Can I file an insurance claim for an accident that only involved my car?
Last month, I accidentally hit my garage, resulting in moderate damage to the driver’s side passenger door. Fortunately, the car is still drivable, but I received a quote for $4,000 to repair the damage. I’d rather not pay for it out of pocket, but I’m also not in a rush to get it fixed, especially since I want to avoid dealing with a rental car. How long do I have to file a claim with my insurance? I’m located in Alabama and have State Farm coverage.
In Alabama, you typically can file a claim with your insurance company at any time after an incident, as long as it’s within the statute of limitations for your policy, which may vary by the insurer. However, it’s always best to check your State Farm policy documents or contact your agent directly to understand any specific time limits they may have for filing a claim.
Keep in mind that if you choose to file a claim for the damage to your car, your insurance company may want an estimate and documentation to process it. Even if you don’t want to get the repairs done immediately, filing the claim may still be worthwhile if you prefer to have it covered instead of paying out of pocket.
Just be aware too that filing a claim could impact your future premiums, especially since it is your fault. If the damage doesn’t affect the drivability and you’re okay with waiting, you can always delay the claim until you’re ready to handle the repairs and rental. But if you decide to file, do it sooner rather than later to avoid any complications.