How Long Does a Car Insurance Claim Take? A Step-by-Step Timeline

After a hailstorm or accident, one of the biggest questions we hear is:
“How long will my insurance claim take?”
The answer depends on the situation—but knowing what to expect at each step helps reduce stress and avoid surprises. At Comeback Auto Assist, we walk customers through this process every day. Here’s a look at the typical insurance claim timeline from start to finish.

Step 1: File the Claim (Day 1)

Once the damage occurs, contact your insurance provider immediately—either online, through an app, or by phone. Provide:

• Your policy number
• Photos of the damage
• A brief description of what happened
• Location and date of the event

Time: 15–30 minutes

Step 2: Schedule an Inspection (1–3 Days After Filing)

Your insurer may:

• Send a mobile adjuster
• Ask you to visit an inspection center
• Allow your preferred shop (like Comeback Auto Assist) to inspect and submit findings

We recommend scheduling your repair shop appointment at the same time to avoid delays.

Step 3: Damage Assessment and Estimate (1–2 Days)

At Comeback Auto Assist, we:

• Perform a full vehicle inspection
• Identify visible and hidden damage
• Use tools like lighting and diagnostics to catch everything
• Submit an estimate to your insurer for approval

Tip: The quality of this step affects everything else. Our detailed reports help you avoid lowball approvals or missed coverage.

Step 4: Claim Approval (2–5 Business Days)

Once the insurer receives the estimate, they may:

• Approve the claim as-is
• Request changes
• Send an adjuster for review
  For basic hail or cosmetic collision damage, this usually happens quickly.

Note: During peak storm season, this step may take longer due to claim volume.

Step 5: Schedule Repairs (Immediately After Approval)

Once approved, we’ll confirm your repair timeline and begin ordering any necessary parts.

• PDR jobs typically take 1–3 days
• Traditional repairs may take 5–10 days, depending on severity and part availability

We keep you updated at every stage.

Step 6: Supplemental Approval (If Needed)

If additional damage is discovered during repairs (e.g., hidden dents, broken brackets), we’ll submit a supplemental claim for fast approval—without affecting your deductible or overall process.

Step 7: Repair Completion and Final Inspection

Once repairs are finished, we:

• Inspect for quality
• Confirm all systems are working
• Return your vehicle cleaned and fully restored

You pay your deductible (if applicable) and drive away with confidence.

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