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Property Damage Demand Letter
By Serdar Arslan, editor · Last reviewed · How we research
If another driver's insurer has accepted responsibility, or you believe it should, a property damage demand letter puts your vehicle losses in writing with supporting documents. It is usually sent to the at-fault driver's liability insurer as part of a third-party claim.
Attach copies of repair estimates or the final repair invoice, photos, the police report, towing and storage receipts, and rental car receipts. If your car was totaled, include the valuation information you received and any comparable listings you found. Some people also include diminished value, which some states allow under certain conditions.
This letter covers property damage only. Injury claims are often handled separately and later, after treatment. If you sign a release for property damage, read it carefully to make sure it does not also release injury claims.
[Your full name] [Your mailing address] [Your phone number] [Your email address] [Date of this letter] [Adjuster name] [Insurance company name] [Insurance company address] Re: Property damage claim Claim number: [Claim number] Your insured: [Insured driver's name] Date of accident: [Date of the accident] Dear [Adjuster name]: I am writing about the property damage portion of my claim arising from the accident on [Date of the accident] at [Accident location (street, city, state)] (police report [Police report number]). Summary of the accident: [Factual summary of the accident] My vehicle: [Your vehicle (year, make, model, VIN)] My property losses are: Vehicle repair cost or value: [Repair cost or vehicle value] Rental or loss of use: [Rental or loss-of-use amount] Towing and storage: [Towing and storage] Other property losses: [Other property losses (describe and amount)] Total requested: [Total amount requested] Copies of the supporting documents are enclosed: [Enclosures]. I ask that you review this claim and respond in writing by [Requested response date]. If you disagree with any item, please explain the reason and identify any additional information you need. This letter concerns property damage only. It does not settle, release, or waive any claim for bodily injury or other losses. Sincerely, [Your full name]
Tips
- Send copies, never originals, and keep a complete set for yourself.
- If your own insurer is paying for repairs under collision coverage, tell the other insurer so payments are not duplicated.
- Rental reimbursement is usually limited to a reasonable period; keep records showing repair delays you could not control.
- Whether diminished value can be claimed depends on state law; check before including it.
- Before signing any property damage release, confirm in writing that it does not cover injury claims.
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.