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Notice of Claim Letter to an Insurance Company
By Serdar Arslan, editor · Last reviewed · How we research
Most auto insurance policies require prompt notice of an accident. Calling the insurer is often the fastest way to open a claim, but a short written notice creates a dated record of when you reported it and what you reported. Use this letter to notify your own insurer or the other driver's insurer.
Keep it brief and factual. You do not need to describe your injuries in detail or estimate their value at this stage. Include the policy number if you know it, the date and place of the accident, the people and vehicles involved, and the police report number.
Some claims have their own deadlines, such as personal injury protection claims in no-fault states or claims involving government vehicles, which may require a separate notice. Check your policy and /car-accident-laws for your state.
[Your full name] [Your mailing address] [Your phone number] [Your email address] [Date of this letter] Claims Department [Insurance company name] [Insurance company claims address] Re: Notice of claim Policyholder: [Policyholder name (the insured)] Policy number: [Policy number (if known)] Claim number: [Claim number (if already assigned)] Date of accident: [Date of the accident] Dear Claims Representative: This letter is written notice of a claim arising from a motor vehicle accident involving your insured. The type of claim is: [Type of claim]. Accident details: Date: [Date of the accident] Location: [Accident location (street, city, state)] Vehicles and drivers: [Vehicles and drivers involved] Police report number: [Police report number] Brief description: [Brief factual description] As a result of the accident, I have the following types of losses: [General types of losses (no amounts needed)]. I will provide supporting documents as they become available. Please confirm receipt of this notice in writing, provide the claim number and the name and contact details of the assigned adjuster, and let me know what information you need from me. I prefer to communicate in writing at [Your email address] or at the mailing address above. Nothing in this letter is intended as a complete statement of my losses or a waiver of any rights. Sincerely, [Your full name]
Tips
- Send it in a way you can track, such as certified mail or the insurer's online portal, and keep a copy.
- Notify your own insurer too, even if the other driver was at fault; your policy may require it.
- Do not guess about injuries or fault. Facts you are unsure of can be added later.
- Write down the claim number and adjuster's name as soon as you receive them and use them in all later correspondence.
Sending it and keeping proof
Keep a copy of everything you send. If a deadline or a response time matters, send letters by a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with a return receipt, or email with a read receipt, and note the date in your claim file. Many insurers and agencies also accept uploads through an online portal, so save the confirmation screen or email.