Filing Auto Insurance Claims During the Holidays: Why Timing Matters

Holiday Travel Reminder

If You’re in an Auto Accident — Don’t Wait.  Accidents don’t take holidays.  Claims don’t either.

Whether it’s a parking-lot fender bender, a hit-and-run while you’re shopping, or a minor collision while traveling, how quickly you file an auto insurance claim — and how you file it — matters more than most people realize.

During nights, weekends, and especially the holidays, the best and quickest way to protect yourself is to file directly with your insurance carrier using their mobile app or 24/7 claims line. Remember, take photos, and exchange claim numbers, NOT policy numbers! 

Why Filing ASAP Is So Important (Especially During the Holidays)

Most auto insurance carriers offer 24/7 claims service, including the hours that your insurance agent is typically off-duty. That means there’s no reason to wait — and several reasons not to.

Filing promptly helps you: 

• Lock in your version of events

• Time-stamp photos and details

• Prevent disputes or delayed coverage questions

• Avoid the other party filing first and controlling the narrative 

Even if damage seems minor, early reporting protects you.

What To Do If You’re in an Auto Accident (Holiday or Not)

If you’re in an accident and it’s safe to do so:

Start the claim right away

Filing from the scene (or as soon as possible) gets the process moving immediately.

 Exchange claim numbers — not policy numbers

Once a claim is started, both parties should exchange claim numbers, not policy numbers.  This protects your personal policy details and avoids confusion later.

 Have your carrier’s claims number saved

Always keep your carrier’s 24/7 claims phone number saved — especially when traveling. 

Use the carrier’s APP or 24/7 claims line

Most carriers allow you to submit:

• Photos

• Statements

• Location and time details

-all directly from your phone.

Document before leaving

Take photos of:

• Vehicle damage

• Both vehicles involved

• License plates

• Surroundings and parking area

   

Perfect Example:

Here’s a situation that I recently found myself in this past Sunday afternoon.

I ran into the grocery store to grab something for dinner and left my husband and toddler in the car, parked in the parking lot, only to come out to find that a large pickup had ran into the side of our car while trying to park next to them!

Steps We Took to Get the Claim Moving ASAP

 1. Take Photos Before Moving the Vehicle 

Even though the accident already happened, treat it like a fresh loss.

Take photos of:

• Damage (close-ups and full-side views)

• Where the car was parked

• Parking space lines, curb, or signage

• License plate and VIN sticker

• Any debris or paint transfer

These photos help establish that you were not operating the vehicle, which matters for fault and coverage.

2. File the Insurance Claim the Same Day 

File directly with your carrier via their app or 24/7 claims line.

Since no one was injured, and we were in a parked vehicle, leaving the other party at fault – and since it was the Sunday before Christmas, we felt no need to involve law enforcement for a large scrape down the side of the car. We asked the party at fault if they had insurance – they did – and we had them call their claims number right there at the scene wile we documented everything with photographs.  By the time we parted ways, a claim had been filed, claim #’s exchanged, documents uploaded, and the process too all of 20-30 minutes.     

3. Repairs & Rentals 

• Rental coverage usually starts once repairs begin – in this case, the at fault party’s insurance should cover cost.

• Ask whether the carrier has preferred repair shops

• Preferred shops often mean faster approvals and direct billing

Holiday tip: If the Holidays are fast approaching call ASAP to get an appointment slot! 

4. Notify Your Agent After Filing 

Once you have a claim number: 

• Send it to your agent

• They can:

  • Confirm deductibles (if needed)

  • Verify coverage coding

  • Push the carrier if things stall

  • Help prevent renewal surprises

What Not to Rely On 

• Handshake agreements

• “I’ll take care of it” promises

• Waiting for the other driver to file

• Texts admitting fault (not binding)

Why You File with the Carrier First — Not the Agent

Insurance carriers:

•  Are open 24/7

• Control claims and coverage

• Issue official claim numbers

• Dispatch towing, rental, and adjusters

Agents:

• Advocate for you

• Explain coverage

• Step in after the claim exists

   

Waiting for an agent to open a claim can cause unnecessary delays — especially during holidays.

Holiday Smart Rule

 File digitally within 24 hours, even if you don’t move forward yet.

 This keeps you protected while everything else slows down.

1. Accident happens 

2. File claim with the carrier immediately- 24/7 Phone Line or Carrier APP

3. Get a claim number

4. Notify your agent

This order protects you every time. Filing a claim promptly doesn’t mean you’re escalating a situation — it means you’re protecting yourself.

You can always:

•  Pause the claim

• Close it if not needed

• Decide on repairs later

Remember, you can’t rewind time if something goes sideways.  Accidents don’t take holidays. Claims don’t either.