How to File an Auto Insurance Claim in South Carolina
What to do immediately after an accident
File your claim as soon as possible after an accident — most insurers want notice within 30 days, though some allow longer. Before you call, gather the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, vehicle make and model, and their insurance company and policy number. Take photos of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and traffic signs. If police responded, get the report number.
Call your insurance company's claims line (the number is on your policy card or bill). Have your policy number ready. Tell them what happened, when, where, and whether anyone was injured. Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident — stick to facts. The insurer will assign a claims adjuster and give you a claim number. Write this down.
If the other driver's insurance is paying, your insurer may still open a file to protect your interests. If you caused the accident and the other driver is injured or their vehicle is damaged, their insurer will contact you directly — do not discuss the accident with them without your insurer's permission.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your insurance company within 30 days of an accident, with the other driver's name, insurance information, and photos of the damage.
- Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster who inspects the damage and determines what they will pay based on your coverage and the accident's cause.
- You can choose your own repair shop, not the one your insurer suggests, though using their network may reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
- South Carolina requires you to carry liability insurance, which pays for damage you cause to others — it does not cover your own vehicle unless you also have collision or comprehensive coverage.
- Keep all receipts, repair estimates, and written communication with your insurer in case you need to dispute the claim later.
Understanding your coverage and what the insurer will pay
What your insurer pays depends on what type of coverage you have. Liability coverage pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else — this is required by South Carolina law. It does not pay for damage to your own vehicle. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car if you hit another vehicle or object, regardless of who caused the accident. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from theft, weather, vandalism, or hitting an animal.
Your policy also has a deductible — the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurer pays the rest. If you have a $500 deductible and the repair bill is $3,000, you pay $500 and the insurer pays $2,500. If the repair bill is $400, you pay the full $400 because it is less than your deductible.
The claims adjuster will inspect your vehicle and get repair estimates. They may use their own appraiser or accept an estimate from your chosen repair shop. If you disagree with their valuation, you can request an independent appraisal — your policy should explain how.
Choosing a repair shop and getting estimates
You have the right to choose any repair shop in South Carolina, not just one your insurer recommends. Some insurers have a network of preferred shops that may waive your deductible or offer other discounts, but using them is optional. Get at least two repair estimates before you decide, and share them with your adjuster.
If your vehicle is a total loss (the cost to repair it exceeds its actual cash value), the insurer will pay you the vehicle's market value minus your deductible. You can dispute this value if you believe it is too low — bring documentation of similar vehicles for sale in your area or get an independent appraisal.
Once you approve a repair shop, the shop and your insurer will communicate directly about the work and payment. You are not responsible for paying the shop if your insurer has agreed to cover the claim — the shop bills the insurer. If the repair costs more than the estimate, the shop should contact your adjuster before proceeding.
What happens if the other driver's insurer is paying
If you were not at fault, the other driver's insurer will likely pay for your repairs. You can still choose your own shop. The other insurer's adjuster may contact you to inspect the damage — you do not have to meet with them, but doing so can speed up the process. You can have your own insurer's adjuster present if you wish.
The other insurer will send payment to you or directly to your repair shop, depending on the shop's preference. If they send it to you, you are responsible for paying the shop. If they underpay or deny the claim, your own insurer can pursue the claim on your behalf through a process called subrogation.
Do not sign anything the other insurer sends without reading it carefully. Some forms release them from liability or limit your rights. If you are unsure, ask your own insurer to review it first.
Handling disputes with your insurer
If your insurer denies your claim or offers less than you believe you are owed, ask for a written explanation of their decision. Review your policy to see whether the damage is actually covered. Common reasons for denial include a lapsed policy, exclusions in your coverage, or the insurer's information that the damage was not caused by a covered event.
If you disagree with the adjuster's valuation of the damage, request an independent appraisal. Your policy should explain the process — typically, you and the insurer each choose an appraiser, and those two choose a third. The majority decision is binding. You pay for your appraiser; the insurer usually pays for theirs.
If you cannot resolve the dispute, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Insurance. They investigate complaints about unfair claim practices and can pressure the insurer to reconsider. You can also consult an attorney, though this is usually only worthwhile for large claims.
Documenting your claim and keeping records
From the moment you file, keep a file with your claim number, the adjuster's name and phone number, all written communication from the insurer, repair estimates, photos, and receipts. If you speak to the adjuster by phone, follow up with an email summarizing what was discussed. This creates a paper trail if you need to dispute the claim later.
Take photos of the damage before any repairs begin. If the repair shop finds additional damage once work starts, ask them to contact your adjuster before proceeding — you may be able to add it to the claim. Keep all receipts for rental cars, towing, or other accident-related expenses; your policy may cover these.
Do not throw away damaged parts the shop removes. Some insurers want to inspect them to confirm the damage. Ask your shop to hold them until the claim is closed.
What to expect during the claims process
After you file, the adjuster will contact you within a few days to schedule an inspection. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours. The adjuster will examine the vehicle, take photos, and get repair estimates. You do not need to be present, but you can be.
Once the adjuster completes their inspection, they will send you a written estimate of what they will pay. This typically arrives within one to two weeks. If you agree, you can authorize repairs. If you disagree, you have the right to dispute it.
Repairs usually take one to three weeks, depending on the damage and the shop's schedule. Your insurer will pay the shop directly once the work is complete, or they will send you a check if you chose to handle payment yourself. Keep the final repair invoice for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the repair shop my insurance company recommends?
No. You can choose any licensed repair shop in South Carolina. Your insurer may offer discounts or waive your deductible if you use their preferred network, but this is optional. Compare estimates and choose based on reputation, location, and warranty, not just what your insurer suggests.
What if I do not have collision or comprehensive coverage?
If you caused the accident and do not have collision coverage, your own insurer will not pay for your repairs. You would have to pay out of pocket or pursue a claim against the other driver personally. If the other driver caused the accident, their liability insurance should pay. This is why carrying collision coverage is recommended, especially if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle.
How long does it take to get paid after I file a claim?
Most claims are resolved within two to four weeks, though complex accidents or disputes can take longer. The timeline depends on how quickly the adjuster can inspect the vehicle, how fast the repair shop completes work, and whether there are disagreements about the damage or value. Ask your adjuster for an estimated timeline when you file.
Can my insurance rates go up after I file a claim?
Yes, if you were at fault. South Carolina insurers can raise your rates after an at-fault accident, though the increase varies by insurer and your driving history. If you were not at fault, your rates should not increase. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness programs that prevent a rate increase for your first accident — check your policy or ask your agent.
What should I do if the repair shop finds more damage after starting work?
Tell the shop to stop work and contact your adjuster immediately. Do not authorize additional repairs without the insurer's approval. The adjuster will inspect the new damage and decide whether to cover it under the same claim. If they approve it, the shop can continue; if not, you will need to decide whether to pay for those repairs yourself.