Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will My Claim Take?

Every claim is unique, and there are a lot of different things that could affect how long it takes to resolve your claim.

Keep in mind that even though filing a claim is probably a rare event for you, our claims teams are made up of experienced professionals who work with issues similar to yours day in and day out. They'll always do their best to get your claim resolved efficiently.

You can help your claim go smoothly by providing Allstate with all the information you can about the incident. Talk with your claims team to make sure you've given them all the documentation and details they need.

What's a Deductible?

Your deductible is the amount you've agreed to pay out of your pocket before Allstate pays for any covered losses.

Here's an example. Say you have $2,000 worth of covered damage, and you picked a $500 deductible, applicable to that coverage, when you bought the policy. That means you pay $500, and your auto insurance pays the rest.

The Accident Wasn't My Fault. Will I Have to Pay My Deductible?

Regardless of who was at fault, you'll pay a deductible for certain coverages. However, during the claim investigation, if the facts indicate there's a chance to recover the damages from the person responsible for the accident, we'll attempt to recover them, including your deductible. If we aren't successful, you have the option of trying to recover the deductible on your own.

What Happens if My Vehicle Is Totaled?

The decision whether to repair or declare a vehicle a total loss is based on the type and the extent of damage, age of the vehicle, state law, and other factors. In order to make a decision, we will have to inspect your vehicle. If the repair estimate is more than the vehicle's worth, we will pay the actual cash value of the vehicle, up to the limits of the policy, minus your deductible.

What if the Repairs Are More Than the Estimate?

If you're working with a Priority Repair Option repair shop recommended by Allstate, then the process would be seamless. The shop would work directly with Allstate to address the additional damages. Should that not be the case, the shop should contact the appropriate Allstate insurance claims professional to discuss any additional loss-related damage.

Will My Insurance Premium Increase if I File a Claim?

Every policyholder's situation is unique, so depending on your circumstances, your premium may be affected. If you are concerned, don't hesitate to discuss with your agent. You may also want to ask them about other Allstate auto products that include things like an Accident Forgiveness feature which may help prevent your rates from going up just because of an accident, even if it's your fault.