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Each state has specific deadlines, called statutes of limitations, that determine how long you have to file a claim or lawsuit after an accident.
Miss these deadlines, and you could lose your right to compensation entirely.
This guide will help you understand your state's specific time limits and navigate the claims process.
Key Insights
- Statutes of limitations set strict deadlines (1–10 years by state) for filing accident claims or lawsuits.
- Insurers require “prompt” reporting, often 24 hours to 30 days; missing deadlines risks denial of coverage.
- Complex cases may take longer to investigate, but you still must meet state and insurer claim deadlines.
- To succeed: act fast, document thoroughly, know your policy, stay in touch with adjusters, and consider legal help.
Understanding Car Insurance Claim Time Limits
“Car insurance claim time limits refer to the deadlines by which you must file a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action after an incident, such as a collision or damage to your vehicle,” said John Aylor, a personal injury attorney at Joye Law Firm.
There are two main types of deadlines you need to know about:
- State statutes of limitations: Legal deadlines that vary by state and claim type. While two years is common for both bodily injury and property damage claims, timeframes range from one to 10 years depending on your state.
- Insurance company reporting requirements: Most insurers require you to report accidents "promptly," which could mean within 24 hours or up to 30 days. Check your specific policy to avoid claim denials.
The variation between states can be significant. For example, Rhode Island gives you up to three years for bodily injury claims and 10 years for property damage. Tennessee, however, only allows one year for bodily injury claims and three years for property damage.
Understanding both your state's legal deadlines and your insurer's reporting requirements is crucial for protecting your right to compensation.
Car Insurance Claim Statutes of Limitations by State
The table below shows the maximum time limits for filing lawsuits related to car accidents. Bodily injury claims involve injuries to people, while property damage claims involve damage to vehicles or other property.
| State | Bodily Injury | Property Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2 years | 2 years |
| Alaska | 2 years | 2 years |
| Arizona | 2 years | 2 years |
| Arkansas | 3 years | 3 years |
| California | 2 years | 3 years |
| Colorado | 3 years | 3 years |
| Connecticut | 2 years | 2 years |
| Delaware | 2 years | 2 years |
| Florida | 4 years | 4 years |
| Georgia | 2 years | 4 years |
| Hawaii | 2 years | 2 years |
| Idaho | 2 years | 3 years |
| Illinois | 2 years | 5 years |
| Indiana | 2 years | 2 years |
| Iowa | 2 years | 5 years |
| Kansas | 2 years | 2 years |
| Kentucky | 1 year | 2 years |
| Louisiana | 1 year | 1 year |
| Maine | 6 years | 6 years |
| Maryland | 3 years | 3 years |
| Massachusetts | 3 years | 3 years |
| Michigan | 3 years | 3 years |
| Minnesota | 6 years | 6 years |
| Mississippi | 3 years | 3 years |
| Missouri | 5 years | 5 years |
| Montana | 3 years | 2 years |
| Nebraska | 4 years | 4 years |
| Nevada | 2 years | 3 years |
| New Hampshire | 3 years | 3 years |
| New Jersey | 6 years | 6 years |
| New Mexico | 3 years | 4 years |
| New York | 3 years | 3 years |
| North Carolina | 3 years | 3 years |
| North Dakota | 6 years | 6 years |
| Ohio | 2 years | 2 years |
| Oklahoma | 2 years | 2 years |
| Oregon | 2 years | 6 years |
| Pennsylvania | 2 years | 2 years |
| Rhode Island | 3 years | 10 years |
| South Carolina | 3 years | 3 years |
| South Dakota | 3 years | 6 years |
| Tennessee | 1 year | 3 years |
| Texas | 2 years | 2 years |
| Utah | 4 years | 3 years |
| Vermont | 3 years | 3 years |
| Virginia | 2 years | 5 years |
| Washington | 3 years | 3 years |
| Washington, D.C. | 3 years | 3 years |
| West Virginia | 2 years | 2 years |
| Wisconsin | 3 years | 6 years |
| Wyoming | 4 years | 4 years |
Factors Affecting Claim Filing Time
Several key factors determine how much time you have to file a car accident claim:
State Laws
Statutes of limitations vary significantly by state and claim type. While two years is most common, deadlines range from one year (Kentucky, Louisiana) to 10 years (Rhode Island property damage).
Claim Complexity
"If there are multiple vehicles involved or an accident involving a commercial vehicle then more time might be needed to investigate, which can affect the amount of time to initiate a claim," explained Kaley Dreyer, managing personal injury attorney for Farah & Farah.
Complex cases with disputed liability or extensive damages may require additional investigation time.
Insurance Company Policies
Your insurer's specific requirements matter just as much as state laws. "Most policies don't provide a strict deadline or window of time, such as 30 or 60 days. Instead, you're usually required to make your claim 'promptly' or 'within a reasonable time,'" said Dreyer.
This vague language means you should report accidents immediately to avoid potential claim denials.
Steps to Filing a Car Insurance Claim
By knowing the steps in the car insurance claim process, you can increase your chances of a successful claim and favorable outcome for your particular situation.
1. Ensure Safety and Report the Incident to Police
Your safety comes first after any accident. Move to a safe location away from traffic and call emergency services if anyone is injured. Contact police to file an official report, which will be crucial documentation for your claim.
2. Gather Evidence
Evidence can make or break your insurance claim. "Take photos of the scene, damage, and injuries, and collect witness contact information," said Aylor. Document everything you can with your smartphone: vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
3. File a Claim With Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer as soon as possible through their website, phone line, mobile app, or your agent. Be prepared to provide:
- Accident location, date, and time
- Contact and insurance information for all parties involved
- Weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Your collected evidence and photos
4. Work With an Adjuster
An insurance adjuster will contact you within a few days to assess damages and determine your payout. They'll schedule an inspection, review the police report, and may interview witnesses. Be honest and thorough in all your responses, and obtain repair estimates if required by your insurer.
5. Receive Payment
Once your claim is approved and the settlement is negotiated, you'll receive compensation for covered losses. Payment typically comes via check or direct deposit for the vehicle's value minus your deductible, allowing you to proceed with repairs or replacement.
Tips for a Successful Car Insurance Claim
These tips can help ensure a smooth and successful claims process. Here's what to do:
- Act quickly: Don't wait. Report the incident to your insurer immediately to avoid delays or denials.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records, including photos, receipts, and correspondence to support your claim. Since the car insurance claim process can take months, documentation is key.
- Be honest: Provide accurate details to avoid fraud accusations that could void your claim. If you're unsure of something or forgot, admit it instead of making up false information.
- Understand your policy: Know what's covered to set realistic expectations and avoid disputes. You can find a copy of your policy in your online portal or your insurer's mobile app. If you're unable to locate it, ask your car insurance company.
- Follow up: Stay in touch with your adjuster to ensure the process moves forward efficiently. Prompt responses can expedite things while taking your time may delay them.
- Seek legal representation: If your claim is complex or you'd like some guidance with the process, an attorney can be an invaluable resource. "Get an experienced attorney to represent you. They can ensure you're not leaving anything on the table not taken advantage of by experienced insurance professionals," said Aylor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after an accident do I need to file a car insurance claim?
You should file a car insurance claim as soon as possible. However, factors like the state you live in, your insurance policy, and the complexity of the car accident will dictate the timeframe. If you're unsure, reach out to an attorney for clarity.
What happens if I miss the deadline for filing a claim?
If you miss the filing deadline set by your insurer or state law, your claim will likely be denied. You may lose the right to compensation for repairs, medical bills, or other losses. Missing deadlines can also bar you from suing a third party if their liability was involved.
Can I still file a claim if the accident was my fault?
Yes, you should still file a claim even if you're responsible for a car accident. Liability won't be determined until your insurance company investigates your case. Depending on where you live, you may still collect compensation if you're partially at fault.
Written byAnna Baluch
Anna Baluch is an insurance and finance expert at BestMoney.com. She has written for Forbes, Newsweek, Credit Karma, CNN, and many other top publications. Drawing on her in-depth industry knowledge, Anna enjoys helping individuals and small business owners make smart financial decisions.