows, spray paint, slashed tires, or a keyed door panel.

If you have comprehensive coverage, these types of losses are typically covered after you pay your deductible. But remember, the more claims you file, the more you may pay in premiums over time.

For relatively minor cosmetic damage, it may be cheaper in the long run to pay for repairs yourself. For extensive or repeated vandalism, filing a claim is usually the better option—just be prepared for potential premium changes at renewal.

4) Storm & Weather-Related Damage

Severe weather can cause major damage to vehicles. Hailstones, wind-blown debris, falling tree branches, and flooding are all common causes of claims. In some cases, the damage can be so severe that the car is declared a total loss.

Storm damage is usually covered under comprehensive insurance. That includes hail dents, flood damage, and damage from falling objects. Because these events can affect entire neighborhoods or cities at once, insurers often see large spikes in comprehensive claims after big storms.

If you live in an area prone to hail, hurricanes, or flash flooding, it’s smart to park under cover when possible and avoid driving through standing water. Preventing a claim is almost always cheaper than dealing with a total loss or major repairs.

5) Animal Collisions (Deer and Other Wildlife)

Animal strikes are a very common reason drivers file claims—especially at dusk/dawn and during fall/winter months. If you hit a deer (or other wildlife), damage to your car is usually covered under comprehensive coverage (not collision), minus your deductible.

Tip: Don’t swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid an animal. Braking firmly in your lane is often the safer option.

Slow down at dusk/dawn and near tree lines.
If you see one deer, assume more are nearby.
Use high beams when safe (more reaction time).

6) Single-Vehicle Collisions (No Other Car Involved)

Another very common claim category is single-vehicle accidents—crashes that involve only your car and another object, like a pole, guardrail, fence, mailbox, or curb. These incidents often happen in parking lots, driveways, or during bad weather.

Single-vehicle collisions can still cause serious damage and injuries, even at moderate speeds. Because the driver is often considered at fault, these claims can have a bigger impact on rates than comprehensive claims (like storm damage or vandalism).

To reduce your risk, slow down in unfamiliar areas, be extra cautious when backing up or turning in tight spaces, and avoid driving in dangerous weather such as snow, ice, sleet, or heavy downpours whenever possible.

7) Whiplash and Other Injury Claims

Whiplash is one of the most commonly reported injuries in auto accidents. It occurs when your neck and head are suddenly forced back and forth, straining muscles and ligaments. Whiplash is especially common in rear-end collisions, but it can occur in many types of crashes.

Whiplash claims can range from minor to severe and often require medical treatment, physical therapy, and time off work. Because of that, they can become expensive bodily injury claims for insurers.

If you’re in a collision, even a low-speed one, it’s a good idea to see a doctor if you experience neck, back, or headache symptoms—some injuries don’t show up immediately. Prompt treatment protects both your health and your claim documentation.

8) Vehicle Theft

Vehicle theft is another major source of insurance claims. Thieves may steal the entire car or just valuable parts like catalytic converters, wheels, or airbags.

If you carry comprehensive coverage, theft is typically covered, but there are a few caveats. If you’re financing or leasing your vehicle, your insurer will usually pay up to the car’s actual cash value (ACV). If the ACV is less than what you still owe, you may be responsible for the difference unless you have gap coverage. A theft claim can also cause a noticeable increase in your premiums.

To reduce your risk of theft, always lock your vehicle, never leave your keys in the car, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, park in well-lit or secure areas, and consider anti-theft devices if your car is frequently parked on the street.

9) Hit-and-Run and Uninsured Driver Claims

If your parked car is hit and the driver leaves—or the at-fault driver is uninsured—you may end up using collision or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) (where available) to cover repairs.

Document everything (photos/video, location, time, any witnesses).
File a police report (especially for hit-and-run).
Ask your insurer if UMPD applies in your state and whether it has a deductible.

Helpful: Does insurance cover a hit-and-run? and What is UMPD coverage?

Compare the Common Insurance Claims

Claim Type	Typical Coverage Used	Common Deductible?	Likely Impact on Premiums	When You Might File a Claim
Minor Accidents & Fender Benders	Collision (or other driver’s liability if they’re at fault)	Yes – collision deductible usually applies	Moderate – especially with multiple at-fault claims	Damage exceeds deductible, injuries, or possible hidden structural damage
Damaged Windshields & Glass	Comprehensive (or full-glass where available)	Sometimes – repairs may be deductible-free; replacements often have a deductible	Low to moderate	Cracks obstruct vision, can’t be repaired, or sensors/cameras are affected
Vandalism & Intentional Damage	Comprehensive	Yes – comprehensive deductible usually applies	Moderate (higher if repeated)	Damage is well above deductible or widespread
Storm & Weather Damage	Comprehensive	Yes – comprehensive deductible usually applies	Low to moderate	Hail/flooding/falling objects cause major damage or total loss
Animal Collisions (Deer, etc.)	Comprehensive (in most cases)	Yes – comprehensive deductible usually applies	Low to moderate	Impact causes visible damage or the car is unsafe to drive
Single-Vehicle Collisions	Collision	Yes – collision deductible applies	Moderate to high (often at-fault)	Noticeable damage, safety systems impacted, or injuries
Whiplash & Other Injury Claims	Liability (others) + PIP/MedPay (you, varies by state)	No deductible for liability; PIP/MedPay varies	High	Anyone reports pain/symptoms and seeks medical evaluation
Theft (Full Vehicle or Parts)	Comprehensive; gap may help if loan exceeds value	Yes – comprehensive deductible applies	Moderate to high	Vehicle stolen or major parts taken (converter, wheels, airbags)
Hit-and-Run / Uninsured Driver Damage	Collision or UMPD (where available)	Often yes – depends on coverage/state	Moderate (varies by fault rules)	Other driver is unknown/uninsured and repairs exceed deductible

Should You File a Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but this quick matrix helps you decide faster.

If this is true…	Usually a good reason to file	Usually a reason to consider paying yourself
Injuries, pain, or symptoms	✅ Yes (medical documentation matters)	❌ No
Other people’s property is damaged	✅ Yes (liability exposure)	❌ No
Repair estimate is far above your deductible	✅ Often	❌ Less often
Damage might be “hidden” (frame, sensors, safety systems)	✅ Often	❌ Less often
Cosmetic damage near/below deductible	⚠️ Maybe not	✅ Often
It’s a repeat issue (multiple glass/vandalism claims)	⚠️ Depends	✅ Consider avoiding “frequency” flags

Claim Documentation Checklist

Photos/video of damage, surroundings, and any skid marks/debris
Other driver info (if applicable): license, insurance card, plate, contact
Witness contact info + short notes on what they saw
Police report number (especially for hit-and-run, theft, vandalism)
Repair estimates and receipts (including towing/storage)
If injured: medical visit notes, treatment plan, and dates

Step-by-step help: How to get car repairs through insurance (claim steps)

Car Insurance Claims FAQs

What are the most common types of car insurance claims?

Some of the most common car insurance claims include minor accidents and fender benders, damaged windshields, vandalism, storm and weather damage, single-vehicle collisions, whiplash and other injuries, and vehicle theft. These are the situations insurers see over and over again.

Do small claims, like fender benders or scratches, always raise my insurance rates?

Not every small claim will automatically raise your rates, but frequent or at-fault claims often do. Even minor claims can affect your premiums if you file several within a few years. Sometimes it is cheaper long term to pay for small cosmetic damage out of pocket instead of filing a claim.

When is it better to pay for damage myself instead of filing a claim?

If the repair cost is close to or below your deductible, or only slightly higher, it can make sense to pay out of pocket. Filing a small claim can trigger a premium increase that costs more over time than the one repair. However, if there are injuries, possible hidden damage, or legal questions, filing a claim is usually the safer choice.

Which coverage pays for storm, hail, or vandalism damage?

Storm damage, hail, flooding, falling objects, vandalism, and theft are usually covered under comprehensive coverage, not collision. You will typically pay your comprehensive deductible, and then the insurer pays the remaining covered amount up to the car’s value.

Will a windshield claim affect my premiums?

It depends on your insurer and state. Many companies treat small glass repairs as low-impact claims, and some even waive the deductible for repairs. However, multiple glass or comprehensive claims over time can still contribute to higher premiums, especially if they are frequent or combined with other claims.

If my car is totaled after a storm, flood, or crash, how much will insurance pay?

If your vehicle is declared a total loss, your insurer usually pays the actual cash value (ACV) of the car minus your deductible. If you still owe more on your loan or lease than the car is worth, you may be responsible for the difference unless you have gap coverage or similar protection.

Does car insurance cover personal items stolen from my vehicle?

Comprehensive coverage can help if your vehicle itself is stolen or damaged, but personal items inside the car, like laptops, phones, or bags, are often covered under a homeowners or renters policy instead. The rules vary by insurer and policy, so it’s important to check your specific coverage.

What can I do to reduce the chances of needing to file a car insurance claim?

Drive defensively, avoid distractions, keep extra distance in bad weather, park in secure and well-lit areas, lock your car and remove valuables from sight, and use garages or covered parking when possible. These simple habits can significantly cut your risk of accidents, theft, and other common claims.

Does insurance cover hitting a deer (or another animal)?

Usually yes—damage from hitting a deer or other wildlife is typically covered by comprehensive coverage (not collision), minus your deductible. Coverage details can vary by insurer and state, so check your declarations page or ask your carrier to confirm how animal strikes are handled.

How long do car insurance claims stay on your record?

It varies by insurer and state, but claims history is commonly tracked for years. Industry databases like LexisNexis C.L.U.E. can include up to seven years of personal auto claims history, and consumers can request a free copy every 12 months to review for accuracy.

Final Word on the Most Common Car Insurance Claims

In today’s world, filing an auto insurance claim is almost a routine part of driving life—right up there with going to the dentist or filing your taxes. But understanding the most common claims can help you avoid many of them and decide how to handle the ones you can’t avoid.

The most common auto insurance claims typically involve minor accidents and fender benders, damaged windshields, vandalism, storm damage, single-vehicle accidents, whiplash and other injuries, and theft.

Knowing these risks can help you choose the right coverage, adjust your deductibles, and decide when it’s smarter to file a claim—or when paying out of pocket may be the better long-term move. Most importantly, safe driving habits, smart parking choices, and basic security precautions can dramatically reduce your chances of ever needing to file a claim in the first place.