Consumer advocacy
Contacting an insurer about your claim
For a diminished value or property-damage claim, contact the at-fault driver’s insurer, the claims department, not sales. The fastest route to the right number is the claim paperwork or the insurer’s own website, because published phone lists go out of date quickly.
Finding the number
Where to find the right contact
- 1
Your claim paperwork
Letters and emails from the adjuster list the claim number, the adjuster’s name and a direct line. Use those first. - 2
The police or exchange-of-information report
It names the other driver’s insurer and policy number. - 3
The insurer’s website
Search the company’s site for “claims” or “report a claim.” Avoid numbers from ads or third-party lists. - 4
Your state insurance department
Regulators list licensed insurers and can help if you cannot reach one. See state insurance departments.
Have this ready
- Claim number and adjuster name
- Date and location of the accident
- Your vehicle’s year, make, model and VIN
- Repair estimate or final invoice
- Photos of the damage and repairs
- Your appraisal report, if you have one
Not sure whether an appraisal will help?
The claim review is free: we look at your situation and tell you whether an appraisal is likely to help. The appraisal itself is a paid report. We help from start to finish, including a custom demand letter, and our support staff is a phone call away throughout the process.