What happens when you file a claim with AAA
When you file a claim with AAA auto insurance, you contact their claims department by phone, online, or through their mobile app, and a claims adjuster is assigned to your case. AAA will ask you to describe what happened, provide your policy number, and share details about the other vehicle and driver if another party was involved. The adjuster then reviews your policy coverage, investigates the damage or injury, and decides what your policy will pay toward repairs, medical bills, or other covered losses.
The timeline from filing to payment varies depending on the type of claim and how straightforward it is. A minor property damage claim with no injuries might be resolved in days; a claim involving injuries or disputes over fault can take weeks or longer. AAA will keep you updated on the status, though you can also check your claim online through your account.
Key Takeaways
- File your claim with AAA as soon as possible after an accident by calling their claims line, using their website, or opening the AAA mobile app.
- Have your policy number, driver's license, and details about the other vehicle ready when you contact them.
- An adjuster will be assigned to investigate your claim and determine what your policy covers.
- You can choose your own repair shop or use one AAA recommends, though using their network may speed up the process.
- If you disagree with AAA's decision, you have the right to appeal or file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner.
How to contact AAA claims and what information to have ready
Call AAA's claims line as soon as you can after an accident. The phone number is on the back of your insurance card and in your policy documents. If you cannot call right away, you can file online through your AAA account or use the AAA mobile app, which lets you upload photos of damage and start the process from your phone.
When you contact AAA, have these details ready: your policy number, driver's license number, the date and time of the accident, the location, a description of what happened, and the other driver's name, phone number, address, and insurance information if another vehicle was involved. If there were witnesses, write down their names and phone numbers. Take photos of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries before the vehicles are moved or repaired.
If police responded to the accident, get the report number and the officer's name. If you were injured, keep records of any medical treatment you received, including doctor visits, hospital bills, and prescriptions. AAA will ask for these documents as part of the investigation.
What AAA covers and what your claim might include
What AAA pays depends on the type of coverage you have on your policy. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car from an accident with another vehicle or object, minus your deductible. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from theft, weather, vandalism, or hitting an animal. Liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage you cause to someone else. Medical payments coverage (also called med pay) covers medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.
Your claim might include the cost of repairs, a rental car while yours is being fixed, the actual cash value of your vehicle if it is totaled, medical treatment, lost wages if you cannot work due to injuries, and other reasonable expenses directly caused by the accident. AAA will not pay for things your policy does not cover, such as damage you caused intentionally, wear and tear, or maintenance that was already needed.
Choosing a repair shop and understanding the estimate process
You have the right to choose any repair shop you want, even if AAA has a preferred network. However, AAA-approved shops often have agreements that can speed up the claims process and may offer guarantees on their work. If you use a shop outside AAA's network, the adjuster will still work with them, though communication may take longer.
Once you file your claim, AAA will arrange for an estimate of the repair costs. This can happen in a few ways: the adjuster may inspect the vehicle in person, you may take it to a repair shop for an estimate, or AAA may use photos you submit. The estimate determines what AAA will pay toward repairs. If the repair cost exceeds a certain percentage of your vehicle's value (usually 70 to 80 percent, depending on your state), AAA may declare the car a total loss and pay you its actual cash value instead.
If you disagree with the estimate, you can request a second estimate from another shop. AAA will review both and make a final decision. If the estimates differ significantly, some policies allow for an independent appraisal, where a neutral third party reviews the damage.
What happens if the other driver was at fault
If another driver caused the accident, AAA will still pay your claim under your own coverage (if you have it), then try to recover that money from the other driver's insurance company. This process is called subrogation. You do not have to wait for the other insurance company to pay; AAA covers you first, and the two insurers sort out who pays whom later.
If the other driver does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for all your damages, your own uninsured motorist coverage or underinsured motorist coverage may help, depending on what you have on your policy. These coverages protect you when the other party cannot or will not pay.
You are not required to accept a settlement from the other driver's insurance company without reviewing it first. AAA can advise you on whether an offer is fair, though they cannot force you to accept or reject it. If you believe you are owed more, you have the right to negotiate or pursue a claim in small claims court or through a lawsuit.
If AAA denies your claim or offers less than you expected
AAA may deny your claim if the damage is not covered under your policy, if you did not pay your premium, or if they determine the accident was not your fault and the other driver's insurance should pay instead. They may also offer a settlement lower than what you think is fair.
If you disagree with AAA's decision, ask them to explain in writing why they denied the claim or why they offered the amount they did. Review your policy to understand what it covers and does not cover. If you believe AAA made a mistake, you can request that they reconsider, provide additional evidence, or ask for a formal appeal.
If AAA still will not budge, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner. This office investigates complaints about insurance companies and can pressure them to reconsider or pay damages if they acted unfairly. Filing a complaint is free and does not require a lawyer. You can also consult with a personal injury attorney if your claim involves significant injuries or a large amount of money.
Keeping track of your claim and staying in touch with your adjuster
Once your claim is filed, you will be assigned a claim number. Write this down and use it every time you contact AAA about your claim. You can check the status of your claim online through your AAA account, by calling your adjuster, or through the mobile app. Most claims have a dedicated adjuster you can reach directly, and it is worth getting their phone number and email so you do not have to repeat your story each time.
Keep copies of everything: your claim number, the adjuster's contact information, all photos you took, repair estimates, medical bills, receipts for expenses related to the accident, and any written communication from AAA. If you need a rental car, ask AAA about their rental coverage and get the details in writing. If you are injured and need ongoing medical care, tell your adjuster so they know to expect future bills.
Do not agree to anything you do not understand, and do not sign documents without reading them first. If AAA asks you to sign a release or settlement agreement, make sure it covers all your damages and that you are not giving up any rights you might need later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take AAA to pay a claim?
straightforward claims with no injuries or disputes over fault can be paid within a few days to a week. Claims involving injuries, multiple vehicles, or disagreement about who caused the accident typically take two to four weeks or longer. AAA is required by state law to acknowledge your claim within a certain timeframe (usually 10 to 15 days) and to keep you informed of progress.
Do I have to use an AAA-approved repair shop?
No. You can choose any repair shop you want. AAA-approved shops may offer faster service and guarantees, but you are not required to use them. If you choose a different shop, AAA will still work with them, though the process may take a bit longer.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
This depends on your state's fault laws. In some states, you can recover damages even if you were partly at fault, as long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible. In others, you cannot recover anything if you were any percentage at fault. AAA will explain how your state's rules explore to your situation.
Can I get a rental car while my car is being repaired?
If your policy includes rental car coverage, AAA will pay for a rental while your vehicle is being fixed. The amount they cover per day and the total number of days varies by policy. Ask your adjuster about your coverage limits and how to arrange a rental.
What should I do if AAA and I disagree about the value of my totaled car?
Ask AAA how they calculated the actual cash value and request a detailed breakdown. If you believe the value is too low, get your own appraisal from a mechanic or use online valuation tools to support your case. Some policies allow for an independent appraisal if you and AAA cannot agree; check your policy or ask your adjuster.