How to File an Insurance Claim for Auto Body Repairs

Getting into an accident is stressful enough without an insurance claim to untangle. If you’re trying to figure out how to file an insurance claim for auto body repairs, the process is straightforward once you know the order of steps — and in Massachusetts, there are a few local rules worth knowing before you make that first call.

Step 1: Safety First — And Get Your Car Towed Safely

Before any paperwork happens, get everyone off the road and check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if the vehicles are blocking traffic on a busy stretch like Route 2 or Mass Ave.

If your car isn’t drivable, this is where most guides skip a step: how the car leaves the scene matters for your claim. A rushed or careless tow can cause secondary damage that complicates your adjuster’s assessment. A local, licensed tow operator will document the vehicle’s condition before hookup, which becomes useful backup for your claim later. This applies whether the accident happens in Arlington or nearby towns we regularly serve, including towing in Natick, MA, towing in Ashland, MA, and towing in Wellesley, MA.

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Step 2: Document Everything Before the Car Moves

Photograph the damage from multiple angles, the full accident scene, license plates, and any visible road conditions before the vehicle is towed away. Get the other driver’s insurance information and, if police respond, the report number.

If a tow truck moves your car, ask for a copy of the tow receipt and any photos the driver took. Insurers sometimes request this as proof the vehicle was undrivable at the scene.

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Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company

Report the accident as soon as it’s safe to do so — most policies require “prompt notice,” and delays can complicate your claim. You’ll need your policy number, the date, time, and location, and a factual account of what happened. The insurer will open a claim number; write it down, since you’ll reference it in every future call.

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Step 4: Work With the Claims Adjuster

Your insurer assigns an adjuster to inspect the damage and estimate repair costs. Give them your photos, the police report, and the tow receipt if you have one. Some hidden damage — frame or suspension issues — only shows up once a shop opens the panels. If that happens, your shop can file a supplemental claim to cover the added cost.

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Step 5: Choose Your Repair Shop

Your insurer may suggest a shop in their network, but in Massachusetts you’re not required to use it — you have the right to choose your own licensed repair facility. Ask any shop whether they use OEM (manufacturer) or aftermarket parts, since this affects both cost and how the repair holds up over time.

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Massachusetts-Specific Claim Rules

Massachusetts requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on every policy, and it’s a modified comparative negligence state — meaning fault percentage can affect what you recover. If your damage is over a state-set threshold, your insurer or the Registry of Motor Vehicles may require the vehicle to pass inspection before being retitled. Confirm current thresholds and requirements with the Massachusetts Division of Insurance before assuming your case matches a general national guide.

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Claim Table: Filing vs. Paying Out of Pocket

Situation	File a Claim	Pay Out of Pocket
Damage cost is near or under your deductible	Usually not worth it	Often cheaper long-term
Other driver is clearly at fault	Yes — file against their policy	—
Major structural or safety damage	Yes	Not recommended
Concerned about rate increase	Compare estimate vs. premium impact	Consider for minor cosmetic damage

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FAQ

How long do I have to file an auto body insurance claim?

Most insurers ask for prompt notice, often within a few days, though exact windows vary by policy. Check your declarations page or call your agent to confirm your specific deadline.

Will filing a claim raise my insurance rate?

It can, especially if you’re found at fault. Minor cosmetic damage near your deductible amount is often cheaper to pay out of pocket than to file.

Can I choose my own auto body shop?

Yes. In Massachusetts, you have the right to select any licensed repair shop, regardless of which shop your insurer recommends.

What if hidden damage is found after repairs start?

Your shop can file a supplemental claim with your insurer to cover additional repairs discovered once panels are opened.

Does my insurer pay for towing after an accident?

Many policies include roadside or towing coverage — check your declarations page. If not, you’ll want a licensed local tow to move the vehicle safely regardless.

What documents do I need to file a claim?

Your policy number, photos of the damage and scene, the other driver’s insurance details, and a police report number if one was filed.

Do I need a police report for every accident?

Not always, but Massachusetts requires one for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over the state’s reporting threshold — confirm the current amount with the RMV.

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