How Can I Check the Status of My Auto Insurance Claim?

Last Updated on January 26, 2026

Tracking your auto insurance claim helps you stay on top of the timeline, see when repairs and payments are approved, and prevent delays—especially if your insurer needs more evidence for your claim.

The good news: most insurers make it easy to check claim status online, in an app, or by contacting your adjuster directly. Here’s how to check the status of an auto insurance claim (whether it’s your policy or the other driver’s).

Key Takeaways

• Most insurers let you track an auto claim online or in an app, where you can see adjuster info, repair updates, document requests, and payment status.
• Have your claim number, date of loss, and policy details ready—missing info is one of the most common reasons claim updates stall.
• Claim timelines vary widely: simple property-damage claims can move quickly, while injury claims, fault disputes, and catastrophe events can take much longer.
• If your claim seems unreasonably delayed, ask for a written timeline, request a supervisor, and escalate to your state insurance regulator if needed.

What You Need Before You Check Your Claim Status

Most claim status tools (online or by phone) work best when you have a few details ready. Gather:

• Claim number (from your confirmation email/text or the claims rep)
• Date of loss (the date the accident happened)
• Your policy number (or the other driver’s insurer and policy details, if you’re filing third-party). If you’re trying to identify an insurer from paperwork, this guide can help: how to identify a car insurance company by its policy number.
• Adjuster name and contact info (if one has already been assigned)
• Repair shop details (if your car is already in a shop or scheduled for an estimate)

If you don’t have your claim number, don’t panic—many insurers can still locate your claim using your name, vehicle info, and date of loss, although it may take longer.

The Fastest Ways to Check the Status of a Car Insurance Claim

1) Check Online or in the Mobile App

For many drivers, the fastest option is using the insurer’s website or mobile app. Once you log in, you’ll often see updates like:

• Whether the claim is received, in review, or closed
• Your adjuster’s contact info
• Estimate and repair progress
• Payment details (issued, pending, mailed, or direct deposit)
• Document upload requests (photos, receipts, police report, etc.)

2) Contact Your Claims Adjuster

If the portal/app isn’t clear—or you’re dealing with a more complex situation—contact your adjuster. Ask:

• What step the claim is currently in
• What the insurer is waiting on (if anything)
• When you should expect the next update
• Whether payments are pending, issued, or missing information

Pro tip: when you leave a voicemail or send a message, include your claim number, date of loss, and a single clear question. It usually gets you a faster, more precise reply.

Copy/Paste: Messages That Get Faster Claim Updates

Use these in the claim portal, email, or voicemail. Keep it to one clear question.

Subject: Claim status update request – Claim #[CLAIM NUMBER]

Hi [Adjuster Name],
I’m checking on claim #[CLAIM NUMBER] (date of loss: [MM/DD/YYYY]). 

1) What step is the claim currently in?
2) What is the next required item (if anything) to move it forward?
3) When should I expect the next update or decision?

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Phone]

VOICEMAIL SCRIPT:
Hi [Adjuster Name], this is [Your Name]. Claim number is [CLAIM NUMBER], date of loss [MM/DD/YYYY]. 
Quick question: what’s the next step needed to move the claim forward, and when should I expect the next update? 
You can reach me at [Phone]. Thank you.

ESCALATION (SUPERVISOR) MESSAGE:
Hi, I’m requesting a supervisor review for claim #[CLAIM NUMBER] (date of loss: [MM/DD/YYYY]). 
Please confirm in writing:
- What the claim is waiting on
- What documents are still needed (if any)
- The expected timeline for the next decision and payment

3) Check With the Repair Shop

If your vehicle is in a body shop, the shop can often tell you whether the insurer has approved the estimate, whether a supplement (hidden damage) was submitted, and whether parts are delaying repairs. Your insurer is still the source of truth, but the shop can provide helpful context.

Claim Support Phone Numbers by Insurer

In many cases, you won’t need to call—online claim portals and apps are usually faster. But if you need a live person, here are common claim phone numbers for major insurers in the U.S. (Always verify on your declarations page, since numbers can vary by product and state.)

What You Can Learn From Claim Status Updates

When you check your claim status, most insurers will show (or can tell you) details like:

• Whether your claim is received, in progress, waiting on information, or closed
• Whether the claim was approved or denied
• The date the claim was opened and the most recent activity date
• Your assigned adjuster and how to contact them
• Estimate, repair, or inspection status
• Payments (issued/pending), deductible details, and settlement notes

Where Claim Payments Usually Go

• To the repair shop (common when you use a network shop or sign a repair authorization).
• To you (check or direct deposit), especially if you’re paying the shop yourself.
• To a lienholder (if the car is financed and it’s a large repair or total loss).
• Split payments can happen (example: lienholder + you, or shop + you for deductible).

If the portal only says “paid,” ask the adjuster: Who was paid, how was it sent, and what date was it issued?

If you don’t understand a status label (like “under review,” “supplement,” or “pending liability”), ask your adjuster what that status means and what is required to move the claim forward.

How Long Does It Take to Process a Car Insurance Claim?

Claim timelines vary widely. Some simple property-damage claims move quickly once the insurer confirms coverage and the vehicle is inspected. Others can take weeks or months—especially when there are injuries, disputes about fault, multiple vehicles, or a high-dollar total loss.

If you’re worried about timing, these guides break down what’s normal and what’s not:

• Why is it taking so long to process my claim?
• How long can an auto insurance claim stay open?
• How long does it take to get a car accident settlement check?

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed

Even good insurers can’t finalize a claim until certain boxes are checked. Delays often happen when:

• Photos, documents, or statements are missing (especially if the insurer needs a clearer timeline or damage documentation).
• Fault is disputed, such as when the at-fault party lies about the accident.
• The insurer needs to investigate further—which is more common than people think. Learn more about when and why insurers do this: do car insurance companies investigate claims?
• There are injury claims requiring treatment records, bills, and future care estimates—especially for higher-cost injuries involving medical bills after an accident or ongoing care like physical therapy.
• The insurer is overloaded, especially after a natural disaster when thousands of claims hit the system at once.

Also remember: each claim is unique. A cracked windshield is nothing like a multi-vehicle crash, a total loss, or an injury claim.

What If You Think the Settlement Offer Is Too Low?

Sometimes the claim status updates show “settlement issued,” but the amount doesn’t match your expectation. Before you accept, compare the settlement to the estimate, the vehicle value (if totaled), and the documentation you provided. This guide explains warning signs and what to do next: how to know when your car insurance settlement offer is too low.

What If Your Insurer Is Delaying Your Claim?

If weeks go by with no clear explanation, start by requesting a timeline from your adjuster in writing (email or the claim portal messaging). Ask what’s needed to close the claim and when they expect to make a decision.

Escalation Ladder (When Updates Stall)

1. Ask: “What exact item is pending?” and request the answer in writing (portal message/email).
2. Confirm they received your documents/photos (and re-upload if needed).
3. Request a specific next-update date (example: “Can you update me by Friday?”).
4. If no movement, request a supervisor and a written timeline.
5. If you believe the delay is unreasonable, file a complaint with your state insurance department (directory): NAIC Insurance Departments.

If you still can’t get traction, you can escalate the issue by requesting a supervisor. And if you believe the insurer is acting unfairly, you can file a complaint with your state regulator. Here’s where to start: where can I make a complaint about my auto insurance company?

What If the Claim Is With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

If the other driver caused the accident, you may file a third-party claim with their insurer. In that case, you’ll usually need the at-fault driver’s policy details and the claim number assigned by that insurer.

Some insurers let non-customers check claim status online using a claim number. Others require you to call for updates. If you’re stuck, you can ask the other insurer for the adjuster’s direct contact info and the exact next step needed to resolve the claim.

Do You Always Need to Involve Insurance in a Small Accident?

Not necessarily. Some drivers choose not to file for minor damage if it’s cheaper to pay out of pocket or if there are no injuries. If you’re weighing that decision, read this first: do you need to get insurance involved after a small accident?

Quick Glossary: Common Claim Terms You’ll See

FAQs on Checking the Status of a Car Insurance Claim

Final Word on Checking Claim Status

To check the status of your car insurance claim, start with your insurer’s online account or mobile app. If you need a clearer answer, contact your adjuster directly with your claim number and a specific question. Staying proactive helps you avoid delays, catch missing-document requests early, and understand exactly when payments and repairs are moving forward.